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Varuna

Varuna is a Vedic deity associated with the sky, water, and cosmic order (ṛta) in Hinduism. He is considered one of the Adityas, a group of solar deities, and is often depicted as a wise and just ruler who maintains the universal order. Varuna is also known as the god of oceans, rivers, and all bodies of water, embodying the vast and mysterious aspects of the aquatic realm. In Vedic literature, he is invoked for his knowledge of the secrets of the heart and his role in maintaining cosmic balance. The name "Varuna" is derived from the Proto-Indo-European root *wer-, meaning "to cover" or "to envelop," reflecting his association with the encompassing sky and water. In Hebrew, Varuna can be translated as וָרוּנָה (Varuna), and in Sanskrit, his name is written as वरुण (Varuṇa). In Persian, he is known as Varunā, and in Avestan, the ancient Iranian language, he is referred to as Vouruna. Varuna's significance extends beyond Hinduism, as he is also recognized in Buddhist and Jain traditions, where he is revered as a guardian deity.

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Varuna
Hindu deity associated with water
Varuna
Varuna is a Hindu god. He is one of the earliest deities in the pantheon, whose role underwent a significant transformation from the Vedic to the Puranic periods. In the early Vedic era, Varuna is seen as the god-sovereign, ruling the sky and embodying divine authority. He is also mentioned as the king of asuras, who gained the status of a deva, serving as the chief of the Adityas, a group of celestial deities. He maintains truth and ṛta, the cosmic and moral order, and was invoked as an omniscient ethical judge, with the stars symbolizing his watchful eyes or spies. Frequently paired with Mitra, Varuna represents the magical and speculative aspects of sovereignty, overseeing the relationship between gods and humans.
Last modified: 2025-11-14T16:25:48ZView full article on Wikipedia