Who is Lord Varaha? Understanding the Demand for His Idols During Kanwar Yatra

Recently, there has been a significant demand to install idols of Lord Varaha during the Kanwar Yatra. Understanding who Lord Varaha is and the importance of his worship is crucial to comprehending the reasons behind this demand.
Introduction to Lord Varaha
Lord Varaha is considered the third avatar of Lord Vishnu in Hindu mythology. According to ancient tales, Lord Varaha took the form of a gigantic wild boar to rescue the Earth from the depths of the cosmic ocean. When the demon Hiranyaksha submerged the Earth in the primordial waters, Lord Vishnu incarnated as Varaha and lifted the Earth on his tusks, restoring it to its rightful place. Due to this heroic deed, Lord Varaha is revered as a protector and savior.
The Demand for Lord Varaha Idols in Kanwar Yatra
The Kanwar Yatra is a significant religious pilgrimage where devotees collect holy water from sacred sites such as Haridwar, Gaumukh, and Gangotri and offer it to Lord Shiva. This journey is particularly prominent in northern India and is undertaken by Shiva devotees during the month of Sawan.
Recently, there has been a growing demand to install idols of Lord Varaha along the Kanwar Yatra route. Several reasons can be attributed to this demand:
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Symbol of Protection: Lord Varaha is recognized as the savior of the Earth. Worshipping him instills a sense of security and protection among the Kanwar pilgrims.
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Religious Faith: In Hinduism, all avatars of Lord Vishnu hold special significance. Worshipping Lord Varaha strengthens the devotees' faith and devotion.
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Raising Awareness: Installing idols of Lord Varaha can be seen as an effort to spread awareness about his legend and his divine deeds.
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Religious Unity: The presence of Lord Varaha's idols fosters a sense of unity and collective spirit among the Kanwar pilgrims.
The demand to install idols of Lord Varaha during the Kanwar Yatra reflects the deep reverence and religious devotion towards him. Worshipping Lord Varaha not only reinforces the sense of security and protection among the pilgrims but also deepens their spiritual faith. This demand has infused a new sense of enthusiasm and unity among the devotees, making the Kanwar Yatra even more significant.