Mathura, February 21:
In India, numerous remarkable temples dedicated to Lord Narayan showcase stunning architecture and rich tales of devotion. One such serene temple, dedicated to the Varaha avatar of Narayan, is located in the holy city of Mathura. This temple was established by Shatrughna, the younger brother of Lord Ram.
The Shri Aadi Varah Temple in the Braj region is closely associated with Shatrughna. According to the Uttar Pradesh Tourism Department, this ancient and sacred site is dedicated to Lord Vishnu’s third avatar, Varaha, symbolizing Mathura’s rich devotional tradition.
Legends state that during the Satya Yuga, Sage Kapil performed intense penance, pleasing Lord Aadi Varah, who then granted him a divine vision. Later, this sacred idol was given to Indra, the king of the heavens, who worshipped it in the celestial realm. Over time, Ravana defeated Indra and seized the idol. Lord Ram eventually vanquished Ravana and brought the idol to Ayodhya. Subsequently, Shatrughna defeated the demon Lavanasura and transported the idol to Mathura, where he established the temple that stands today.
The temple is linked to Lord Vishnu’s Varaha avatar, who rescued Mother Earth, Bhudevi, from the demon Hiranyaksha. This avatar symbolizes strength, protection, and the triumph of good over evil. Although the temple suffered damage from ancient invasions, it was restored during the Gupta period and later by descendants of Lord Krishna.
In the early 20th century, the temple underwent further repairs, yet its spiritual significance has remained timeless. Notably, the temple is located just behind the Dwarkadhish Temple, approximately 250 meters away.
The atmosphere around the Varah Temple is incredibly tranquil and divine. It is believed that performing 11 circumambulations around the temple yields the same spiritual benefits as circumambulating the entire Earth. The temple opens at 6 AM and closes at 8 PM, with designated times for offerings and rituals.
The Uttar Pradesh Tourism Department highlights this temple as a vital part of the state’s pilgrimage circuit. For visitors, the temple is conveniently located just 2 kilometers from Mathura Junction and 1 kilometer from the Mathura bus stand. The distance from Delhi to Mathura is approximately 163 kilometers, taking around 3 hours by road.
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