Eran Varaha Temple - Madhya Pradesh

Address

Eran Varaha Temple – Madhya Pradesh

Eran, Bina Taluk,

Sagar District,

Madhya Pradesh 464240

Moolavar

Lord Vishnu

Introduction

The Varaha Temple in Eran Village, part of the Eran Group of Monuments Complex in Madhya Pradesh, India, is a significant religious and historical site dedicated to Lord Vishnu. The temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu in his Varaha avatar. Varaha is depicted in his zoomorphic form, known as Yajna Varaha, symbolizing the act of sacrifice (yajna) with offerings (aahutis). The temple is renowned for housing one of the largest Varaha idols in India. The Varaha Temple has been recognized as a Monument of National Importance by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI).

Puranic Significance

The Varaha idol at Eran Village is indeed a remarkable piece of art and a significant representation of Hindu mythology.

Physical Dimensions: The Varaha idol is an impressive representation of Lord Vishnu’s Varaha avatar, in the form of a boar. It measures approximately 14 feet in length, 5 feet in width, and 11 feet in height, making it one of the largest Varaha idols in India.

Artistic Detail: The idol is adorned with exquisite details, showcasing the craftsmanship of its creators. It is decorated with a total of 1,185 figures of sages, which are meticulously carved all over its body. These figures are arranged in twelve rows and can be found on various parts of the idol, including its legs, neck, forehead, and throat.

Bhudevi and Saraswathi: The idol depicts Bhudevi, the Earth Goddess, hanging from the right tusk of Varaha, symbolizing the divine act of rescuing the Earth from the depths of the cosmic ocean. Saraswathi, the Goddess of Knowledge and Wisdom, is shown standing in a samabhanga posture with her hands on her waist at the snout of Varaha.

Garland of Circles: Varaha is depicted wearing a garland of twenty-eight circles around his neck. Within these circles, there are male and female figures as well as an image of a scorpion. The level of detail in these carvings is truly remarkable.

Vishnu Image: In the middle, between the first and second rows, there is an image of Lord Vishnu standing on a lotus. Unfortunately, both of Vishnu’s hands are broken.

Seven Planets: The third row on the chest of Varaha features seven male figures representing the seven planets. These figures are depicted with various attributes and postures.

Protrusion on Shoulders: Varaha has a stump-like protrusion on its shoulders, which has four niches on its four sides, enshrining images of Vasudeva (an epithet of Vishnu) on the west, Shiva on the south, Brahma on the north, and Vishnu on the east.

Toramana Inscription: The famous Toramana inscription can be found on the front chest of the Varaha idol. This inscription provides valuable historical and epigraphical information.

Depiction of the Ocean: The area between the legs of Varaha is carved to depict the ocean, complete with serpents and sea life, adding depth and symbolism to the sculpture.