Vishnu as Varaha Saving the Earth Goddess Bhudevi

Vishnu as Varaha Saving the Earth Goddess Bhudevi
Central India, 10th – 11th century
Sandstone
Collection of the Newark Museum. Gift of Alice A. N. Heeramaneck, 1985, 85.267

Vishnu, as the Preserver, restores the balance of righteousness on the earth whenever it is threatened. Embodied in a physical manifestation known as an avatar, Vishnu descends to earth to reestablish order, acting as a savior to his devotees. In this sculpture, Vishnu appears as Varaha the boar, a noble animal revered in India for its speed, strength and unrelenting bravery. With the striding body of a man and the head of a boar, Varaha rescues the earth from a devastating flood, symbolized by the bowing lotus blossom that hangs over the boar’s head. The powerful Varaha gently lifts the earth, represented by the goddess Bhudevi, on his elbow.

This grouping celebrates the redemptive role of Vishnu’s avatars and also highlights the importance of male and female deities in the Hindu pantheon. Here the earth goddess Bhudevi, a consort of Varaha, pats the snout of the boar affectionately and the two share a loving, fixed gaze. Female consorts are further present in the two temple-like coverings flanking the central image. A smaller image of Bhudevi, identified by her traditional lotus symbol, is enshrouded on the left. Another of Vishnu’s wives, Lakshmi, is shown beneath the carved structure on the right holding her symbolic lute. A grouping of three preeminent gods known as the Hindu Trimurti crowns the sculpture at center: bearded Brahma, the Creator (left); Vishnu, the Preserver (center); and Shiva, the Purifier (right). Two male knowledge bearers (vidyadhara) fly among them carrying flower garlands. Placed in a sacred site of worship, this sculpture reminds worshippers of Vishnu’s capacity to exercise his power in any form.

All photographs and videos have been provided by Entrepid Productions with support from Andrew Hair, Daniel King, and Garth Pratt.