Images of Varahi: An Iconographic Study

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The focus of this book is on goddess Varahi who is the atmasakti of Varaha responsible for lifting up the earth goddess from the Nether region. Very few books like the present are available which are exclusively devoted to Varahi. In this book, the author presents in great detail the various aspects of Varahi including the icoographic features of the different forms as well as mantras and yantras associated with the worship of Varahi. The detailed information provided in the book is based on the ancient texts, Puranas and Silpa-sastras. The book consists of six chapters. The first two chapters deal with the antiquity and development of the worship of mother goddess in the pre-Vedic and the Vedic periods. Chapter III brings out the evolution of the identification of three female deities Vak, Sarasvati and Varahi and their fusion and synchronization into one. This chapter also narrates the important position Varahi occupies in Vaisnavism, Saktism and Tantric Saktism. Chapter IV presents the canonical rules prescribed in Silpasastras with regard to the various forms of Varahi. Chapter V deals with the icons of Varahi found in temples, caves and other places in India. Some of the images kept in the museums in India and abroad have also been described. Chapter VI presents the basic mantras and yantras to be followed to procure benefits from Varahi worship. The special feature of this book lies in presenting large number of collection of the images of Varahi found from different parts of the country. In the Appendix all the slokas of Varahi including Varahi Sahasranama are given. This book will be of benefit not only to researchers but also to those who are interested in the worship of Varahi.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR Haripriya Rangarajan

Dr. (Mrs.) Haripriya Rangarajan obtained her Ph.D. degree in Indian Culture from the Gujarat University in 1987. She specialized in the iconography of Vishnu and has contributed articles to academic journals, national seminars and popular magazines. Her doctoral thesis was published in 1990 under the title Spread of Vaishnavism in Gujarat upto 1600 A.D. (A study with Special Reference to the Iconic forms of Vishnu). Her book on Ramanuja Sampradaya in Gujarat: A Historical Perspective was published in 1996. Her third work entitled Varaha Images in Madhya Pradesh â€“ An Iconographic Study was published in 1997 and the Asiatic society of Bombay has awarded the Silver Medal for this work in 1998. she is a recipient of Indian council of Historical Studies fellowship for her research studies. She is keen in organizing and participating in the academic activities. She has organized several seminars and workshops in close association with well-known museums and research institutions.