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Varaha Temple
Lakshmi & Varaha
Facing the large Lakshmana Temple are these two small shrines. The Varaha Temple, dedicated to Vishnu's boar incarnation or Varaha avataar, faces the Matangesvara Temple. Inside this small, open shrine is a huge, solid and intricately carved figure of the boar incarnation, dating from around 900 AD.
The shrine is devoid of 'jagati' (platform) and stands on a 10 feet high plain plinth of which the lower half is made of granite ashlars and the upper half of sandstone. It is approached by a flight of steps of which the three upper courses are of sandstone, and the remaining of granite. It is a simple rectangular pavilion with a projection in the west; the whole enclosed by a plain parapet originally mounted by an ornate balustrade. The 'asanapatta' (seat-slab) of the parapet supports the fourteen pillars. The shafts of the pillars are octagonal below, sixteen-sided in the middle and circular above, carrying a plain circular capital, surmounted by plain brackets of the curved profile with a vaulted top of the type found in the subsidiary shrines of the Lakshmana Temple.
The Colossal Image of The 'Boar Incarnation'

The image together with its pedestal is carved out of one piece of yellow sandstone and is exquisitely finished to a glossy lustre. The colossal Varaha is s powerfully modelled sculpture of a boar decorated all over with neat rows of figures of gods and goddesses totalling 674 executed in relief. On the front of the muzzle between the two nostrils is depict four-armed Saraswati seated in 'lalitasana' holding 'veena' in one pair of hands and lotus and book in the other. The nine planets divided into groups of four and five are carved respectively on the right and left sides of the muzzle below the ears.
Water-divinities riding on 'makaras' and carrying water jars are carved on the hoofs to represent the rise of the boar from the waters and the 'Dikpalas' are figures on the legs to suggest the cosmic character of the deity. The tail end of the serpent, which was described by Cunningham as supporting the Boar's tail, is now mutilated. To the mouth end of the serpent is attached a mutilated dwarf figure with a peculiar head which may represent Garuda. Externally the pillar brackets support a ribbed awning, which is surmounted by a few simple mouldings. The pyramidal roof comprises nine stepped 'kapota'-shaped tiers separated by plain recessed courses. The neck is surmounted by crowning members comprising a pair of 'chandrikas' (capstones) a plain 'amalaka' (cogged wheel), a capstone and a 'kalasa' (pitcher).
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