Elements of Hindu Iconography v1.c11.49

v1.c11.49

There is an orthodox explanation of the symbolism underlying the boar *avatāra* of Vishṇu given in the *Pādma-purāṇa*. The *Vāyu-purāṇa* also gives the same passage word for word. In them it is stated that the sacrifice (*yajña*) is as a whole symbolised by the boar, and that its various limbs represent the limbs of the sacrifice. The grunt of the boar corresponds to the *Sāma-ghōsha* and the four legs are the four *Vēdas*; the tusk is the *yūpa-stambha* (the sacrificial post); the tongue stands for *agni* (the sacrificial fire) and the bristles constitute *darbha* grass; the head is the *Brāhman* priest, the bowels form the *Udgātṛi* priest, and the genital organ constitutes the *Hōtṛi* priest required to officiate in the sacrifice. The two eyes of the boar are said to be emblematic of the day and the night, and the ornaments in its ear are taken to represent the *Vēdāngas*. The mucous flow from the nose is the ghee, which is delivered into the fire by the spoon (*sruva*) consisting of the snout (*tuṇḍa*). *Prāyaśchitta* is represented by the Varāha’s hoofs and their knees stand for the *paśu* (the animal victim). The air breathed is the *antarātman*, the bones of the boar constitute the *mantras*, and its blood is the *sōma* juice. The *vēdi* (the altar) is symbolised by the shoulders of the boar and the *havis* is its neck. What is called *havya-kavya* is represented by the rapid movements of the boar; the *dakṣiṇā* fee paid to the priests is its heart. The wife of the sacrificer is its shadow, while the whole body of the animal is taken as representing the sacrificial chamber. One of the ornaments on the body of the boar is made to represent the ceremony called *pravargya*.