Varuna

In Hinduism, Varuna ("he who covers" refers to the sky) is one of the most important gods in the pantheon. In pre-Vedic era, he was probably the most supreme god and keeper of order, a god of rain and law who keeps the sun moving. He was omniscient and omnipotent.

Varuna is the master of rta, which is the energy that keeps the universe running on time and as it should. Varuna is a lunar deity, depicted in art as a white man wearing golden armor and holding a noose or lasso made from a snake. He rides a sea monster (Makara). He is one of the Ashta-Dikpalas, representing the west.

Varuna is a god of the dead, and can grant immortality. He is perhaps most strongly associated with rain; after Indra took his former position as overlord of the universe, Varuna became the god of oceans and rivers and keeper of the souls of the drowned. He is attended by the nagas.

See also

• List of Hinduism-related articles : Solar Deity, Parashurama, Aryan race, Underworld, Perun, Makara, Asura, Naga, Aditya, Rta, Ashta-Dikpalas, Mitanni, Vedic civilization, Aryan god, Vaastu Shastra, Mitra, Swadhisthana

Referenced By