Varaha Upanishad is one of the minor
Upanishads, among the 108 Upanishads in Indian Philosophy, appended to the Krishna Yajur Veda.
Sage Ribhu is believed to have performed penance for 12 divine years, as a result of which,
Vishnu appeared before him in the form of
Varaha, and gave him the knowledge of Varaha Upanishad. Ribhu requests Varaha to enlighten him regarding the science of
Brahman. The first chapter of the Upanishad explains about the 96 tattwas, the second chapter deals with Brahma vidya, the third chapter deals with the concept of Brahman. The fourth chapter is a dialogue between Nidagha and Lord Ribhu, where the latter enlightens the former regarding the characteristics of Jivanmukti and the four kinds of jivanmuktas; chapter five outlines the rules (to be observed) in the practice of Yoga.
A significant reference in the Varaha Upanishad is that of the
Pranava Mantra. The 'topmost note of the Pranava' is the subtle sound of 'Om' that is experienced in meditation, that cannot be 'uttered' in the manner of ordinary speech.One who knows the topmost note of the Pranava, is the knower of the Veda. The Pranava can burn away accumulated sins and bestow liberation on the seeker.
