Explore Everything About God Varuna Devta

Among the many deities in Hindu mythology, Bhagwan Varuna stands out as a powerful yet often overlooked figure whose influence flows through the very essence of life. Revered as the ancient Vedic god of water, rain, and the oceans, Varuna’s domain extends across rivers, seas, clouds, and all water bodies, earning him the title King of Waters. He is not only the sustainer of life through rain and fertility but also the guardian of the western direction and the upholder of cosmic and moral order. With roots tracing back to the earliest Vedic hymns, Varuna’s presence is marked by majesty and mystery, depicted riding the mythical Makara, armed with a noose, and often accompanied by his consort Varuni.

His stories, roles, and rituals reveal a deity who commands the elements, disciplines with justice, and forgives with compassion. Exploring the legacy of Bhagwan Varuna opens a window into the ancient spiritual imagination of India, where the forces of nature were revered as living, conscious powers shaping the destiny of the world.

Who is Bhagwan Varuna?

Bhagwan Varuna is a foundational figure in Vedic tradition, revered as the god of water, rain, and the cosmic ocean. His authority encompasses all water bodies, rivers, seas, lakes, and the vast expanse of the ocean, making him the sustainer of life and fertility. In the Rigveda, Varuna is celebrated not only for his dominion over the physical realm of water but also as the supreme upholder of cosmic and moral order. He oversees truth, justice, and the laws that govern both nature and human conduct, using his symbolic noose to bind those who stray from righteousness and to enforce ethical discipline.

Varuna’s role extends beyond water to embody the very principles of law, duty, and sacred vows. He is described as omniscient, with a thousand eyes watching over the world, and is often invoked for forgiveness, purification, and mercy. His dual nature as both punisher and forgiver highlights a sophisticated moral theology, where sincere repentance can bring divine grace. In later texts, such as the Mahabharata and Ramayana, Varuna’s prominence shifts from supreme sky god to guardian of the western direction and Bhagwan of the waters, yet his moral authority and cosmic significance endure. His iconography features the Makara, a mythical aquatic creature, and the noose, both underscoring his command over the elements and the ethical order of the universe. Varuna’s enduring legacy is that of a deity who not only rules the waters but also upholds the balance and harmony of the cosmos through unwavering justice and compassion.

Significance of Bhagwan Varuna

Bhagwan Varuna is revered as the sustainer of life, responsible for the fertility of the earth and the balance of natural cycles. In Vedic philosophy, Varuna is the upholder of cosmic and moral order, known as rta, and is seen as an omnipotent force who supervises the universe with infinite knowledge and a thousand eyes. He dispenses justice, punishes those who stray from righteousness, and forgives the remorseful, symbolizing the balance between discipline and compassion. His connection to the night, moon, and the west further emphasizes his role as a guardian of the mysterious and the unseen, linking him to the deeper currents of consciousness and spiritual wisdom.

Varuna’s importance is especially notable among Sindhi Hindus, who venerate him as Jhulelal, their community protector. In Maharashtra and along the Konkan coast, fishing communities honor him during Nārali Poornima, offering coconuts and prayers to the ocean for safety and prosperity. He is also respected in Jain and Buddhist traditions, and in Japanese Buddhism, he appears as Suiten. In ancient Assam, he was worshipped as one of the twelve Adityas and held a prominent place in local astrolatry. His presence in temple art, such as Hoysala architecture, often highlights his role as the deity of sea voyages and water journeys.

Several festivals are dedicated to Bhagwan Varuna. Cheti Chand, celebrated by Sindhi Hindus, marks the arrival of spring and honors Jhulelal as Varuna’s incarnation. Chaliya Sahib is a 40-day thanksgiving festival expressing gratitude to Varuna for answered prayers. Nārali Poornima, observed in the month of Shravan, sees devotees offering coconuts to the sea to seek Varuna’s blessings for safe voyages and good fortune. In some regions, Varuna is also worshipped during Raksha Bandhan, with special offerings made to the ocean. These observances highlight Varuna’s enduring role as a protector, provider, and upholder of order, making him a vital force in the spiritual and cultural life of many communities.

Iconography & Symbolism

Bhagwan Varuna is depicted as a radiant and majestic deity, often with four faces, one resembling Agni, the fire god, and several graceful arms. His complexion is described in the Rigveda as glowing sky-blue or as luminous as a conch or crystal, while some texts mention golden or dark hues. He is portrayed as handsome, robust, and dressed in a short, floating, sleeveless golden cloak with sturdy golden armor. Varuna is commonly shown riding the Makara, a mythical aquatic creature interpreted as part crocodile, part fish, or even with antelope legs and a fish tail. He holds a noose made from a snake in his right hand, symbolizing his power to bind and uphold cosmic law. Additional symbols include the lotus, conch, a container of gems, and an umbrella held over his head. In some depictions, he is accompanied by his wives Varuni and Riddi, and occasionally his sons Pushkara, Bala, and Sura. He is sometimes shown seated on a sparkling diamond throne, surrounded by gods and goddesses of lakes, springs, and rivers, reflecting his dominion over all waters.

Art, sculpture, and temple depictions of Varuna highlight his regal and aquatic associations. In temple iconography, he is often shown riding a Makara or, as a Lokapala (guardian of directions), on an elephant named Anjana. Some sculptures feature him riding a chariot drawn by seven swans, emphasizing his connection to the heavens and water. His images frequently include white garments, pearl ornaments, garlands, and a crown, reinforcing his status as a universal monarch. Artistic representations vary across regions and periods, but the consistent elements are his aquatic vahana, the noose, and his association with water deities and celestial courts. In Hoysala and other South Indian temple architecture, Varuna appears as a guardian of the western direction, further cementing his role in the cosmic order.

Color symbolism, posture, and mudras are integral to Varuna’s iconography. He is most often associated with white, representing purity, clarity, and the life-sustaining quality of water. Some texts describe him in red or yellow garments, but white remains predominant in depictions, along with pearl and crystal jewelry. His posture is typically upright and regal, either seated on his vahana or standing in a blessing gesture. The noose in his hand is a key symbol of his authority and ability to enforce moral law. His mudras, especially the abhaya (protection) and varada (boon-giving) gestures, signify assurance, forgiveness, and the granting of blessings, aligning with his dual role as both disciplinarian and compassionate guardian.

Origin of Bhagwan Varuna

Varuna’s mythological origins are rooted in the earliest Vedic scriptures, where he emerges as the sovereign of cosmic and moral order. In the Rigveda, Varuna is depicted as a supreme deity who governs the laws of the universe, the movement of celestial bodies, the flow of rivers, and the cycles of nature. He is often invoked for forgiveness, justice, and the maintenance of truth, wielding his noose to bind those who transgress these cosmic laws. His vigilance is described as omnipresent, with countless messengers ensuring that the order of the universe is never broken.

In the Brahmana texts, Varuna’s role as the enforcer of cosmic law is further emphasized. Rituals such as the Varunapraghasa sacrifice, performed during the rainy season, highlight his connection to both the moral and natural order. He is portrayed as both a punisher and a forgiver, granting atonement through sincere repentance and ritual observance.

As mythology evolves in the Mahabharata and Ramayana, Varuna’s status transitions from the supreme sky god to the regent of the western direction and Bhagwan of all waters. In the Mahabharata, he is counted among the twelve Adityas, the sons of Aditi, and is described as residing beneath the ocean in a grand palace surrounded by aquatic beings and river goddesses. He plays key roles in several episodes, such as gifting Arjuna the celestial bow Gandiva and the mace Kaumodaki to Krishna, and granting boons to King Nala. In another tale, Varuna is compelled to return the sage Utathya’s wife after abducting her, demonstrating his vulnerability to higher moral authority.

In the Ramayana, Varuna’s character is marked by integrity and adherence to cosmic law. When Bhagwan Rama seeks to cross the ocean to reach Lanka, he performs penance to Varuna. Initially unresponsive, Varuna eventually emerges, explaining that he cannot violate the cosmic order by stilling the ocean but promises not to obstruct Rama’s efforts. This episode underscores Varuna’s unwavering commitment to the laws governing the universe, even in the face of divine intervention.

The Puranas continue to depict Varuna as the guardian of the west and the water element. Although his prominence diminishes in later texts, he retains significant moral authority, punishing those who break vows or disrupt sacred order, and rewarding those who uphold truth. Stories such as King Harishchandra’s ordeal and Krishna’s encounters with Varuna reinforce his enduring role as a judge and protector of cosmic balance.

Throughout these scriptures and epics, Varuna is consistently portrayed as both a divine legislator and a compassionate force, embodying the dual aspects of justice and mercy. His mythological origin and evolution reflect the deep reverence for natural order and ethical conduct that lies at the heart of Hindu cosmology.

Legends and Stories

One of the most well-known tales involving Bhagwan Varuna appears in the Ramayana. When Sita was abducted by Ravana and taken to Lanka, Bhagwan Rama sought to cross the ocean with his army. Rama performed intense penance for three days and nights, praying to Varuna, the god of the oceans, for a safe passage. When Varuna did not respond, Rama, in anger, threatened to destroy the ocean. As Rama prepared to unleash his celestial weapons, Varuna emerged, pleaded for mercy, and explained his inability to alter the cosmic laws. He requested Rama to instead target the demonic beings within the ocean. Impressed by Rama’s resolve and purity, Varuna promised to keep the waters calm, allowing Rama’s army to cross safely to Lanka.

Another notable story from the Mahabharata highlights Varuna’s role as a divine benefactor. He is described as a supporter of Krishna after Krishna conquered him in a battle. In gratitude, Varuna gifted the celestial weapons Sudarshana Chakra to Krishna and the Gandiva Bow to Arjuna, both of which played crucial roles in the epic’s major battles.

Varuna’s connection to cosmic law and justice is also illustrated in the Vedas. He is depicted as the supreme upholder of rta, the cosmic and moral order. With his noose, Varuna binds those who violate truth and justice but is also known for his compassion, forgiving those who sincerely repent. His vigilance is described as having a thousand eyes, constantly observing the world to maintain balance and discipline.

These tales emphasize Varuna’s dual nature as both a strict enforcer of cosmic order and a compassionate deity who responds to sincere devotion and righteousness. His stories span the Vedas, Ramayana, and Mahabharata, reflecting his enduring presence as a guardian of water, justice, and universal harmony.

Spiritual Lessons from God Varuna

The tales of Bhagwan Varuna offer rich moral and spiritual lessons that resonate across time and tradition. As the upholder of cosmic and moral order, Varuna embodies the importance of living with integrity, truthfulness, and accountability. His role as both disciplinarian and forgiver teaches that while wrong actions have consequences, sincere repentance and self-correction are always met with compassion and forgiveness. This balance between justice and mercy is central to his character, encouraging individuals to acknowledge their mistakes, seek forgiveness, and strive for moral improvement.

The story of Rama’s penance to Varuna in the Ramayana highlights the value of perseverance, humility, and respect for natural and cosmic laws. Even great heroes must recognize their limitations and approach the divine with sincerity and patience. Varuna’s eventual appearance and guidance to Rama reinforce the idea that solutions often come through understanding, dialogue, and purification rather than force or anger. This tale also underscores the interconnectedness of the natural world and human action, reminding us to act with reverence toward the environment and all living beings.

The Upanishadic story of Bhrigu and Varuna offers a profound spiritual message about the journey to self-realization. It teaches that true knowledge and liberation come from deep introspection, meditation, and the realization of one’s unity with the ultimate reality, Brahman. The layers of reality, food, life force, mind, intellect, and bliss, are all aspects of the same underlying truth. The path to enlightenment is not external but lies within, requiring persistence, humility, and the willingness to transcend superficial understanding.

Varuna’s legends consistently promote virtues such as honesty, purity, and ethical conduct. They serve as reminders that the divine is both a witness and a guide, ever-present in the cycles of nature and the unfolding of human destiny. Through his stories, Varuna inspires devotees to align with higher principles, seek inner clarity, and embrace the journey toward self-discovery and spiritual awakening.

Puja Vidhi at Home

Required materials

• Kalash (pot) filled with clean water
• Drops of milk, honey, uncooked rice, moong dal, jowar, and jaggery
• Red cloth
• Chandan (sandalwood paste)
• Lamp (preferably with pure cow ghee and sindoor)
• Camphor (karpur)
• Red flowers
• Uncooked rice
• Dhoop or agarbatti (incense)
• Sweets made from jaggery (for prasad)
• White sandalwood mala (for mantra counting)

Step-by-step home or festival puja guide

• Perform the puja early in the morning after bathing and wear a red-colored dress.
• Fill a Kalash with water and add a couple of drops each of milk, honey, uncooked rice, moong dal, jowar, and jaggery.
• Use chandan to make a dot on the Kalash.
• Place the Kalash on a red cloth in the northeast part of your home, facing northeast.
• Light a lamp with pure cow ghee mixed with sindoor and ignite camphor.
• Offer red flowers to Bhagwan Varuna.
• Present uncooked rice and offer dhoop or agarbatti.
• Distribute sweets made from jaggery as prasad to family members after the puja.
• Place a portion of the prasad in a clean river or pond.
• Chant the mantra dedicated to Bhagwan Varuna 108 times, using a white sandalwood mala for counting.
• After the puja, place the contents of the Kalash under a peepal tree.

Chanting and Aarti process

Recite the Varuna mantra 108 times: Om Varunaya Namah

After chanting, perform aarti for Bhagwan Varuna with the lit lamp, waving it in a circular motion before the Kalash and offering prayers for protection, health, and harmony.

Conclude by expressing gratitude and distributing prasad.

This puja invokes Bhagwan Varuna’s blessings for health, prosperity, and the removal of obstacles, especially those related to water and emotional balance.

Mantras Dedicated to Bhagwan Varuna

Om Varunaya Namah

Meaning: Salutations to Bhagwan Varuna, the deity of water and cosmic order.
Benefits: Invoking this mantra brings relief from water-related fears, helps overcome persistent life obstacles, and supports healing from ailments, especially those connected to water. It also promotes emotional balance and harmony in the household.

Aum Jalbimbaye Vidmahe Nila Purushaye Dhimahi Tanno Varunah Prachodayat

Meaning: Om, Let us meditate on the reflection of water. O person of ocean blue, give me higher intellect and let the God of water illuminate my mind.
Benefits: Chanting this mantra restores order in mind, body, family, and environment, removes disorders and dangers from water, increases love and harmony between partners, and helps reveal and cleanse inner negativity or past sins. It is especially helpful for those seeking clarity, purification, and protection from water-related issues.

Benefits of Worshipping Bhagwan Varuna

Worship of Bhagwan Varuna brings a spectrum of spiritual, mental, and material advantages, deeply rooted in Vedic tradition and relevant to modern life. Spiritually, Varuna is the embodiment of purity, truth, and cosmic order. His worship fosters a sense of moral integrity, inspires adherence to truth, and encourages self-reflection and repentance. Devotees experience spiritual clarity and are guided toward enlightenment, as Varuna’s presence dissolves ignorance and align individuals with higher principles. Meditating on Varuna or chanting his mantras purifies the mind and soul, helping practitioners overcome inner negativity and progress on the path of self-realization.

Mentally, Varuna’s blessings promote emotional stability, mental clarity, and resilience. His association with water and the Svadhisthana Chakra emphasizes emotional balance and adaptability, making his worship especially beneficial for those facing anxiety, stress, or emotional turbulence. Regular prayers and rituals dedicated to Varuna reduce mental burdens, enhance focus, and foster peace of mind, supporting overall psychological well-being.

Materially, Varuna is revered as the sustainer of life through his dominion over water, rain, and fertility. His worship is sought for protection from water-related dangers, healing of ailments, and removal of persistent obstacles. Communities invoke his blessings for agricultural prosperity, safe sea voyages, and harmony in relationships. He is also honored for his role in protecting water sources and promoting environmental consciousness, inspiring gratitude and responsible stewardship of natural resources.

Most important benefits of worshipping Bhagwan Varuna:

• Cures various physical ailments, especially those related to water
• Removes fear of water and resolves persistent water-related issues
• Brings emotional balance and mental clarity
• Promotes spiritual purification and self-realization
• Ensures protection and safety during sea voyages and travels
• Attracts rainfall and agricultural prosperity
• Fosters truthfulness, moral integrity, and adherence to justice
• Inspires environmental consciousness and respect for natural resources

Through sincere devotion and regular worship, Bhagwan Varuna’s blessings bring harmony, healing, and holistic growth in every aspect of life.

Temples Dedicated to Varuna Deva

Temples dedicated to Bhagwan Varuna are rare but hold unique architectural and cultural significance, often located near water bodies to honor his domain as the god of oceans and rivers. The most prominent is the Shri Varun Dev Mandir on Manora Island in Karachi, Pakistan. This historic temple, 1300 years old and renovated in the early 20th century, is devoted to Bhagwan Varuna (also revered as Jhulelal by Sindhi Hindus). Its architecture features domed structures and inscriptions in multiple languages, reflecting the syncretic heritage of the region. The temple has served as a spiritual anchor for seafarers and the Sindhi community, with rituals and festivals invoking Varuna’s protection over the seas. Restoration efforts in recent years have preserved its heritage, and it continues to be a focal point for religious events and tourists.

In India, the Varuna Bhagavan Temple in Neelambur, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, is one of the few temples dedicated specifically to Bhagwan Varuna. Built in the 20th century in response to drought and famine, this temple attracts devotees, especially on Sundays and festival days, who seek relief from water scarcity and blessings for prosperity. The temple’s rituals and iconography emphasize Varuna’s role as the ocean god and his connection to the river goddesses. Additionally, the Varuna Lingam Shrine on the Girivalam path in Tiruvannamalai, Tamil Nadu, is another sacred site where Varuna is honored, with legends describing him installing a Shiva Lingam and offering prayers there.

Varuna’s presence is also celebrated at the Varuna-Ganga Sangam in Varanasi, where the Varuna and Ganga rivers meet. This confluence is considered highly auspicious, and bathing here cleanses all sins and bring prosperity. Pilgrims performing Kashi Yatra include rituals at this sangam, and the site is associated with ancient legends from the Kashi Khand and Padodak Teerth, where Bhagwan Vishnu washed his feet.

In temple art and architecture, Varuna is often depicted in niches on the western walls, as seen in the Brahmeshwar Temple in Bhubaneswar, Odisha, and other historical temples. He is portrayed standing or seated with his noose and water vessel, accompanied by his vahana Makara and consorts, symbolizing his dominion over water and cosmic law.

Among major festivals, the Chaliho (Chaliya Sahib) festival is a 40-day observance celebrated by Sindhi Hindus worldwide in honor of Bhagwan Jhulelal, an incarnation of Varuna. This festival involves fasting, prayers, processions, and the immersion of the Bahrana Sahib (a decorated water urn) in a river or lake, expressing gratitude for answered prayers and community protection. The festival fosters unity and preserves Sindhi heritage, with notable celebrations in India, Pakistan, the UK, USA, and other diaspora communities.

While dedicated temples to Varuna are few, his presence is integrated into larger temple complexes and sacred river confluences, and his worship continues through rituals, festivals, and pilgrimages that honor his vital role as the guardian of water, justice, and cosmic order.

Presence in Other Traditions

Bhagwan Varuna’s influence extends beyond Hinduism, finding a place in Buddhism, Jainism, and various Southeast Asian traditions. In Buddhism, Varuna is recognized in both Theravada and Mahayana branches. The Pali Canon lists Varuna as a king of the devas and a companion of Sakka (Indra), often invoked in prayers and rituals for protection and the dispelling of fear. In Mahayana and East Asian Buddhism, Varuna is known as Suiten in Japan, where he is honored as one of the Twelve Devas (Jūniten), presiding over the western direction and associated with water, purification, and protection. Japanese Buddhist temples like Suitengū in Tokyo are dedicated to Suiten, reflecting the integration of Varuna’s attributes into local spiritual practices. In Shinto, Varuna’s persona merges with indigenous deities, further highlighting his adaptability and enduring presence in the religious landscape of Japan.

While Varuna’s direct worship in Jainism is less prominent, his role as a guardian of cosmic order and a symbol of purity resonates with Jain values of truth, discipline, and respect for natural elements. In Southeast Asia, particularly in regions influenced by ancient Indian culture, Varuna’s imagery and symbolism appear in temple art and ritual practices, especially in maritime communities. His association with sea voyages and protection of travelers is evident in Hoysala temple art and in the veneration of river and ocean deities across the Indian subcontinent and Southeast Asia.

From a comparative mythology perspective, Varuna shares notable similarities with other water and sky deities such as Poseidon in Greek mythology and Neptune in Roman tradition. Both Varuna and Poseidon are rulers of the oceans and are depicted with powerful symbols of authority, Varuna with his noose and Poseidon with his trident. However, Varuna’s domain extends beyond water to encompass cosmic law, moral order, and the night sky, making him a guardian not only of the physical realm but also of ethical and metaphysical principles. Unlike Poseidon, who is often portrayed with human flaws and impulsiveness, Varuna is seen as a more abstract and morally aligned force, emphasizing justice, truth, and universal balance. This duality of being both a natural and ethical regulator sets Varuna apart as a unique figure in world mythology, whose legacy continues to resonate across cultures and spiritual traditions.

Bhagwan Varuna: Guardian of Cosmic Order and Eternal Waters

Bhagwan Varuna stands as the timeless sentinel of the world’s waters and the unwavering upholder of truth, justice, and cosmic law. His presence flows through every river, ocean, and raindrop, nurturing life and maintaining the delicate balance of nature. As the embodiment of cosmic moral order, Varuna inspires humanity to live with integrity, self-reflection, and respect for the natural world. His legends teach that true power lies in moral clarity and that forgiveness follows sincere repentance. Even as his worship has evolved across regions and traditions, Varuna remains a symbol of purity, discipline, and universal harmony. To honor Varuna is to embrace the eternal flow of life, the pursuit of truth, and the promise of spiritual and material well-being for all.