Lord Vishnu's Varaha avatar came into being as a giant boar, as per legend, to protect Mother Earth, referred to as 'Bhumi' in mythology, from being dragged into the cosmic ocean. The story goes that two loyal gatekeepers of Vaikuntha, Jaya and Vijaya stopped Lord Brahma's four sage sons at the entrance. The sage then cursed both the gatekeepers to be born on earth as enemies of Lord Vishnu. The curse came to fruition and Jaya and Vijaya were born as the powerful demon brothers Hiranyaksha and Hiranyakashipu. Both got to work in terrorising the universe ending in Hiranyaksha dragging Bhumi into the depths of the cosmic waters, plunging the cosmos in chaos. This is when Lord Vishnu was called upon for help and He emerged from the nostrils of Lord Brahma, first as a tiny boar, believed to be the size of the tip of a thumb before he grew into a mountain-sized sight of divinity, taking his true form. He followed Hiranyaksha into the cosmic waters, battling him on the ocean floor. Eventually He lifted Bhumi gently on His tusks restoring Her space in the cosmos, and hence balance to the universe. Also Read: Ganesh Chaturthi 2026: When Is The Sthapana Muhurat? All Important Details Inside In order to pay obeisance to Lord Vishnu's Varaha avatar, one can spend the day chanting the mantras: ? ??????? ??? or ? ??? ????? ?????? | For the main puja, the Varaha Gayatri Mantra should ideally be chanted: ? ????????? ??????? ???? ????????? ????? ????? ????? ??????????? ? ????????? ??????? ????????????? ?????? ????? ????: ??????????? Also Read: Hartalika Teej And Ganesh Chaturthi On September 14: Which Puja Should Be Done First? Begin by cleaning your altar ahead of the puja vidhi and placing an idol or image of Lord Vishnu's Varaha avatar on it. Gather yellow flowers, incense sticks and lamps to offer to His Varaha form, along with the abhishek for his scared bathing as well as the panchamarut. Many even observe a partial phalahar on this day, restricting themselves to only fruits, milk and other Satvik foods for consumption and maintaining a pious approach right through the day. Disclaimer: This article is based on popular beliefs. Times Now is not responsible for the accuracy or completeness of the information and facts provided here. Aalokitaa Basu is a writer and Senior Copy Editor whose work explores the intersection of lifestyle, culture, beauty, wellness, and self-possession. H... View More