Have you ever felt an unexplainable pull toward a place so powerful, it stirs your soul? That’s what Varahi Panch Sagar does to every devotee who steps into its mystic embrace. Tucked away in the rural heartlands of Uttar Pradesh, this ancient Shaktipeetha is more than just a temple—it’s a portal into India’s spiritual, mythological, and historical legacy.
Whether you’re a pilgrim seeking divine blessings or a traveler craving stories steeped in sacred energy, Varahi Panch Sagar promises an experience that lingers far beyond the visit.
🕉️ Mythology: The Tantric Warrior Goddess of the Night
In the vast pantheon of Hindu goddesses, Varahi holds a unique and formidable position. She is not just a divine mother figure but a fierce, nocturnal warrior—an embodiment of Shakti in her most terrifying and protective form.
Varahi is one of the Sapta Matrikas, the seven mother goddesses who emerged from the bodies of male gods to wage war against demonic forces. Specifically, she is the feminine energy of Varaha, the boar-headed avatar of Lord Vishnu. But unlike her male counterpart who lifts the Earth from cosmic waters, Goddess Varahi plunges into the abyss—destroying adharma and consuming evil with her terrifying tusks.
Occult wisdom
Tantric scriptures such as the Varahi Tantra and Rudrayamala hail her as the goddess of the night, and advanced practitioners often invoke her during midnight rituals. She rides a buffalo, carries a plough and a discus, and her face is that of a wild boar—untamed, fearless, and protective. Unlike more benevolent forms of Devi, Varahi operates in the shadows, granting boons of occult wisdom, courage, and spiritual transformation to those who dare approach her with pure intent.
According to Shakta traditions, after Sati’s self-immolation and the subsequent dismemberment of her body by Vishnu’s Sudarshan Chakra, her sacred body parts fell across the Indian subcontinent, forming the 51 Shaktipeethas. It is believed that at Panch Sagar, her lower teeth (daant) fell to the earth, making it a potent site of tantric energy and a vital nodal point in the Shaktipeetha circuit.
What makes Varahi Panch Sagar distinct is not only the fallen relic but also the esoteric worship practices associated with the goddess. Devotees rarely worship her in the open. Most perform rituals in silence or secrecy, under the cover of darkness and often outside traditional temple hours. Yet her devotees believe that she grants protection, fulfills righteous desires, and cuts through illusion like a divine tusk.
To truly understand Varahi, one must look beyond iconography and legend. She is not just a deity but a force—raw, primal, maternal, and untamed. Panch Sagar remains one of the few places in India where devotees still worship this enigmatic goddess in her full tantric splendor.
🏛️ Historical Background: A Legacy Etched in Tantric and Regional History
The origins of Varahi Panch Sagar lie deep within the religious and cultural fabric of northern India, particularly the Awadh region. Although mainstream historical chronicles rarely highlight this site, ancient scriptures and regional records from the early medieval period frequently mention Varahi worship, especially in its tantric context.
Dakshinachara and Vamachara paths
Tantric texts such as the Rudrayamala Tantra, Tantrasara, and Varahi Tantra prominently reference Goddess Varahi, describing her as a pivotal deity in both the Dakshinachara and Vamachara paths of worship. These texts often refer to her as Dandini—the commander of the divine feminine forces—and associate her with secrecy, night rituals, and battlefield power. Several inscriptions from the Gupta and post-Gupta periods (4th–7th century CE) also mention the Sapta Matrikas, indicating that the cult of the Matrikas had strong regional roots in central and northern India, including parts of present-day Uttar Pradesh.
Shakta expansion during the early medieval era
Local oral traditions preserved by temple priests and the surrounding villages claim that the Varahi temple at Panch Sagar dates back more than a thousand years. Although these accounts lack direct archaeological evidence, they align with the broader timeline of Shakta expansion during the early medieval era, particularly under regional dynasties like the Gahadavalas and Kalachuris, who actively patronized esoteric and tantric traditions.
One of the earliest documented associations with this site appears in the Bahraich District Gazetteer (British India, early 20th century), which makes brief mention of an “ancient Varahi shrine by a sacred tank” revered by tantric practitioners. The name Panch Sagar, meaning “five oceans,” symbolizes the convergence of five sacred energies or elements—a concept deeply rooted in tantric doctrines.
Architecture and revenue importance
Interestingly, this temple remained relatively obscure throughout the colonial period, primarily due to its association with non-mainstream forms of worship. Unlike larger temples that colonial authorities documented for their architecture and revenue significance, Varahi Panch Sagar remained largely insulated, preserved through local traditions and secretive rituals handed down over generations.
In recent decades, with renewed academic interest in tantric Shaktism, scholars have begun revisiting lesser-known Shaktipeethas like this one. Pilgrims and spiritual seekers are increasingly drawn to its unadorned sanctity and esoteric history, elevating Varahi Panch Sagar as a vital spiritual site with a richly layered past.
📍 Geographical Location: Off the Tourist Map
Varahi Panch Sagar is located in the Bahraich district of Uttar Pradesh, close to the Nepal border. Its proximity to Balha and Nanpara towns makes it accessible yet peacefully isolated from commercial tourism.
Coordinates: 27.85°N, 81.60°E
District: Bahraich, Uttar Pradesh
State: Uttar Pradesh, India.
The temple is situated on the banks of a serene pond (or “Sagar”), which gives it the suffix “Panch Sagar.” Surrounded by mango orchards, rice fields, and forested areas, the landscape adds an immersive touch to your spiritual journey.
How to Reach Varahi Panch Sagar
✈️ By Air
The nearest airport is Chaudhary Charan Singh International Airport (Lucknow), located about 170 km from Varahi Panch Sagar. This airport is well-connected to major Indian cities like: Kolkata, Delhi, Mumbai and Bengaluru.
From the airport hire a taxi to Bahraich (Approx. 3.5 to 4 hours by road)
🚆 By Train
The closest railway station to the temple is Bahraich Railway Station (BRK). Only a few trains run directly to Bahraich. Lucknow serves as a convenient transit hub.
The Bagh Express (Train number 13019) is the only train that runs directly from Kolkata to Bahraich. It departs from Kolkata (HWH) and terminates at Nanpara Junction, which is near Bahraich. The journey takes approximately 24 hours and 25 minutes, covering a distance of 854 km.
🚗 By Road
Varahi Panch Sagar is accessible via well-connected highways from nearby towns and cities.
- From Lucknow (170 km): Take NH30 to Bahraich, then local roads to Balha → Panch Sagar
- From Gonda (90 km): Take SH30 to Bahraich
- From Bahraich Town (25 km): Auto-rickshaws, shared jeeps, or private cabs are available
Roads are generally motorable, but the last few kilometers are rural and narrow—plan accordingly if traveling in monsoon season.
🏨 Where to Stay
Here are some recommended places to stay near the Varahi Temple:
Hotel Dolphin Grand
Varanasi, A-1, B-12/119 Beside LIC Office, Bhelupur, Varanasi 221010 India
Sun Rise Lodge
Meer Ghat D 3/21, Varanasi 221001 India
0.1 miles from Sri Varahi Devi Temple
Hotel Alka
Meer Ghat D 3/23 near Golden Temple, Varanasi 221001 India
0.1 miles from Sri Varahi Devi Temple
Rashmi Guest House
No 16/28, A Dasaswamedh, Varanasi 221001 India
0.0 miles from Sri Varahi Devi Temple
Architecture: Simplicity Meets Sanctity
The architectural framework of Varahi Panch Sagar presents a rare case study of sacred continuity over monumental scale. Unlike the grandiose temple complexes of North India with towering shikharas and extensive mandapas, Varahi Panch Sagar retains a vernacular, ritual-centric design that aligns more with tantric and rural temple traditions of the early medieval period.
Structural Observations
The temple is modest in size and plan, likely built using locally sourced laterite and sandstone blocks, a technique prevalent in 9th–12th century rural temple construction across Uttar Pradesh and parts of Bihar. The sanctum (garbhagriha) is a simple square chamber, with thick stone walls and a flat roof, now supported by additional brick-and-mortar repairs over time.
Unlike standard Nagara-style temples which typically include a mandapa (pillared hall) and ornate doorways, this structure lacks decorative reliefs or intricate carvings. However, this simplicity is not a sign of incompleteness but rather a reflection of the temple’s esoteric character.
Iconography & Tantric Symbolism
The idol of Goddess Varahi is distinctive and adheres closely to tantric iconographic prescriptions found in texts like the Tantrasara and Varahi Tantra. She appears with a boar face (varaha-mukhi) and a human body, holding a plough and a chakra—symbols of agricultural fertility and cosmic protection. Layers of sindoor and ghee coat the black-stone idol, reflecting centuries of ritualistic anointment.
Numerous trishuls (tridents) embedded around the sanctum and in the outer courtyard draw particular archaeological interest. These are not merely decorative but serve as ritual markers, a tradition dating back to early Shaiva and Shakta cults where devotees plant tridents as votive offerings.
Surrounding Features
Adjacent to the main sanctum is a sacred water tank or pond (sagar), from which the temple derives its name. Such water bodies were integral to temple complexes during the early medieval period, serving both ritual purification and symbolic representation of cosmic waters. The orientation of the temple—facing the east and aligned with the pond—suggests an intentional layout to harness solar and elemental energies, a key aspect in tantric site selection.
Interpretative Conclusion
From an archaeological perspective, Varahi Panch Sagar stands as a rare surviving example of a living tantric shrine—unrefined, untouched by modernization, and steeped in localized architectural traditions. Its lack of ornamental excess and focus on functionality, sacred geometry, and elemental alignment speak volumes about the priorities of its builders.
This temple isn’t just a structure; it’s a ritual space, preserved more by faith than by stone. It offers us a living museum of how sacred architecture can evolve through centuries without losing its core spiritual identity.
🌤️ Best Time to Visit
| Month | Weather | Why Visit? |
| October–March | Pleasant, 10–25°C | Ideal for darshan and exploration |
| April–June | Hot, 35–45°C | Avoid unless attending a ritual |
| July–September | Humid, monsoon rains | Devotees gather for Navratri |
🎉 Festivals: A Divine Gathering
The temple bursts to life during Navratri, especially the Ashwin Navratri in October. Other key festivals include:
- Chaitra Navratri (March–April)
- Varahi Jayanti (celebrated by Tantric followers)
- Full Moon Nights (Purnima) – considered highly auspicious
During these festivals, you’ll witness:
- Tantric pujas performed secretly in the forest
- Local folk songs and kirtans
- Women lighting 108 diyas around the pond
Local People & Culture
The people of Bahraich remain deeply rooted in tradition, with most locals engaged in farming, small-scale trade, or temple-related services.
What stood out:
- Their hospitality: A shopkeeper offered me warm milk without asking for money.
- Their devotion: Even children greet you with “Jai Maa Varahi!”
- Cultural blend: Being near the Nepal border, you’ll see a unique mix of Awadhi and Maithili traditions.
📸 Nearby Attractions
Exploring the nearby areas can enrich your trip. These spots offer a spiritual, natural, and cultural balance for curious travelers.
Bahraich Dargah – Symbol of communal harmony.
Dargah Bade Purush Baba Dikauli Sharif or Bade Purush Dargah is a dargah (shrine) located at Dikauli village in Shravasti district of Uttar Pradesh, India near Bahraich. It is the dargah of Hazrat Ameer Nasrullah or Nasrullah Shah or Hazrat Saiyyad Nasrullah Gaazi or Mir Nasrullah, who is famously known as Bade Purush or Bade Purukh and Budhwa Baba. Bade Purush is revered by both the Muslims and Hindus.
Katarniaghat Wildlife Sanctuary – Just 40 km away, ideal for a half-day trip.
The Katarniaghat Wildlife Sanctuary is a protected area in the Upper Gangetic plain, near Bahraich city in Bahraich district of Uttar Pradesh, India and covers an area of 400.6 sq. km (154.7 sq mi) in the Terai of the Bahraich district. It was established in 1975. In 1987, it was brought under the purview of the Project Tiger, and together with the Kishanpur Wildlife Sanctuary and the Dudhwa National Park it forms the Dudhwa Tiger Reserve.
Nanpara Palace Ruins – A hidden historical gem.
The Nanpara Taluqdari was one of the taluqdaris (feudatory states) in British India. The title of “Raja” was conferred on the Nanpara House in 1763 by the Nawab Shuja-ud-Daula, the King of Oudh and was then recognized by the British. With holding of 439 villages it was the largest Muslim taluqdars (landowners) in British India.
Shravasti – The ancient Buddhist city is about 90 km away.
Shravasti is a town in Shravasti district in Indian state of Uttar Pradesh. It was the capital of the ancient Indian kingdom of Kosala which was ruled by Lava and the place where the Buddha lived most after his enlightenment. It is near the Rapti river in the northeastern part of Uttar Pradesh India, close to the Nepalese border.
Shravasti is one of the most revered sites in Buddhism. It is believed to be where the Buddha taught many of his Suttas (sermons), converted many of his famous disciples, and performed his “Sravasti miracles” – “great miracle” and “twin miracle” – a subject of numerous historic reliefs, statues and literature in Buddhism.
🙏 Conclusion: Why Varahi Panch Sagar Deserves Your Visit
Varahi Panch Sagar isn’t just a destination—it’s an experience that challenges your perception of temples. With its untouched aura, deep-rooted mythology, and fiercely powerful deity, it beckons those who seek a raw, unfiltered connection with the divine feminine.
If you’re looking for a sacred space away from tourist crowds, if you wish to feel the presence of Shakti in her most primal form, this temple is your calling.
Have you ever visited a temple that left a permanent mark on your soul? Share your experience in the comments! And if you’re planning a trip to Varahi Panch Sagar, check out templesofindia.space for more sacred gems across India. 🔔 subscribe for more temple stories, travel guides, and spiritual insights.
FAQ:
The Varahi Devi Temple typically opens only for a couple of hours each morning, specifically from 5:00 AM to 8:00 AM. Devotees and pilgrims are allowed for darshan from 7:30 to 9:30 only.
Devotees often start their day with a simple puja, offering flowers, fruits, and incense to the Goddess.
Varahi Devi’s favorite colors are generally considered to be red and yellow (or gold).
Goddess Varahi is considered powerful due to her association with the earth element, her fierce and protective nature, and her connection to the Muladhara Chakra (root chakra).
Goddess Varahi’s favorite days are Panchami (5th tithi), Ashtami (8th tithi), and Navaratri (especially Ashada Navaratri).
Varahi is believed to be the Sakti of Varaha. In the Tantric text ‘Varahi Tantra’ mention has been made of five forms of Varahi i.e., Svapna Varahi, canda Varahi, Mahi Varahi (Bhairavi), Krcca Varahi and Matsya Varahi.
