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Many Hindu gods are also depicted with their feminine side in the literature and sculptures. These divine feminine manifestations are prominently seen in the group of goddesses known as the Matrikas, whose sculptures adorn many ancient temples across India. One of the most powerful among them is Varahiโthe feminine energy of Varaha.![]()
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The most widely accepted account of Varahiโs origin appears in the Devi Mahatmya. According to this text, the Matrikas were created from the bodies of major gods to assist Goddess Durga in her battle against the demon Raktabija, whose drops of blood produced countless clones. However, various Puranas narrate alternative legends regarding the emergence and roles of the Matrikas, reflecting the rich diversity of Hindu mythological traditions.![]()
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Varahi is characteristically depicted with the face of a sow and the body of a human woman. In some representations, she is shown lifting the Earth on her tusksโan attribute reminiscent of Varaha himself. Unlike most other Matrikas, who are portrayed as slender and graceful, Varahi is typically shown as pot-bellied and full-breasted, emphasizing her maternal and protective aspects.![]()
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In her iconography, Varahi may hold weapons and symbols associated with Vishnu, such as the Shankha (conch), Chakra (discus), Gada (mace), sword, and shield. In certain depictions, she is also shown holding a fish and a kapala (drinking skull-cup), highlighting her association with both Vaishnava and Tantric traditions. Her usual vahana (mount) is the buffalo, further reinforcing her fierce warrior identity.![]()
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Varahi is frequently represented as part of the Matrika ensemble in temples across India. However, shrines exclusively dedicated to her are relatively rare. Notable examples include the Varahi temple in Mylapore, Chennai, and the Ashta-Varahi Temple near Villupuram in Tamil Nadu, where eight distinct forms of Varahi are worshipped.![]()
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The sculpture shown in the image belongs to the Gurjara-Pratihara period (9th century CE) and is presently housed in the British Museum. It stands as a remarkable example of early medieval Indian art and devotion centered around this formidable goddess.
๐ 9 Books to Look for at Delhi World Book Fair![]()
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Saranyu โ Suryaโs Wife | Saiswaroopa Iyer![]()
A lyrical retelling of the story of Saranyu, the first consort of Surya Deva. The novel explores feminine resilience, cosmic relationships and the emotional undercurrents of solar mythology.![]()
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Amrit Kalash | Divya Narain Upadhyaya![]()
A beautifully illustrated collection of classical mythological stories. It introduces readers to the moral universe of the Itihasas and Puranas through accessible storytelling.![]()
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Echoes of Nalanda | Kavita A. Sharma![]()
A reflective narrative that revives the memory of ancient Nalanda Mahavihara. It reminds us of Indiaโs legacy as a global centre of knowledge, learning and philosophy.![]()
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Case for Ram | Anirudh Sharma & Sridhar Potaraju![]()
A research-oriented exploration of Ram, Ayodhya and civilisational history. The book brings together archaeology, literature and evidence-based perspectives.![]()
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The Eternal Sun โ The Legacy of Surya Deva | Shalini Modi![]()
An insightful study of Surya worship across Indiaโs temples and traditions. A valuable read for those interested in solar iconography and forgotten Surya shrines.![]()
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How to Become Rich | Devdutt Pattanaik![]()
Not about money, but about prosperity as defined by dharma and values. The book interprets wealth through Vedic and Puranic storytelling.![]()
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Adbhut | Meena Arora Nayak![]()
A fascinating journey into Indiaโs lesser-known mythical beings and folklore creatures. It expands our imagination beyond familiar deities.![]()
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Marriage | Devdutt Pattanaik![]()
An exploration of Indian wedding rituals, symbols and sacred meanings. It shows marriage as a cosmic and cultural institution, not just a social event.![]()
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Bhagavad Gita for Everyday Living | Swami Mukundananda![]()
A practical guide that brings Gitaโs wisdom into modern life. Each verse offers reflections on balance, clarity and right action.![]()
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๐ Save this list before visiting the fair![]()
๐ Build a bookshelf that preserves civilisation![]()
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Which one are you picking first? ๐![]()
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#DelhiWorldBookFair #IndicReads #BharatGyan #IndianCulture #TempleTrails
๐๐ฎ๐ฟ๐๐ฑ๐ฎ, ๐๐บ๐ฟ๐ถ๐๐ฎ, ๐ฎ๐ป๐ฑ ๐๐ต๐ฒ ๐๐๐ต๐ถ๐ฐ๐ ๐ผ๐ณ ๐๐ป๐๐ฒ๐ด๐ฟ๐ถ๐๐![]()
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In the ฤdi Parva of the Mahฤbhฤrata, there is a story associated with Garuda. Garudaโs mother Vinata is enslaved by her sister Kadru, mother of the Nฤgas. To free Vinata, the Nฤgas demand Amrita, guarded by the gods. Garuda battles divine forces (including Indra), seizes the Amrit, and flies with the pot. Before the Nฤgas can consume it, Indra retrieves the Amrit, preserving cosmic order.![]()
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At first glance, this appears to to be a transgressionโhe seizes the Amrit, the nectar of immortality, from the gods themselves.![]()
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Yet the deeper lesson of this episode lies not in conquest, but in integrity.![]()
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Garudaโs purpose is singular and honest: to free his mother Vinata from bondage. He does not seek immortality for himself, nor does he allow the Nฤgas to consume the nectar. Even after accomplishing an almost impossible feat, Garuda honours his word, respects cosmic order, and allows Indra to reclaim the Amrit. ๐๐ค๐ฌ๐๐ง ๐๐จ ๐๐ฉ๐ฉ๐๐๐ฃ๐๐, ๐๐ช๐ฉ ๐ฃ๐ค๐ฉ ๐๐๐ช๐จ๐๐.![]()
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This moment defines Garudaโs character. Strength without greed. Victory without deception. Capability governed by conscience.![]()
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In a world where success is often measured only by outcomes, this ancient story offers a timeless reminder: ๐ฉ๐ง๐ช๐ ๐๐ง๐๐๐ฉ๐ฃ๐๐จ๐จ ๐ก๐๐๐จ ๐ฃ๐ค๐ฉ ๐๐ฃ ๐ฌ๐๐๐ฉ ๐ฌ๐ ๐๐๐ฃ ๐ฉ๐๐ ๐, ๐๐ช๐ฉ ๐๐ฃ ๐ฌ๐๐๐ฉ ๐ฌ๐ ๐๐๐ค๐ค๐จ๐ ๐ฃ๐ค๐ฉ ๐ฉ๐ค.![]()
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Garudaโs flight with the Amrit is thus not merely a mythic imageโit is a lesson in ethical restraint, honesty of intent, and moral responsibility, values that remain as relevant in leadership and professional life today as they were in the epics.![]()
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๐๐๐ง๐๐ฉ๐๐๐ ๐๐ค๐๐จ ๐ฃ๐ค๐ฉ ๐ค๐ฃ๐ก๐ฎ ๐ฉ๐๐ก๐ก ๐ช๐จ ๐ฌ๐๐ค ๐ฌ๐ ๐ฌ๐๐ง๐; ๐๐ฉ ๐ฉ๐๐๐๐๐๐จ ๐ช๐จ ๐๐ค๐ฌ ๐ฉ๐ค ๐๐.![]()
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In our fast lives, how often do we ask โShould Iโ before โCan Iโ, while taking a decision?
From fire to calm. From fury to grace. From protector to teacher.![]()
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The many forms of Narasimha are not random artistic variationsโthey are visual chapters of a sacred narrative, preserved in stone across centuries.![]()
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This carousel explores how Narasimha is depicted at different moments of his divine journey, across regions and traditions.![]()
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Swipe to read the story told by sculpture.![]()
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#formsofnarasimha #templeiconography #indianheritage
The December 2025 issue of our monthly newsletter "The Heritage Diary" is out now. Check out at indiantempless.in/3d-flip-book/heritage-diary-december-2025 . Link also in bio.