Varuna is a Vedic deity called the ‘God of Sky and Water’ and the ‘Guardian of the Western region’. He is affiliated to the Deva and Adityas. His mount is the Makara (part land creature, part fish) and his weapon is the Pasha (loop, rope, noose). He lives in the Ocean Jalloka. He was born to Aditi (mother) and Sage Kashyapa – one of the seven ancient sages (father). Varuni is the consort of Varuna. Names of their children include Samudra, Agni, Indra, Vayu and others. Initially she was associated with the sky and later on with Satya (Truth), Rta (Justice) and the Seas.
In Hinduism, Varuna is mentioned in the oldest layer of Vedic literature. He is described as the ‘God of Sea and Rain’ in Tamil grammar. This deity is called the ‘God of Oceans’. Varuna is described in some of the Hindu texts as father of Vasishtha, the Vedic Sage. His name is mentioned in Jainism religion as well.
Varuna is a theonym obtained from the term, ‘to bind, to restrain, to cover, to surround’. In other words, his name is interpreted as ‘the one who binds or the one who covers’ which is associated with the ‘binding’ by Rta (universal law) and encircling of the world by the cosmic river or ocean.
Vedic texts describe Varuna as, ‘one who punishes those who sin without remorse and the one who forgives those who err with remorse. As per the RigVeda, he is the guardian of moral law. The Vedas make a mention of Varuna and his relationship with oceans, rivers and waters. He is also mentioned in a number or Rigvedic hymns.
