Varaha Stotram — Benefits & How to Chant
वराह स्तोत्रम्
Complete guide to chanting correctly for maximum benefit
Benefits of Chanting Varaha Stotram
Invokes the protective and rescuing grace of Lord Varaha, lifter of the earth
Each verse ends with 'vande vārāha-rūpiṇam', making it a complete meditation on the boar avatar
Recalls the destruction of the demon Hiranyaksha, inspiring courage against evil
Extols Varaha as the Supreme Brahman and the bestower of liberation (moksha)
Likened to a boat across the ocean of samsara
a prayer for spiritual deliverance
Cultivates devotion to a less-commonly-praised yet powerful avatar of Vishnu
Suitable for daily recitation and especially on Varaha Jayanti
How to Chant Varaha Stotram
Instructions
Sit facing east before an image of Lord Varaha or Vishnu, light a lamp and recite the eight verses slowly, letting the refrain 'vande vārāha-rūpiṇam' deepen your devotion with each bow. Reflect on Varaha lifting the earth and rescuing the world. It is especially recited on Varaha Jayanti and as a daily prayer for protection and upliftment.
Spiritual Significance
Tradition holds that just as Lord Varaha effortlessly lifted the entire earth from the cosmic depths on his tusks, so he lifts the surrendered devotee out of the ocean of worldly suffering; the closing verse hails him as the very 'boat' (bhava-nauka) by which beings cross samsara, and devotees believe his remembrance steadies and rescues the sinking heart.
Origin & History
Source: Varaha Stotram (anushtubh metre), composed by Sri Shridhara Swami Maharaj
Author: Sri Shridhara Swami Maharaj (paramahamsa parivrajaka acharya)
Varaha, the boar avatar of Vishnu, is one of the most ancient and beloved incarnations: when the demon Hiranyaksha dragged the earth down into the cosmic waters, the Lord assumed the colossal form of a boar, dived into the deep, slew the demon, and raised the earth on his tusks. This eight-verse stotra in praise of Varaha was composed by Sri Shridhara Swami Maharaj. In gem-like anushtubh verses it praises the Lord not only for rescuing the earth and destroying evil but as the very Brahman beyond words, the sadguru who utters 'Tat Tvam Asi', and the boat that carries souls across the sea of existence.