Boar Incarnation the of God Vishnu Lifting the Earth

Q: Where can I see it?

At the Art Institute of Chicago. It's from Himachal Pradesh, India, dating to the 11th century.

This 11th-century brass sculpture from Himachal Pradesh, India, shows Varaha (Vishnu's boar avatar) in the act of lifting Bhudevi, the earth goddess, from the primeval ocean. The demon Hiranyaksha had hidden the earth beneath cosmic waters, so Vishnu transformed into a boar, dove into the depths, fought the demon, and emerged victorious with the earth balanced on his tusk. The composition captures that triumphant moment of rescue.

Brass casting had reached high sophistication in north and central India by this period. The alloy's golden color and durability made it a favored medium for devotional images in temples and private shrines. The warm patina that developed over time enhanced the sacred quality. This piece is at the Art Institute of Chicago.

Vishnu's rescue of the earth. When the demon Hiranyaksha hid the earth in the cosmic ocean, Vishnu became a boar, dove beneath the waters, defeated the demon in battle, and lifted the earth goddess on his tusk, restoring her to her proper place.

He's the third of Vishnu's ten avatars, representing strength and the restoration of dharma (cosmic order). The rescue narrative demonstrates that the divine will intervene when the balance of the universe is threatened.

Brass (copper and zinc alloy) was valued for its golden color, durability, and lower cost compared to pure bronze. It was widely used for devotional images in north and central India. The warm patina it develops over time was considered to enhance sacred quality.

At the Art Institute of Chicago. It's from Himachal Pradesh, India, dating to the 11th century.

Boar Incarnation the of God Vishnu Lifting the Earth Goddess (Bhuvaraha)

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