The world is replete with magnificent sculptures and statues that embody deep cultural and spiritual significance. Amongst all these powerful deities is Varahi Amman— a fierce and protective Goddess who blesses her devotees with courage and strength to overcome their adversities. The Varahi Amman statue originated in the ancient temples of South India, where the worship of goddesses has a long-standing tradition. Numerous South Indians celebrate and worship the Goddess in Ashadha, between June and July, during a 9-Day period called the Ashada Navaratri. Let us delve into the mystery behind the majestic Goddess Varahi Amman statue, exploring its historical context, symbolism, and the deep meaning it holds for devotees around the world.
Varahi Amman In Legend
Goddess Varahi Amman is considered to be an incarnation or an extension of the Hindu goddess Varahi. In Hinduism, Varahi is a powerful deity associated with Shakti— the primordial cosmic energy. She is often regarded as a fierce and protective goddess, symbolizing strength, courage, and fearlessness.
Varahi Amman refers to the form of Varahi that is revered and worshipped with deep devotion, primarily in South India. Devotees seek her blessings for protection, strength, and victory over challenges.
Varahi Amman is one of the Matrikas, a group of seven or eight mother goddesses in Hindu mythology, who are considered the divine embodiments of various energies and aspects of the supreme Shakti.
While devotees worship Varahi as a separate deity in her own right, she is also considered one of the Sapta Matrikas (seven mother goddesses) or Ashtamatrikas (eight mother goddesses) in certain traditions.
Varahi Amman : The Matrikas or The Divine Mothers
The goddess Durga leads the eight Matrikas in battle against the demon Raktabija. The red-skinned Varahi (bottom row, leftmost) rides a buffalo and holds a sword and shield
The Matrikas, also known as the “Divine Mothers” or “Seven Mothers,” are a group of goddesses in Hindu mythology. They are considered the female counterparts or consorts of the gods who form the Hindu pantheon. The Matrikas are often depicted in legend as a group of seven goddesses, but in some traditions, they are expanded to include eight or even nine goddesses. The Matrikas are believed to embody different aspects of the divine feminine energy and possess unique powers. The names and attributes of the Matrikas can vary across sources and regional traditions, but here are the commonly recognized seven Matrikas:
- Brahmani: Brahmani represents the creative and knowledge aspect of the divine feminine. She is associated with Lord Brahma, the creator of the universe.
- Vaishnavi: Vaishnavi is the consort of Lord Vishnu and represents the nurturing and protective aspect of the divine feminine. She is often depicted with four arms, holding various weapons and symbols of Lord Vishnu.
- Maheshwari: Maheshwari represents the power and strength of the divine feminine. She is associated with Lord Shiva and is considered the supreme Goddess of the trinity—Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva.
- Indrani: Indrani is associated with Lord Indra, the king of the gods. She represents sovereignty, leadership, and divine authority.
- Kaumari: Kaumari is the warrior goddess who embodies courage, bravery, and fearlessness. She is associated with Lord Kartikeya (Murugan), the god of war and victory.
- Varahi: Varahi is a fierce goddess associated with Varaha, the boar avatar of Lord Vishnu. She represents power, protection, and destruction of evil forces.
- Chamunda or Chamundi: Chamunda is a ferocious and powerful form of the Goddess Durga. She is associated with the annihilation of demons and is often depicted in a skeletal form.
Varahi Amman Statue : Symbolism and Iconography
Varahi Amman is typically depicted as a boar-headed goddess, where the Boar Head represents her fearlessness and readiness to confront and destroy forces of evil. Akin to numerous Hindu deities, Varshi Amman is portrayed with multiple arms, typically six, each holding weapons or symbolic objects such as a trident (trishula), a sword (khadga), a mace (gada), a discus (chakra), a noose (pasha), and a shield (kavacha), that are meant to protect devotees from harm and bestow blessings.
Varahi Amman by N Kishor Balotiya
The Varahi Amman statue is often set on a pedestal is that of a beautiful lotus flower, symbolic of purity, enlightenment, and divine grace. She dons attire that befits the gods, complete with a crown and intricate jewellery. A fierce yet serene expression is seen on her face, with bold eyes and a slight smile that symbolizes her compassionate nature. Her posture often varies, but she is depicted seated in most iconographs.
Varahi Amman : Festive Celebrations
Devotees celebrate Ashadha Navaratri in the Hindu month of Ashadha, which falls between June and July, in honour of Varahi Amman, the presiding deity at the Varahi shrine in Brihadeeshwara Temple, Thanjavur.
The Varahi Amman Statue is decorated in various elaborate alankarams (ornaments and attire) during the nine days of auspicious rites and celebrations. Devotees also offer special poojas during full moon days and Aadi Pooram.
Also visit: Ashta-Varahi temple with eight forms of Varahi situated in Salamedu near Villupuram.
The celebrations may vary from region to region or from temple to temple. Still, the underlying theme remains the same—to honor and seek the divine grace and protection of the powerful Goddess Varahi Amman.
How To Worship A Varahi Amman Statue At Home
Special Poojas for Varahi Amman can be conducted on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, on full moons, and on Panchami. Here’s How you can offer worship to a Varahi Amman statue at home.
- Clean and purify the pooja area thoroughly.
- Use a wooden stand / wooden mandapam, a brass pooka chowki. Clean and purify the same.
- Draw a small kolam in the centre using either a stencil or hand. You may also apply vermillion or turmeric to the kolam.
- Carefully set the Varahi Amman Statue on the kolam. Apply sandalwood paste with turmeric and vermillion on the forehead. You may also decorate with red fabrics for attire.
- Offer flowers such as lotus and red hibiscus and naivedyam such as rice or sweet Pongal.
- Light incense or dhoop and perform aarti with ghee wick lamps.
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Conclusion
Through its historical context, symbolism, and cultural significance, the Varahi Amman statue has become an integral part of the spiritual landscape of South India. It serves as a source of strength and solace for devotees, fostering a deep connection to the divine and offering protection from the challenges of life.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can we have Varahi Amman statue at home?
Yes, You can keep a Varahi Amman Statue at home, as long as you worship it with sincere devotion.
Who is Varahi Amman?
Goddess Varahi Amman is considered to be an incarnation or an extension of the Hindu goddess Varahi. In Hinduism, Varahi is a powerful deity associated with Shakti— the primordial cosmic energy. She is often regarded as a fierce and protective goddess, symbolizing strength, courage, and fearlessness.
What is Varahi Amman best known for?
Varahi Amman is a Hindu goddess who is considered one of the Sapta Matrikas (seven mother goddesses). She is a fierce and protective goddess, symbolizing strength, courage, and fearlessness.
Which day is good for Varahi Amman?
Special Poojas for Varahi Amman can be conducted on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, on full moons, and on Panchami.
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