Varaha Jayanti 2024: Date, Time, Significance and Rituals

Varaha was the third incarnation of Lord Vishnu during Satya Yuga

Varaha Jayanti, the birth anniversary of Lord Vishnu’s third incarnation, will be celebrated on Friday, September 6, in 2024. Lord Vishnu took the form of Varaha, a boar, during Satya Yuga to rescue the Earth from the demon Hiranyaksha. This festival holds special significance among Hindus, particularly in southern India.

Date and Muhurat for Varaha Jayanti 2024
Date: Friday, September 6.
Puja Muhurat: 1:35 PM to 4:06 PM (Duration: 2 hours 31 minutes)
Tritiya Tithi Begins: 12:21 PM on September 5.
Tritiya Tithi Ends: 3:01 PM on September 6.

Significance of Varaha Jayanti
Varaha Jayanti is a deeply significant day for devotees of Lord Vishnu. It commemorates his Varaha avatar, where he took the form of a boar to save the Earth from the demon Hiranyaksha. According to Hindu beliefs, those who worship Lord Vishnu in his Varaha form on this day are blessed with happiness and prosperity. The day is marked by fasting, prayers, and offerings to Lord Vishnu, and it is particularly celebrated in southern Indian states.

The Story Behind Varaha Jayanti
The legend of Varaha Jayanti revolves around the demon Hiranyaksha, who once served as a gatekeeper of Vaikuntha Dham. After being cursed by four sages, Hiranyaksha was reborn as a demon and caused destruction across the universe. He even stole the Earth and hid it under the ocean. To restore balance, Lord Vishnu took the form of Varaha, a boar, and rescued the Earth by carrying it on his tusks after defeating Hiranyaksha. Since then, Varaha has been worshipped as a saviour by Vishnu devotees.

Rituals Observed on Varaha Jayanti

• Morning Bath and Preparation: Devotees begin the day by taking a holy bath to purify themselves.
• Puja Setup: A statue or image of Lord Varaha (Vishnu) is placed for worship.
• Offering the Kalash: A decorated kalash filled with water, surrounded by mango leaves, and topped with a coconut is placed before the deity. After the worship, it is donated to a Brahmin.
• Reading of Scriptures: Some devotees organise a recitation of the Shrimad Bhagwad Gita to honour Lord Vishnu.
• Fasting and Charity: Many observe a fast and donate clothes or money to the needy, believing that such acts bring blessings from Lord Vishnu. By observing these rituals with devotion, devotees seek the blessings of Lord Varaha for happiness and prosperity in their lives.