Varuna, one of the principal Devas (gods) in Hindu mythology, is the lord of the waters and governs all bodies of water, including oceans, lakes, rivers, and even the celestial waters that are said to surround the cosmos. He is also the god of justice, oaths, and the cosmic law, enforcing moral order (Rita) and punishing those who transgress divine laws. Varuna’s role evolves throughout the vast corpus of Hindu literature, from the Rig Veda to the Puranas, where he is depicted as a powerful and enigmatic deity.
Varuna’s Origins and Role in the Vedas
Varuna’s first appearances are found in the Rig Veda, one of the oldest religious texts in the world. He is often mentioned as part of the dual deity Mitra-Varuna, where he represents the dark, mysterious aspects of the universe, while Mitra, his counterpart, governs the more visible and tangible aspects, like sunlight and human contracts. Together, Mitra and Varuna maintain cosmic order, ensuring that both natural and moral laws are adhered to.
As the son of Aditi (the mother of the gods, or Adityas) and the sage Kashyapa, Varuna is one of the Adityas, the group of solar deities responsible for upholding cosmic balance. The Rig Veda often portrays Varuna as an omniscient and omnipresent deity, overseeing the world from his abode in the heavens, where he keeps a close watch on human actions. He is said to see everything, knowing the past, present, and future, and ensuring that the cosmic order is not disturbed.
In the later Vedic texts, the prominence of Mitra-Varuna diminishes, and Varuna becomes a more independent deity. Mitra fades from the narrative, leaving Varuna as the sole guardian of Rita, the cosmic order. This transition marks Varuna’s shift from being a Vedic god associated with the heavens to a more terrestrial god presiding over waters, justice, and moral integrity.
Varuna’s Iconography and Symbols
Varuna is traditionally depicted as riding a Makara, a mythical sea creature with the body of a fish and the head of an elephant or crocodile, symbolizing his dominion over the waters. He is often shown carrying a noose called the Varuna Pasha, which he uses to bind and punish evildoers. The noose is a powerful symbol of his authority, representing the god’s ability to enforce justice, maintain moral order, and hold the guilty accountable for their transgressions.
Varuna’s noose is not just a tool of punishment but also symbolizes the cycle of life and death, much like the concept of karma, where every action has consequences, and no one can escape the results of their deeds. Varuna’s association with the waters symbolizes purity, cleansing, and renewal, but it also signifies the unknown depths of the human psyche and the mysteries of the universe.
Varuna’s Role as Lord of Waters and Justice
In later Puranic texts, Varuna is more explicitly identified as the god of the oceans and all bodies of water. His role here is expansive, as he controls the rains, rivers, and seas, ensuring that the natural world functions according to the laws of nature. His dominion over the waters also extends to the symbolic, where water represents the cleansing of sin, a common theme in Hindu rituals. Sacred rivers like the Ganges are believed to carry Varuna’s blessing, purifying those who bathe in them and washing away their sins.
As the lord of justice, Varuna’s influence extends beyond the physical realm to encompass the moral and ethical sphere. He is invoked in oaths and vows, and it is believed that Varuna ensures truthfulness in human dealings. If someone were to break an oath, they could invoke the wrath of Varuna, who is often described as having a temper that is as vast and powerful as the oceans he rules. He is also the one who holds the power to bind liars, cheats, and those who break cosmic law with his noose, a metaphor for inescapable justice.
This dual role—lord of the waters and god of justice—connects Varuna to deeper aspects of the Hindu cosmology, where water is not only a life-giving force but also a purifier of sins. The Varuna Pasha is a reminder that the laws of the universe cannot be evaded, and those who transgress must face the consequences.
Varuna in Mythology and His Connection to Other Deities
Varuna’s role in mythology connects him to various other gods and mythological events, reflecting his importance in the cosmic hierarchy.
Varuna and Indra
In the Rig Veda, Varuna shares many similarities with Indra, the king of the gods, and the two are sometimes mentioned together. Indra, the god of thunder and war, is often the more aggressive force, while Varuna represents the subtle, all-seeing, and governing force of justice and morality. There are instances where the two gods complement each other—Indra conquers the visible enemies, while Varuna ensures that the cosmic balance and laws are maintained.
In one of the Rig Vedic hymns, Varuna is seen as the wise counselor to Indra, helping him navigate the complexities of cosmic order and governance. This relationship mirrors the balance between dharma (righteousness) and karma (consequence), where both gods play essential roles in ensuring the proper functioning of the universe.
Varuna and Yama
As the god of justice, Varuna’s role overlaps with Yama, the god of death and the lord of the underworld. While Yama governs the afterlife and ensures that souls are rewarded or punished based on their deeds, Varuna enforces justice in the living world. Together, they represent the complete cycle of moral law—Varuna watches over the living, while Yama judges the dead. In some texts, Yama and Varuna are considered complementary deities, ensuring that dharma is maintained throughout life and death.
Varuna and Soma
Varuna is also connected to Soma, the divine nectar or elixir of immortality, which is closely associated with the moon. Soma represents the spiritual intoxicant that grants wisdom and insight, and Varuna is sometimes described as its guardian. The Rig Veda describes Soma as being drunk by both gods and sages to gain enlightenment, and Varuna, as the lord of cosmic order, is tied to this celestial substance, reflecting his deeper connection to knowledge, wisdom, and the higher truths of the universe.
Varuna in Later Texts and Decline in Popularity
Despite Varuna’s prominence in the Vedic period, his status as one of the principal gods declined over time in favor of other deities like Shiva, Vishnu, and Indra. In later texts such as the Mahabharata and Ramayana, Varuna’s role is still acknowledged but diminished. He is sometimes called upon by other gods or heroes to assist with matters involving the seas or the administration of justice, but he no longer holds the central role he once did in the Vedic era.
For example, in the Ramayana, Rama invokes Varuna to part the sea so that his army can cross to Lanka. When Varuna does not respond, Rama prepares to release powerful arrows to dry up the ocean. Only after this display of force does Varuna appear, apologizing for his delay and aiding Rama by calming the waters.
Similarly, in the Mahabharata, Varuna grants Arjuna celestial weapons to aid him in battle, demonstrating his continued influence as a cosmic force, even if his worship as a primary deity waned.
Table: Key Figures and Elements Related to Varuna
| Character/Element | Relation to Varuna | Significance in Hindu Mythology |
|---|---|---|
| Mitra | Dual aspect deity with Varuna | Represents the lighter, more visible aspects of cosmic order, while Varuna governs the unseen and mysterious aspects of the universe. |
| Aditi | Mother | Varuna is one of the twelve Adityas, born to Aditi and Kashyapa. Aditi symbolizes infinity, boundlessness, and the nurturing aspect of the universe. |
| Kashyapa | Father | A great sage and one of the progenitors of the gods and demons. Varuna, as his son, is connected to both creation and the maintenance of cosmic order. |
| Varuna Pasha | Noose | The symbolic noose Varuna carries, representing justice, moral law, and his ability to bind and punish those who transgress the cosmic order. |
| Indra | Co-deity | Varuna complements Indra in maintaining both physical and moral order in the universe. |
| Yama | God of death and justice | Varuna enforces justice in life, while Yama presides over the judgment of souls in the afterlife, together completing the cycle of dharma. |
| Soma | Divine elixir | Varuna is associated with the consumption of Soma, which symbolizes divine knowledge and enlightenment. |
| Makara | Mount | Varuna rides the Makara, a sea creature symbolizing his dominion over the waters and the mysteries of the ocean. |
Conclusion
Varuna’s role in Hindu mythology is multifaceted, encompassing both the physical and metaphysical realms. As the lord of the waters, he controls the
life-giving forces of the seas, rivers, and rain, while as the lord of justice, he upholds the moral law and punishes those who violate it. His iconic noose, the Varuna Pasha, and his dominion over the waters symbolize his authority over life, death, and justice, representing the inescapable nature of karma. Though his prominence waned over time, Varuna remains a key figure in the cosmic order, symbolizing the importance of truth, justice, and the unyielding power of the universe’s natural laws.