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| Varaha Temple of Khajuraho en.wikipedia.org |
The Varaha Temple in Khajuraho, Madhya Pradesh, is an architectural and spiritual marvel within the Western Group of Temples. Inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1986, this shrine is one of the oldest in the complex, dating back to c. 900–925 CE. It stands as a profound testimony to the artistic brilliance of the Chandela dynasty and their devotion to the Vaishnava tradition.
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| Varaha Temple tripinvites.com |
History and Legend
The temple is dedicated to Varaha, the third avatar of Lord Vishnu, who took the form of a wild boar to rescue the Earth (Goddess Bhudevi) from the demon Hiranyaksha. According to Hindu mythology, after a thousand-year battle, Varaha slew the demon and lifted the Earth from the bottom of the cosmic ocean on his tusks. This temple celebrates that moment of cosmic restoration and Vishnu’s role as the "Preserver."
Architectural Features
The structure is a simple yet elegant oblong pavilion built entirely of local sandstone. It rests on a lofty plinth and features a pyramidal roof of receding tiers supported by fourteen plain, sturdy pillars. This open-air design ensures that the central icon is visible and accessible.
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| Image of Varaha, Khajuraho backpackersunited.in |
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| Intricate carving of images on Varaha tripuntold.com |
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| Varaha image,Khajuraho pilgrimaide.com/blog |
Religious Importance and Dedicated Varaha Temples
While Varaha is often a secondary deity, several significant temples across India are dedicated primarily to him:
Varaha Lakshmi Narasimha Temple, Simhachalam: An ancient temple in Andhra Pradesh where the deity is covered in sandalwood paste.
Bhu Varaha Swamy Temple, Srimushnam: A major Vaishnava shrine in Tamil Nadu.
Adi Varaha Cave Temple, Mahabalipuram: A 7th-century rock-cut masterpiece.
Conservation Efforts
As an ASI-protected monument, conservation involves regular chemical cleaning to remove calcification and biological growth from the sandstone. Efforts also focus on managing the "micro-climate" around the open pavilion to prevent the monolithic statue from being damaged by wind-borne abrasives. These measures ensure that the intricate carvings, which have survived for over a millennium, remain clear for future generations.
https://hindutemples-india.blogspot.com/2021/04/varaha-temple-khajuraho-madhya-pradesh.html
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Varaha_Temple,_Khajuraho
https://www.pilgrimaide.com/blog/Varaha-temple-khajuraho?srsltid
K. N. Jayaraman
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