Varahi Devi Temple in Varanasi, Varanasi also known as Kashi, is a city brimming with spirituality, mysticism, and ancient traditions. Among its many revered temples, the Varahi Devi Temple stands out for its unique characteristics and profound spiritual significance. Located approximately 700 meters from the famous Kashi Vishwanath Dham. The Varahi Devi Temple is an underground sanctuary dedicated to Varahi Devi, a powerful deity who protects the city during the night.
The Legend of Varahi Devi
Varahi Devi, also known as Mayee, embodies the epitome of Shakti (divine feminine power). She is depicted with the head of a sow and a female form from the neck down. This form represents the feminine energy of Varaha, the boar incarnation of Lord Vishnu. According to the legends of Kashi Khand, Mata Varahi was born from the tooth of Sati Devi, making the temple one of the Shaktipeeths, sacred sites dedicated to the goddess Shakti.
Role and Significance
Varahi Devi serves as the nighttime guardian of Kashi, ensuring the city’s safety and spiritual balance. After being vigilant throughout the night, she rests during the day, which is why the temple opens only for a brief period in the morning, generally between 5:30 AM and 7:30 AM. During this time, the chief priest performs ritualistic worship, known as Brahm Muhurat, and then closes the temple for the day.
Kaal Bhairav, another significant deity, assumes the protective duties during the day. This division of guardianship underscores the collaborative protection provided by these powerful deities to the city of Kashi.
Worship and Rituals
At the Varahi Devi Temple, worshippers conduct worship with deep reverence and follow strict rituals. The chief priest, the only one allowed to enter the sanctum, calls out to the goddess with “Mayee! Mayee!” before entering. The priest adorns Varahi Devi daily, asking her preferences for ornaments and attire. This intimate interaction signifies the personal and protective nature of the goddess.
Devotees can glimpse the deity through two windows – one for viewing her face and another for her feet. Despite the distance, the energy emanating from the idol is said to be profound and intense, often preventing visitors from lingering too long.
Miracles and Beliefs of Varahi Devi Temple
Believers attribute to Varahi Devi the power to make the impossible possible. They believe that devotees who regularly visit her and offer devoted worship receive spiritual powers and profound knowledge. However, they say neglecting regular visits disfavors the goddess, often compelling such devotees to return to her temple
In the evenings, legends say ghosts, phantoms, yakshas, and yakshinis pay homage to Devi. Entering the temple during this time is considered dangerous because it’s believed no one can escape alive.
Why does the Varahi Devi Temple in Varanasi situate itself underground
The Varahi Devi Temple in Varanasi plunges underground to reflect the powerful and fierce nature of Varahi Devi. The temple’s hidden location symbolizes this fierce form, also known as ‘Ugra.’ Devotees avoid direct eye contact with the intense energy of the goddess, considering it too powerful, hence the placement
Inside the temple, a large idol of Varahi Devi resides. However, the restriction that only the priest can see the deity directly is not intended to keep devotees away; rather, it aims to show respect for her fierce aspect and preserve the sacredness of her presence.
Why do they not allow direct darshan Varahi Devi Temple in Varanasi?
Darshan, or viewing of the deity, is indeed allowed, but it is done uniquely. A small vent on the upper story of the temple allows devotees to glimpse the feet of the goddess’s idol. Additionally, devotees can offer their respects and receive blessings through this representation by placing a small replica idol of the main deity’s feet in front of this vent.
The temple’s arrangement prevents a direct view of the main idol but ensures the divine presence of Varahi Devi receives the honor and reverence prescribed by traditional practices. Every temple has its own sacred rules and customs, and respecting these practices is integral to the spiritual experience.
Importance for Devotees
The Varahi Devi Temple is a place where devotees seek prestige, honor, dignity, and resolution of obstacles in life. It is particularly significant for those facing legal matters, as Varahi Devi is revered as the Devi of Justice. Administrative officers and those in positions of authority often visit the temple to seek her blessings for effective governance and problem-solving.
Tantric practitioners also worship Varahi Devi, as her rituals are believed to be especially fruitful when performed after sunset and before sunrise. Known as Dhruma Varahi and Dhumavati, she is a powerful protector against negative energies and black magic.
Location and Accessibility
The Varahi Devi Temple is located at D 16/84, Manmandir Ghat, near the Kashi Vishwanath Temple. It can be accessed from Tripura Ghat or Dashaswamedh Ghat, making it convenient for devotees and tourists.
Map- https://goo.gl/maps/bSp4wK4x5UedP2is7
Conclusion
The Varahi Devi Temple in Kashi is a profound testament to the city’s spiritual richness and mystical traditions. As a guardian of Kashi and a source of immense spiritual power, Varahi Devi continues to attract devotees seeking protection, justice, and spiritual growth. The temple’s unique rituals, powerful legends, and palpable energy make it a must-visit destination for those exploring the divine mysteries of Varanasi.
FAQs About Varahi Devi Temple in Kashi
1. Where is Varahi Devi Temple located?
The Varahi Devi Temple is located at D 16/84, Manmandir Ghat, near the famous Kashi Vishwanath Temple in Varanasi. It can be accessed from Tripura Ghat or Dashaswamedh Ghat.
2. Who is Varahi Devi?
Varahi Devi is a powerful deity with the head of a sow and the female form from the neck down. People consider her the feminine energy of Varaha, the boar incarnation of Lord Vishnu, and she serves as the nighttime guardian of Kashi.
3. What are the temple timings?
The temple is open in the morning from 5:30 AM to 7:30 AM. The priest performs ritualistic worship during Brahm Muhurat, and then the temple is closed for the rest of the day.
4. Why is the temple only open for a short period in the morning?
Varahi Devi, as the nighttime protector of Kashi, rests during the day. They dedicate the brief morning hours to her worship and rituals, and then they close the temple
5. Can devotees enter the sanctum?
No, Only the chief priest is allowed to enter the sanctum. Devotees can view the deity through two windows: one for her face and another for her feet.
6. What should devotees expect during their visit?
Devotees should expect a powerful and intense spiritual atmosphere. They can offer prayers, seek blessings, and experience the profound energy of the temple. It is important to visit regularly to stay in Devi’s favor.
7. Are there any specific rituals or offerings for Varahi Devi?
Devotees often offer hibiscus flower garlands, which are presented to Devi in the morning. The worship of Varahi Devi is especially significant after sunset and before sunrise, following tantric rites.
8. Why is Varahi Devi important for administrative officers?
Varahi Devi is the Devi of Justice, helping to resolve legal matters and ensuring effective governance. Administrative officers often seek her blessings for overcoming obstacles and ensuring justice.
9. legends associated with Varahi Devi
According to Kashi Khand, Varahi Devi was born from the tooth of Sati Devi, making the temple one of the Shaktipeeths. She played a significant role as the commander of Mata Durga in battles against demons.
10. What are the dangers of visiting the temple in the evening?
Believers hold that ghosts, phantoms, yakshas, and yakshinis pay homage to Varahi Devi in the evening, which is believed to make it dangerous for humans to enter the temple during this time.
11. How does Varahi Devi respond to irregular visits by devotees?
Varahi Devi prefers regular visits from her devotees. If a devotee neglects to visit regularly, it is believed that Devi will compel them to return to her temple.
12. What benefits do devotees receive from worshipping Varahi Devi?
Devotees who worship Varahi Devi regularly receive spiritual powers, learning, and protection. She also helps them achieve prestige, honor, dignity, and resolve obstacles in life.
13. Is there any connection between Varahi Devi and Kaal Bhairav?
Yes, Kaal Bhairav is the guardian of Kashi during the day, while Varahi Devi protects the city at night. Together, they ensure the city’s safety and spiritual balance