Varaha Temple Pushkar
A rare 12th-century temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu's boar avatar, featuring unique idol and ancient Rajasthani architecture.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Pleasant weather, fewer crowds
Varaha Temple Pushkar
Best Time
Pleasant weather, fewer crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A rare 12th-century temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu's boar avatar, featuring unique idol and ancient Rajasthani architecture.
"This temple is truly rare, dedicated to the varaha (boar) incarnation of lord vishnu."
Dress Modestly
Cover shoulders & knees out of respect for this holy site. :pray:
Beware of 'Ritual' Pressure
Politely decline unsolicited 'pooja' offers; some visitors report feeling pressured. :moneywithwings:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Boar Incarnation Idol
Sanctum Sanctorum
Unique idol of Lord Vishnu as Varaha, with a silver disk on its snout symbolizing the earth.
Intricate Stone Carvings
Temple Walls and Pillars
Detailed carvings depicting mythological scenes and figures, showcasing ancient Rajasthani craftsmanship.
Architectural Grandeur
Temple Exterior
A fortified structure in Rajasthani Haveli style, reflecting centuries of history and rebuilding.
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Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Visit
Respectful Exploration
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Dress Modestly
Cover shoulders & knees out of respect for this holy site. :pray:
Beware of 'Ritual' Pressure
Politely decline unsolicited 'pooja' offers; some visitors report feeling pressured. :moneywithwings:
Explore Nearby
Combine your visit with Brahma Temple & Pushkar Lake for a full experience. :world_map:
Appreciate the History
Learn the mythology of Lord Varaha saving the Earth. :scroll:
Tips
from all over the internet
Dress Modestly
Cover shoulders & knees out of respect for this holy site. :pray:
Beware of 'Ritual' Pressure
Politely decline unsolicited 'pooja' offers; some visitors report feeling pressured. :moneywithwings:
Explore Nearby
Combine your visit with Brahma Temple & Pushkar Lake for a full experience. :world_map:
Appreciate the History
Learn the mythology of Lord Varaha saving the Earth. :scroll:
Go Early or Late
Avoid midday heat and crowds for a more peaceful visit. :sunrise:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Varaha Temple is a historically significant and rare shrine dedicated to Lord Vishnu's boar incarnation. Visitors appreciate its unique idol and ancient architecture, offering a glimpse into Hindu mythology. However, some find the temple's maintenance lacking and caution against unsolicited ritualistic pressures.
"Located in the quaint town of Pushkar in Ajmer district of Rajasthan, the Varaha Temple is dedicated to one of Lord Vishnu’s most famous incarnations. Lord Varaha is worshipped in the form of a boar deity that presides over this incredible temple. Varaha Temple’s location in Pushkar is of considerable significance too.
The town is incredibly holy for both Hindus and Sikhs. As a result, thousands of devotees from across the country visit the Varaha Temple to offer their prayers to the Holy Lord every year.The story behind the presiding deity Lord Varaha is narrated by priests of the temple and locals alike. When the demon Hiranyaksh tried to sink the earth beneath the water as a part of his shenanigans to irk the gods, Lord Vishnu incarnated as a wild boar and saved the earth on its horns.
He fought with the evil Hiranyaksha for thousands of years and later brought the earth out of the cosmic ocean, thereby restoring peace and prosperity as it were. As a saviour of the world, Lord Varaha is worshipped by those desiring wealth and wanting to escape the unforgiving cycle of life and death.
This temple is often thought to be one of its kind since there are no other notable or significantly large temples of the Varaha form of Lord Vishnu anywhere else in this world. You may visit this place for a truly insightful experience of the ancient Hindu scriptures of Vishnu Purana and Dashavatara Katha."
Saurabh Kumawat
"this temple is truly rare, dedicated to the varaha (boar) incarnation of lord vishnu. according to mythology, lord vishnu took this form to rescue the earth from the demon hiranyaksha, who had dragged it to the underworld. the idol is unique — it shows the boar’s snout with a silver disk representing the earth, symbolizing how vishnu sniffed out the earth before lifting it back to the surface.
what’s surprising is that this temple is still managed privately by a family for generations, without any government support. considering its rarity and significance in indian mythology, it deserves much more recognition and care."
Shubham Dangi
"Varaha Temple is dedicated bhagwan shri vishnu, Temple is looks very old and much of attractive but it is slightly ignore by the pushkar authority.
Surrounded by residence also not properly maintained by authority, gives you good vibes.
All of you are requested must visit here so that authority make pay some attention to renovate it.
No washroom, no proper parking, no drinking water also."
Hemraj Sonar
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Varaha Temple is located in Pushkar, Rajasthan, near Pushkar Lake. You can reach Pushkar by road from Ajmer (about 15 km away), which has a major railway station. From Pushkar town, the temple is easily accessible by auto-rickshaw or a short walk, especially if you're already exploring the ghats.
Parking can be a challenge in Pushkar due to its narrow lanes and popularity. It's advisable to park a little distance away and walk, or use local transport like auto-rickshaws.
Yes, taxis are readily available in Pushkar and can take you to the vicinity of the temple. Negotiate the fare beforehand.
Absolutely! Varaha Temple is situated close to Pushkar Lake and the main market area, making it very walkable from other key sites like the Brahma Temple.
Using a map app on your phone is helpful, but don't hesitate to ask locals for directions. The temple is well-known, though sometimes overlooked by authorities.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, entry to Varaha Temple is generally free. It is a place of worship, and donations are welcome but not mandatory.
The temple is typically open from early morning until evening. Specific timings can vary, but it's usually accessible throughout the day for devotees and visitors.
There is no admission fee to enter Varaha Temple. Visitors are encouraged to donate if they wish to support the temple's upkeep.
Yes, visiting during festivals can be a vibrant experience, but expect larger crowds. The temple is active year-round.
Photography rules can vary. It's best to be discreet and respectful. Avoid taking photos of people without their permission and check for any signage regarding photography restrictions.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu's third incarnation, Varaha (the boar), who saved the Earth from the demon Hiranyaksha. It's considered one of the oldest and rarest temples of this deity. 
The idol features Lord Varaha with a silver disk on its snout, symbolizing the Earth. It's a unique representation of the deity.
Some visitors note that the temple, despite its historical significance, could benefit from better maintenance and official attention.
It's very close to Pushkar Lake, the Brahma Temple, and the bustling Pushkar Bazaar, making it easy to combine with other sightseeing.
Priests and locals are often present and can share stories about the temple's mythology. However, be aware of potential unsolicited offers for paid rituals.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, Pushkar town is filled with eateries offering local Rajasthani cuisine, sweets, and international options. You can find everything from street food to sit-down restaurants.
Don't miss trying Malpua, Sarvadia, Rabri, Kalakand, and Pheni from local sweet shops. Falafel is also popular.
No, there are no dining facilities directly within the temple premises. You'll find plenty of options in the surrounding market area.
Pushkar is a holy town, and vegetarian food is widely available and is the norm in most establishments.
Unfortunately, proper facilities like drinking water or washrooms are often lacking at the temple itself, according to visitor feedback. It's advisable to carry your own water.
📸 📸 Photography
The unique idol, the intricate stone carvings on the walls and pillars, and the temple's Rajasthani Haveli-style architecture offer great photographic opportunities.
While generally permitted, it's always best to be respectful. Avoid flash photography if it disturbs worshippers and check for any specific signage.
Early morning or late afternoon light can create a beautiful ambiance for photography, highlighting the temple's details and textures.
Drone usage is typically restricted in and around religious sites and populated areas. It's best to check local regulations before attempting any drone photography.
Focus on the unique mythology, the ancient architecture, and the spiritual atmosphere. Capturing the details of the carvings can be very rewarding.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Combine your visit with a stroll around Pushkar Lake, which often has more open space and activities that might appeal to children. The nearby market also offers a variety of snacks and souvenirs. Remember to dress modestly to respect the religious site.
🙏 Devout Hindus
+1While the temple's historical and religious significance is immense, be prepared for a less-than-perfectly maintained environment. Some devotees might find the lack of amenities and the occasional pressure for paid rituals disappointing, but the core spiritual experience of worshipping at this rare shrine remains the primary draw.
🏛️ History & Architecture Enthusiasts
+1Pay close attention to the intricate stone carvings that adorn the temple walls and pillars, depicting various mythological scenes. While the temple's upkeep might be a concern for some, its historical narrative and architectural style are undeniable points of interest for those keen on exploring India's past.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Mythology of Lord Varaha
+1The idol within the temple is a unique representation of this myth. It depicts the boar's snout with a silver disk, symbolizing the Earth that Vishnu sniffed out and lifted back to its rightful place. This distinct iconography makes the Varaha Temple a significant site for understanding this particular aspect of Vishnu's divine play. Visitors often find the stories narrated by priests and locals to be a fascinating insight into Indian mythology.
Historical Significance and Architecture
+1Despite its historical importance and unique religious significance, some visitors and locals feel the temple is somewhat neglected by authorities. The structure, though described as attractive and old, is surrounded by residences and could benefit from more attention to its upkeep and preservation. The temple's management has been privately held by a family for generations, highlighting a dedication to its continuation without government support, which is seen as remarkable given its rarity.
Visitor Experience and Community Insights
+1However, the visitor experience can be mixed. While the temple provides good vibes and a sense of spirituality, practical amenities are often lacking. Visitors have pointed out the absence of proper washrooms, parking, and drinking water facilities.
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