Thread by @anbezhil12

#Varahi is one of the sabtha kannikais (seven divine mothers) in Hinduism. She has a boar form, wields a chakra (discus) and fights with a sword. Varahi is the shakti (feminine energy) of Varaha, the boar avatar of the god Vishnu. In Nepal, she is called Barahi. In Rajasthan

and Gujarat, she is venerated as Dandini. The Markendeya Purana praises Varahi as a granter of boons and the regent of the Northern direction, in a hymn where the divine Mothers are declared as the protectors of the directions. In another instance in the same Purana, she is

described as riding a buffalo. In the Varaha Purana, the story of Raktabija is retold, but here each of Matrikas appears from the body of another Matrika. Varahi appears seated on Shesha-nāga (the serpent on which the god Vishnu sleeps) from the posterior of Vaishnavi, the Shakti

of Vishnu. Varahi is said to represent the vice of envy (asuya) in the same Purana. The Matsya Purana tells a different story of the origin of Varahi. Varahi, with other Matrikas, is created by Shiva to help him kill the demon Andhakasura, who has the ability – like Raktabija

to regenerate from his dripping blood. Haripriya Rangarajan, in her book Images of Varahi—An Iconographic Study, suggests that Varahi is none other than Vak devi, the goddess of speech. The Lalita Sahasranama, a collection of 1,000 names of the Divine Mother, calls Varahi the

destroyer of demon Visukaran. In yet another context, Varahi is called Kaivalyarupini, the bestower of Kaivalya (detachment of the soul from matter or further transmigrations) – the final form of mukti (salvation. The Vishnudharmottara Purana describes a six-armed Varahi, holding

a danda (staff of punishment), khetaka (shield), khadga (sword) and pasha (noose) in four hands and the two remaining hands being held in Abhaya and Varada Mudra (blessing gesture). She also holds a shakti and hala (plough). Such a Varahi sculpture is found at Abanesi, depicted

with the dancing Shiva. She may also be depicted holding a child sitting on her lap, as Matrikas are often depicted. A 9th-century Varahi temple exists at Chaurasi about 14 km from Konark, Orissa, where Varahi is installed as Matysa Varahi and is worshipped by Tantric rites. In

Varanasi, Varahi is worshipped as Patala Bhairavi. In Chennai, there is a Varahi temple in Mylapore, while a larger temple is being built near Vedanthangal. Ashadha Navaratri is celebrated as a nine-day festival in honour of Varahi at the Varahi shrine at Brihadeeswarar temple

Thanjavur. This year it has started on the 18th June. The goddess is decorated with different types of alankarams every day, during festivals while full moon days are also considered auspicious. An ancient temple of the goddess is also found at Uthirakosamangai. Ashta-Varahi

temple with eight forms of Varahi is situated in Salamedu near Villupuram. The Tal Barahi Temple is situated in the middle of Phewa Lake, Nepal. Here, Barahi as she is known as in Nepal, is worshipped in the Matysa Varahi form as an incarnation of Durga and an Ajima (grandmother)

goddess. Worshipping Varahi during the night is very significant. Generally, Varahi is invoked after sunset and before sunrise. We can perform worship and puja to Her vikragam or picture. Then, have some flowers and Kumkum (vermillion) ready to perform Archana. Light a lamp

facing the North direction and also some fragrant dhoop. Boiled sweet potatoes, Urad dhal vada, pomegranate fruit, Tamarind Rice, and Lemon rice are ideal as naivedya for Goddess Varahi. Chant the Varahi mantras and recite the shlokas for 3, 21, or 108 times. Then perform the

Deepa Aradhana. Praying to Varahi for one mandala (48 days) is believed to bestow Her choicest blessings upon us and help realize our genuine wishes.
Praying to Her will bestow these benefits:
Eradication of the “evil eyes” cast upon you by others.
Shields from the dangers

emanating from evil spirits.
She protects her devotees from black magic and unethical occult practices.
Her worship offers protection against mishaps like accidents.
It Boosts our goodwill and recognition.
It increases fame and makes our words count.
Invoking Varahi frees us from

fear and self-doubt
She blesses the devotees with courage and confidence.
Shields devotees from diseases and sickness.
Her worship bestows happiness and prosperity.
She blesses her devotees with knowledge and wisdom.

The Varahi Gayatri mantra is a powerful mantra that is ideal

for reciting 3 or 21 or 108 times a day.

‘Om Shyamalaayai Vidmahae
Hala Hasthaya Dhimahi
Thanno Vaaraahi Prachodhayaath’

Sri Varahi namaha
Sarvam Sri Krishnarpanam🙏