Varahi
Varahi (Sanskrit: वाराही, IAST:Vārāhī) is one of the Matrikas, a group of seven mother goddesses in the Hindu religion. Bearing the head of a sow, Varahi is the shakti (feminine energy) of Varaha, the boar avatar of the god Vishnu. In Nepal, she is called Barahi. In Rajasthan and Gujarat, she is venerated as Dandini.
| Varahi | |
|---|---|
Commander of the Matrikas | |
A contemporary image of Varahi | |
| Other names | Varthali, Dandini Devi, Verai |
| Devanagari | वाराही |
| Sanskrit transliteration | Vārāhī |
| Affiliation | Matrikas, Devi, Lakshmi |
| Abode | Vaikuntha |
| Mantra | Om Varahmukhi Vidhmahe Dandanathae Dhimahi Tanno Devi Prachodayat |
| Weapon | Plough and pestle |
| Mount | Buffalo |
| Consort | Vishnu as Varaha |
Varahi is more commonly venerated in the sect of the Goddess-oriented Shaktism, but also in Shaivism (devotees of Shiva) and Vaishnavism (devotees of Vishnu). She is usually worshipped at night, using secretive Vamamarga Tantric practices. The Buddhist goddesses Vajravārāhī and Marichi have their origins in the Hindu goddess Varahi.
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