Varuna
वरुण • Varuṇa
"The One who Encompasses; related to 'covering' (vri - to cover)"
Category & Classification
Iconography
Attributes & Weapons
- Pasha (Noose) (Primary attribute) - Binding; cosmic law; capturing sinners
- Kamandalu (Water pot) (One hand) - Waters; purification
- Padma (Lotus) (Sometimes) - Purity arising from water
- Shankha (Conch) - Ocean; primordial sound
Distinctive Features
- Blue or white complexion
- Seated on Makara (sea creature)
- Noose (pasha) - his signature attribute
- Royal attire
- Umbrella of five-headed snake (sometimes)
- Associated with ocean and waters
Family & Relations
| Origin | Son of Kashyapa and Aditi; or self-manifested with the waters |
Mythology & Stories
Son of Kashyapa and Aditi; or self-manifested with the waters
Varuna represents the shift from ethical cosmic deity (Vedic) to nature god (Puranic). His association with Rita shows the ancient Indian concern with truth and cosmic order.
Guardian of Cosmic Order (Rita)
In Vedic times, Varuna was among the supreme deities - the guardian of Rita (cosmic order/truth). He watched over human actions with his thousand eyes and punished those who violated Rita with his noose.
Source: Rigveda
Varuna and Bhrigu
Varuna taught his son Bhrigu about Brahman through progressive understanding, leading to the realization that Brahman is Ananda (bliss).
Source: Taittiriya Upanishad
Becoming God of Waters
As Indra rose to prominence in later Vedic period, Varuna's cosmic role diminished. He became primarily the lord of waters, especially the ocean, retaining his ancient majesty but in a more limited domain.
Source: Puranic
Kidnapping Bhadra
Varuna once kidnapped Bhadra to his underwater palace. When Krishna and Balarama came to rescue her, Varuna returned her with apologies, recognizing Krishna's supremacy.
Source: Puranic
Worship & Mantras
Mantras
Om Jalbimbaya Vidmahe Nilapurushaya Dhimahi Tanno Varuna Prachodayat
Om Varunaya Namah
Om Paschimadikpati Varunaya Namah
Offerings
- Water
- White flowers
- Rice
- Naval offerings
Occasions
- Rain ceremonies
- Near water bodies
- Vastu puja for west
- When seeking forgiveness (ancient role)
- Sailors and fishermen worship
Astrological Connection
Symbolism & Philosophy
Cosmic Role: Lord of waters; ancient guardian of cosmic order; moral overseer
- Water covers and encompasses - like Varuna encompasses all
- The noose represents inescapable karma/law
- Thousand eyes (stars) represent that nothing is hidden
- From supreme cosmic god to water god shows dharmic evolution
| NooseSymbolism | His pasha (noose) binds sinners but can also release the penitent - showing law has mercy |
