The Varaha or boar avatar is the third incarnation in the Dasavatara. Of all the depictions, in sculpture and in paintings, this monumental sculpture in Eran, Madhya Pradesh, is probably my favourite. The large boar incarnation of Visnu rescued Bhudevi (earth goddess)-- she clutched onto his tusk, as he tunneled through the depths, where she was held captive.

Gods, sages, and celestial beings are carved on his body- as witnesses, and cheerleaders perhaps to the feat- making his body all the more divine.

The Eran Varaha, about 11 feet tall and 13 feet long, is a fine example of monumental sculptures, made around the fifth century, that were worshiped in a group, with shrines framed by tall pillars. Now in absolute ruin, and seemingly in the middle of nowhere, Eran was once an important site of the Gupta rulers. It was a bumpy ride to get to the sculpture(s) but absolutely worth the drive!