Chapter 4.12 - The Hog (Varaha) in the Epics

Along with other animals Valmiki has mentioned the pig in many places.^[1] Varahas are inferior type of animals. They are black, white or smoky in colour. They are despicable and eat all sorts of rubbish. They even eat some special kind of grass and like to play in mud. Some of them ruin standing crops and some are dangerous to humans. They are short-limbed, stupid and detestable. They have big belly, pointed ears, and solid fat. They have long snouts and teeth. Their body stinks. They are sexually active in early and late winter. By the age of 2, they are fully mature. The female pig gives birth to 5, 6 or 7 young piglets. The babies start sucking the mother's milk soon after their birth.

There are 10 types of them^[2]. 7 types dwell in villages and 3 in forests.

One variety is called Varaha. They are black and have small tails. They move rapidly. Their bodies are densely covered with hair. They are gluttons. They like to move in groups. They scream in a harsh, throaty voice and is called grunting. They get very fat and smell foul.

The second variety is known as Sukara. They are very fond of wallowing in mud. They have a whitish complexion. Their skin is covered by harsh and thick hair. They love to remain in muddy water. They have big bellies. They have long legs. They are cruel. They are greedy to eat. They breathe heavily. They are fond of destroying standing crops.

The 3rd variety is called Kola. They are short, ash-coloured and have sharp teeth. Their tails are crooked and curved. Their ears are long. Their skin is covered by dense hair. Their grunting is hoarse and harsh. They stink horribly.

The 4th variety is called Potrin. They have huge bodies. They move fast. They are fond of wallowing in mud. They are tall, have smoky complexion and have a scaring, hoarse voice. They have big bellies. They are heavy and strong. They have thick neck, big eyes and long penis.

The 5th variety is Kiti. They are very small. They run swiftly. They are of different colours and have lines on their body. Their legs are white or red. They scream in a terrible voice. They have bristlelike, sharp hair on the bodies.

The 6th variety is called Danshtrin. They like to eat hard food. They have protruding teeth and so their faces look terrible. They scream with a nasal tone. They seldom fall sick. They can easily tolerate the rain and sun. They are often seen engaged in dirty acts.

The 7th variety is known as Bhudara (Earth Digger). They are so called because they are fond of digging the earth. They are of dark tawny or black colour. They are not very fat. Their head and belly are large. They are fond of playing in the muddy water.

8^th variety is shvavid, which natural enemies of wolves. They are shorter and their skin is covered with hair, sharp like thorn. They are killers and destroyers. 9^th variety grishti, very tall, dread ful, have long tail, long hair on skin, and always roam and are known to have very sharp teeth. They are killers.Shalya are very tal;l, fattish and dangerous. They are earily provoked difficult to capture and wicked. They considered as in the Tamasa kind.

Footnotes and references:

[1]:

Valmiki Ramayana 1.24.15, 2.103.42, 3-11.4, 4.42, 34, 6.4.83

[2]:

Mrigapakshishastra [mriga-pakshi-shastra] .I.10.462,471,473b,476b,479b,482b,485,487b,490,493b,496