Varah Temple, also known as Varaha Mandir, is a Hindu temple dedicated to the boar incarnation of Lord Vishnu, Varaha. It is located in the holy town of Pushkar in Rajasthan, India, near the sacred Pushkar Lake. It is one of the oldest and largest temples in Pushkar and one of the few temples dedicated to Varaha in India. Famous temple In Pushkar, Visit during One Day Pushkar Local Sightseeing By Private Cab
Location of Varah Temple
Varah Temple is situated in the main market of Pushkar, a town that is famous for its religious and cultural significance. The temple is about 10 km from Ajmer, the nearest city, and can be reached by road or rail. The temple is surrounded by many other temples, ghats, markets and ashrams that make Pushkar a vibrant and colorful place.
Visiting Timing/ Entry Fees Varah Temple
The temple is open for visitors every day from 6:00 AM to 8:00 PM. There is no entry fee for visiting the temple, but donations are welcome. Visitors are required to remove their shoes and cover their heads before entering the temple premises. Photography is not allowed inside the temple.
Things to Do/ Must See Varah Temple
- The main attraction of the temple is the idol of Lord Varaha with four arms and two tusks, sitting on a lotus flower. The idol is made of white marble and stone and is adorned with jewels and flowers. The idol is said to be 2 feet high and dates back to the 12th century AD.
- The temple also has a beautiful red spire (shikhara) with a lotus motif on top. The spire can be seen from a distance and adds to the charm of the temple. The temple also has a silver turtle on the floor of the main hall, which is believed to be a symbol of longevity and wisdom.
- The temple also has a small museum that displays some ancient scriptures, manuscripts, paintings and sculptures related to Varaha and Hindu mythology. The museum also has some rare coins and stamps that depict Varaha and his temple.
- The temple also offers a stunning view of the Pushkar Lake, which is considered to be one of the five sacred lakes in Hinduism. The lake is said to have been created by Brahma himself when he dropped a lotus flower on the ground. The lake has 52 ghats where pilgrims take a holy dip and perform rituals. The lake also hosts the famous Pushkar Camel Fair every year in November, which attracts thousands of visitors.
- The temple also organizes various festivals and ceremonies throughout the year, especially on Kartik Purnima (full moon day in November), which is considered to be the birthday of Varaha. On this day, pilgrims flock to the temple and offer prayers, flowers, sweets and lamps to Varaha. They also take part in a grand procession that carries the idol of Varaha around the town.
Significance of Varah Temple
Varah Temple is one of the most important pilgrimage sites for Hindus as it is dedicated to Varaha, who is regarded as the savior of the earth and one of the ten incarnations of Lord Vishnu. According to Hindu mythology, Varaha rescued the earth from the depths of the ocean, where it was dragged down by a demon named Hiranyaksha. Varaha slew the demon and lifted the earth on his tusks and restored it to its place in the universe. He also married Bhudevi (the earth goddess) and gave birth to Naraka (the hell). Therefore, visiting Varah Temple at Pushkar is considered to be auspicious and beneficial for those who seek protection from evil forces.
FAQ’s
Q: Why does Varaha have four arms and two tusks?
A: According to a legend, Varaha had four arms and two tusks because he was a combination of Vishnu (the preserver) and Shiva (the destroyer). He used his two upper arms to hold his weapons – a conch (shankha) and a discus (chakra) – which symbolize Vishnu’s power. He used his two lower arms to hold his consort Bhudevi (the earth goddess) and his tusk – which symbolize Shiva’s power.
Q: What is the best time to visit Varah Temple?
A: The best time to visit Varah Temple is during Kartik Purnima (full moon day in November), which is considered to be the birthday of Varaha. On this day, the temple is decorated with lights and flowers and the idol of Varaha is taken out in a procession. Pilgrims also perform special rituals and offerings to Varaha on this day.
Q: How to reach Varah Temple?
A: Varah Temple is located in the main market of Pushkar in Rajasthan, India. It is about 10 km from Ajmer, the nearest city, and can be reached by road or rail. There are buses, taxis and auto-rickshaws available from Ajmer to Pushkar. There are also trains that connect Ajmer to other major cities in India.
Conclusion
Varah Temple is an ancient temple that was built in Pushkar in the 12th century AD and is dedicated to the boar incarnation of Lord Vishnu, Varaha. It is located near the sacred Pushkar Lake and showcases the Rajasthani architectural style and features. The temple is one of the oldest and largest temples in Pushkar and one of the few temples dedicated to Varaha in India. Visiting Varah Temple is a spiritual and historical experience that should not be missed by anyone.
