Varaha, the Boar

Varaha, the Boar

Figure of Varaha, the Boar, incarnation of Vishnu, stone, North India, Madhya Pradesh or Bihar, c. AD 900 Gallery 32: India from AD 600 In a creation myth, Vishnu took the form of a boar to rescue Bhuvedi, the Earth goddess from the depths of the primordial waters. In this sculpture, Bhudevi stands to the right of the boar’s head, while a serpent-goddess (nagini) appears in front. Rows of sages, deities and other figures appear on the body of the cosmic boar. The prominent conch shell, discus and mace below are all symbols of Vishnu.

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