File:0121521 Badoh-Pathari Varaha from Dasavatara temples site, now at Gujari Mahal museum, Gwalior Fort MP 04.jpg

English: The Varaha avatar of Vishnu has been a much celebrated symbol in Hindu literature and various Hindu kingdoms. It is found in emblems and colossal statue from about 1st century to about 16th century CE, including the Vijayanagara. Often, its iconography is highly symbolic, reflecting Hindu legends on ethical leadership and holistic lifting of goddess earth (Bhudevi) from destructive causes and agents.

Varaha sculpture typically come in two forms: zoomorphic (all boar) or anthropomorphic (part boar, part man). Major statues are typically profusely carved with bands of miniature iconography and symbolism. The details vary by artists, regions and century. Typically, these miniature bands include most major panels of Hindu mythology and spiritual legends. The icons carved on Varaha include Bhudevi (earth), Saraswati and agents of knowledge. Further, in rows on Varaha's body are Dasavataras, Rudra-Shivas, Adityas and Surya, Saptamatrikas, Vedic deities, Sapta-rishis, Navgrahas, Yogis, Yoginis, Acharyas with manuscripts, soldiers, students, symbols of diverse regional secular artha, musicians, dancers and much more.

Item above: The above zoomorphic statue of Varaha is in Gujari Mahal museum of Gwalior Fort. It was found in the Dashavatara temples site in Badoh. It is 5.5 feet long, 2 feet wide, and 5 feet high. It has 779 miniature panels carved over the body of Varaha.

These panels include a wide range of Hindu deities, sages and Hindu symbols. Sarasvati is present on the snout of the Varaha. Surya and Chandra are near the eyes of the Varaha, Gayatri of the Vedic mantra fame sits between his eyes on a lotus pedestal. Ashvinikumaras are carved inside his ears. Three circles grace the top of his back, and they are symbols of the Hindu sacred recitation for Bhu, Bhuvah, and Svah. Inside these circles are more symbols. On his body, in rows are Dasavataras, Rudras, Vasus, Adityas, Navagrahas, Ashtamatrikas (eight mother goddesses), Ganesha and much more. In another row are scenes of Krishna-lilas, much cherished by Hindus. Even the edges of the platform are carved with symbols.