Varuna is a significant Vedic deity with several defining characteristics:
- Journey from Asura to Guardian Deity: Varuna transitions from being an Asura (demon) to a divine protector or guardian deity.
- Varuna’s Bonds: He is associated with bonds or ropes (pasha) that symbolize control and punishment.
- Illusion and Cosmic Sovereignty: Varuna is linked with cosmic illusion (maya) and holds supreme cosmic authority.
- Associations with Friend-Deities: He has a close connection with other deities, notably Mitra.
- Rivalry with Indra: Varuna’s role often comes into competition with Indra, the king of gods.
Vedic References to Varuna:
Varuna is mentioned in 13-14 hymns of the Rigveda and appears approximately 340 times across the Vedas.
Appearance in the Vedas:
Varuna is depicted as wearing a golden robe and sometimes golden armor that emits rays of light. His palace is described as being in a lofty place in heaven, illuminated with light, adorned with thousands of pillars and gateways. From his heavenly abode, he observes all creation. Occasionally, Varuna is said to reside in a palace beneath the waters. The sun is also described as Varuna’s eye.
Characteristics:
Four Faces: Varuna is said to have four faces, representing his ability to see in all directions.
Cosmic Ruler: He is the overseer and ruler of the cosmos, enforcing order and punishing transgressions.
Justice and Order: Varuna does not show leniency towards sinners and ensures that cosmic order is maintained.
Vedic Epithets:
Varuna is described with various epithets such as Asura, Mavina, Dhritavat, Ritvan, Samrajya, Spash, and Pasha. The term ‘Varuna’ is believed to derive from the root ‘Vru,’ meaning ‘to cover’ or ‘to encompass.’
Asura Varuna: The term ‘Asura’ denotes an all-pervasive power. Varuna is called Asura due to his immense cosmic power. He is also described as Yaksha, an enchanter, and Chaturmukha, meaning “four-faced.”
Cosmic Order: ‘Rit’ Represents cosmic order, and Varuna is referred to as Ritasya Gopa, the protector of this order.
Deeds of the Deity Varuna:
Rajasuya Yadnya: This is considered Varuna’s sacred rite.
Protection of Life: There is a tale of Varuna saving the life of a creature during a sacrifice.
Monitoring Transgressions: Varuna records every sin and transgression, from minor infractions to major offenses.
Control and Punishment
Varuna controls the universe through his bonds (pasha) and enforces his laws by punishing those who break them. This role establishes Varuna as a supreme ruler.
Punishment and Protection:
Varuna is known to punish wrongdoers with diseases such as dropsy. He is described as placing essential elements like space among trees, strength in horses, milk in cows, spirit in hearts, fire in water, the sun in heaven, control over rain, soma on mountains, and water on earth. He created heaven, earth, and the entire universe, establishing his dominion over gods, humans, and all creation. Varuna knows the paths of birds, winds, and the sun, and he is the ruler of both gods and humans.
Omnipresence and Symbolism:
Varuna is omnipresent, overseeing and monitoring all actions. The practice of taking water (udaka) while making a vow symbolizes Varuna’s witness to the promise. Water represents Varuna (as his abode is in water), and breaking this vow is believed to invoke Varuna’s judgment.
Relations with Other Deities:
Indra: There was a historical rivalry between Indra and Varuna. Indra, a deity of war and the king of gods, was more associated with Kshatriyas, while Varuna, a Brahman-like deity, commanded respect and fear.
Mitra and Varuna: These twin deities are seen as upholders of cosmic order. Mitra symbolizes friendship, bonds, and agreements, while Varuna maintains divine order. Together, they are responsible for bringing rain from heaven.
Pre-Vedic Representation:
In Zoroastrianism, Ahura Mazda is described in a hundred and one stories, with Varuna being the forty-first. In the Avesta, Varuna represents the all-encompassing sky. Ahura Mazda is believed to have emerged from a triad, including Mithra and Apam Napat (the spirit of water). Varuna and Mithra are mentioned together in ancient texts, with Varuna regarded as a supreme and majestic deity.
Post-Vedic Representation:
In later periods, Varuna’s cosmic sovereignty diminished, and he was primarily recognized as the deity of the sea and the ruler of the west.
स नो विश्वाहा सुक्रतुरादित्यः सुपथा करत्, प्र ण आयूंषि तारिषत्.. (ऋ. २५. २)
Sa No Vishvaha Sukruturadityaha Supatha Karat, Pra Naa Ayunshi Tarishat…(Rig. 25.2)
-May Varuna, the wise son of Aditi, always guide us on the right path and prolong our lives.
