Varahi

Varahi
Member of the Matrikas
A 14th-century statue of Varahi from Nepal
Other namesVarthali, Dandini, Panchami, Barahi
Devanagariवाराही
Sanskrit transliteration'वाराही' (Vārāhī).
AffiliationMatrikas, Devi, Lakshmi
AbodeManidvipa, Vaikuntha
MantraOm Mahishadhwajayai Vidmahe, Dandahastayai Dhimahi, Tanno Varahi Prachodayat
WeaponPlough and pestle
MountBuffalo
ConsortVaraha

Varahi (Sanskrit: वाराही, IAST:Vārāhī) is one of the Matrikas, a group of seven mother goddesses in the Hindu religion who has the face of a sow. In Nepal, she is called Barahi. In Rajasthan and Gujarat, she is venerated as Dandini.

Varahi is more commonly venerated in the sect of the Mother Goddess-oriented Shaktism, but also in Shaivism (devotees of Shiva) and Vaishnavism (devotees of Vishnu). She is usually worshipped at night, using secretive Vamamarga Tantric practices. Her forms can be seen in Buddhism as well, like the Buddhist goddesses Vajravārāhī and Marichi.