Varahi Devi Temple
वाराही देवी मंदिर - गुप्त तांत्रिक पीठ: समय, इतिहास और महत्व
Goddess Varahi Devi Temple is an ancient, unique, and deeply mystical shrine located near Dashashwamedh Ghat in Varanasi. Goddess Varahi is one of the Saptamatrikas (seven mother goddesses) and is depicted with the head of a boar and the body of a human. This temple holds immense significance for practitioners of Tantra and devotees of Shakti. A fascinating aspect of this temple is its strict timing—it remains open only for a few hours in the early morning, and the deity is worshipped in a subterranean (underground) sanctum.
Goddess Varahi (The Boar-Headed Incarnation and Commander of Goddess Lalitha's Army)
Manikarnika / Dashashwamedh Area, Varanasi D-4/24, Mir Ghat, Near Dashashwamedh Ghat, Lahori Tola, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh - 221001, India. (Located in the narrow alleys leading from Dashashwamedh toward Scindia Ghat).
Morning Opening: 04:30 AM to 07:30 AM या 08:00 AM (अधिकतम) Aarti Time: 05:00 AM
Pratah Kaal Shringar: Every morning at dawn, the priests perform a secret and elaborate purification ritual, bathing the idol and decorating it with fresh red hibiscus flowers and kumkum.
Tucked away inside the labyrinth of narrow, mystical lanes of Varanasi near Mir Ghat, the Varahi Devi Temple is unlike any standard Hindu temple. The temple architecture features a unique underground chamber (Garbhagriha). Devotees do not enter the lower chamber directly; instead, they look down through two small trapdoors or apertures in the floor of the upper hall to catch a glimpse (Darshan) of the divine idol below.
The idol of Mata Varahi is carved beautifully out of black stone. She is seen in a seated posture, holding various traditional weapons. The subterranean setting, illuminated only by ghee lamps and the scent of incense, creates an incredibly intense, spiritual, and meditative atmosphere. Because it is highly regarded as a powerful center for Vama Marga (left-handed path) and Tantric worship, photography inside the temple is strictly prohibited, preserving its ancient sanctity.
History & Significance
The history of Varahi Devi is deeply embedded in the Markandeya Purana and the Devi Mahatmya (Durga Saptashati). According to Hindu scriptures, Varahi emerged from the divine energy of Lord Vishnu’s Varaha avatar to assist Goddess Durga in destroying the demon Raktabija. In the Sri Vidya tradition, she is celebrated as the Dandanatha (commander-in-chief) of Goddess Tripura Sundari's army.
In Kashi, she is worshipped as one of the chief guardian deities who protects the holy city from negative energies coming from the southern direction. According to local spiritual beliefs, praying to Goddess Varahi helps eliminate hidden enemies, removes obstacles in legal matters, and cures chronic ailments.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit is during Chaitra Navratri and Sharad Navratri, especially on the Saptami Tithi (7th day), when the goddess is adorned with special Shringar. Since the temple is open only during dawn, planning a visit between 05:00 AM and 06:30 AM any day from October to March ensures a peaceful experience.