Varaha Dwadashi is one of the significant Vaishnava festivals. It is celebrated with great devotion across ISKCON temples and Vaishnava communities. This holy day honours Lord Varaha who is the third incarnation of Shri Krishna. In Satya yoga, the world was once in danger. Mother earth was lost in the deep waters and the demon Hiranyaksha was at his peak of terror. All the gods and goddesses prayed for help. In response, Shri Krishna incarnated as Lord Varaha, a transcendental boar in order to rescue mother Earth.
With an unbeatable strength, he lifted Earth on his tusks and restored cosmetic order. Varaha Dwadashi reminds us that Shri Krishna is always there to protect his devotees. On this day, devotees engage in prayers, fasting, and charitable activities in order to seek his divine blessings. Observing this sacred day gives spiritual upliftment, strengthens devotion, and provides divine grace.
Varaha Dwadashi 2025 Date and Time
Varaha Dwadashi 2025 will be observed throughout the day on Sunday, February 9. It is an auspicious opportunity for the devotees to worship lord Varaha and seek his divine blessings.
Significance of Varaha Dwadashi
Varah Dwadashi emphasizes the divine act of Lord Varaha who rescued mother Earth from demonic forces. Lord Vishnu incarnated as a powerful boar to lift goddess Earth from the cosmic ocean. This activity demonstrates righteousness, protection, and divine intervention in the times of difficulties.
In ISKCON temples, this festival also marks the eternal role of Shri Krishna as the supreme protractor. Shri Krishna being Lord Vishnu himself manifests in different forms to support Dharma. Varaha Avatar is one of the great examples to showcase that God always comes to protect his devotees.
Story of Varaha Dwadashi
The story of Varaha Dwadashi originated in Shri Vishnu Purana. Once upon a time there lived a diamond whose name was Hiranyaksha who stole mother earth and hid her in the cosmic ocean. The whole world trembled with fear and the gods prayed to lord Vishnu for help. Lord Vishnu then incarnated as Varaha, a powerful boar with golden tusks.
He had a deep dive into the ocean, fought with Hiranyaksha and defeated him after a fierce battle. After that he lifted mother Earth on his tusks and restored her to the exact place in the universe. This act marks victory over evil and restoration of balance in the universe.
Varaha Dwadashi ISKCON Celebrations
The devotees of ISKCON temples celebrate Varaha Dwadashi with great devotion. They chant Vedic mantras, perform kirtans and bhajans to worship Lord Varaha’s deity. The celebrations include:
i) Abhishek (Holy Bathing) of Lord Varaha’s deity with milk, honey, and sacred water.
ii) Kirtan and discourses on the glories of Lord Varaha and His divine pastimes.
iii) Special Prasadam offerings prepared with devotion and distributed to devotees.
iv) Charity activities, such as feeding the poor and donating woollen clothes.
v) Vaishnavas observe fasting and engage in deep spiritual reflection.
Varaha Dwadashi Fasting Rules
Devotees observe austere fasting on this day to purify the mind and body. The fasting rules include:
• Complete fasting or Ekadashi-style fasting (fruits, nuts, milk, and non-grain food).
• Chanting Hare Krishna Mahamantra and meditating on Lord Vishnu’s pastimes.
• Reading Shri Vishnu Purana and scriptures related to Varaha Avatar.
• Breaking the fast at the appropriate Dwadashi Parana Time.
Why Do We Celebrate Varaha Dwadashi?
Varaha Dwadashi is a reminder for the devotees that Shri Krishna as lord Vishnu is always there to protect them. This festival teaches us faith, devotion, and surrender to the supreme personality of Godhead. It also emphasizes the importance of preserving mother earth and doing righteousness in everyday life.
Devotees believe that observing Varaha Dwadashi Vart gives protection from evil, removes past sins, and brings spiritual upliftment. Worshipping lord Varaha helps overcome difficulties and attain divine blessings.
Varaha Dwadashi Varta Katha
In ancient times, there lived a Brahmin whose name was Vasudev. He was a true devotee of lord Vishnu. In spite of his faith, he confronted unlimited struggles. Misfortune, illness, and poverty surrounded his life. He prayed to lord Vishnu sincerely in order to have a solution.
One day, a sage came to his home and advised him to observe Varaha Dwadashi Vrat (fast). The sage explained to him Varaha Dwadashi Varta Katha that on this day Vishnu rescued mother Earth. Therefore, whosoever observes this varta with true devotion receives prosperity and divine protection.
Vasudev followed the rules of this fast and performed Lord Varaha’s Pooja. He offered food donations and woollen clothes to the poor. As a result, his life changed soon. His sufferings ended and he was blessed with health, wealth, and peace.
This story teaches us that belief in Lord Vishnu removes hardships. Observing Varaha Dwadashi vrat helps overcome difficulties and attain spiritual growth.
Importance of Donation on Varaha Dwadashi
Donation is a selfless activity to be performed on Varaha Dwadashi. Donating with a pure heart pleases Shri Krishna and brings divine blessings. Shri Krishna highlights that donation on this day purifies the soul and ensures prosperity in future lives.
Bhagavad Gita 17.20
दातव्यमिति यद्दानं दीयतेऽनुपकारिणे |
देशे काले च पात्रे च तद्दानं सात्त्विकं स्मृतम् ॥
Meaning: Charity that is given selflessly, at the right place and time, to a deserving person, without expecting anything in return, is considered Sattvik (pure) charity.
Things to Donate on Varaha Dwadashi
i) Woolen clothes: Donating woollen clothes to the needy protects them from cold and pleases Shri Krishna.
ii) Food donation: Giving food to the poor brings multiple benefits.
iii) Monetary help to temples: Supporting temples including ISKCON strengthens spiritual growth.
iv) Donations for cows: Making donations for cows related services pleases Shri Krishna who himself loves them dearly.
Spiritual Benefits of Varaha Dwadashi
Observing Varaha Dwadashi brings immense divine blessings. Some of the key spiritual benefits of Varaha Dwadashi benefits of this work include;
• Protection from misfortune: Lord Varaha protects devotees from negative karma and past sins.
• Liberation from material struggles: Praying to Shri Krishna in his Varaha form gives inner peace.
• Blessings of prosperity: Devotees receive financial stability and success in their work.
• Attainment of devotion: This vrat strengthens belief in Lord Vishnu’s divine grace.
• Removal of planetary doshas: Worshipping Lord Varaha balances unfavourable planetary influences.
Conclusion
Varaha Dwadashi is not only a festival but also a spiritual opportunity to strengthen your Bond with Shri Krishna. The secret day is a reminder of divine intervention, god’s protection, and kindness.
Devotees receive peace, happiness, and internal blessings of Shri Krishna by engaging in fasting, charity, and chanting. Lord Varaha teaches us to stand stronger against evil and always seek divine shelter.
May Shri Krishna in his Varaha Avatar bless all with devotion, wisdom, and prosperity!
