f.4

A depiction of Varaha, the third avatar of Vishnu, who takes the form of a boar.

According to Hindu belief, Varaha rescued the earth after the demon Hiranyaksha stole it and dragged it to the bottom of the cosmic ocean. Varaha killed Hiranyaksha, dived into the ocean and, using his tusks, lifted the earth to the surface of the ocean.

Varaha is depicted holding the earth, personified as the goddess Prithvi (also known as Bhudevi), on his tusks as he stands on the surface of the ocean surrounded by lotuses. In the water below them are the slain demon Hiranyaksha and his elder brother, Hiranyakashipu, who escapes and swears to avenge his brother's death.

This painting is from a series (RCINs 1005113.d-k, .q and .v) depicting the ten avatars (incarnations) of the Hindu god Vishnu.

For another painting of the same subject see RCIN 1005115.f.

For further information on this album see RCIN 1005113.