ORIGIN: Hindu (Vedic, Puranic and Early Tamil [India])
TYPE: Major guardian deity
KNOWN PERIOD OF WORSHIP: Circa 1700 BCE until present.
CENTER(S) OF CULT: Throughout India but as a rain god in the south.
ART REFERENCES: Sculptures and reliefs in metal and stone
LITERARY SOURCES: Rg Veda, etc.
INFORMATION:
Varuna is one of the major Vedic gods, concerned with the secure operation of the world's systems and of water. Lord of the asura class of deities, he is thought to equate with the Persian deity Ahura Mazda. In later times, a dikpala or guardian of the western direction. He is also regarded as an aditya or sun god, the son of Kardama and consort of Gauri.
In southern India he is still worshiped during periods of drought, particularly in coastal regions whre he is thought to live in trees.
In Vedic times his sacred animal was the ram. He rides upon a fish or sea monster, or in a chariot drawn by seven horses.
ATTRIBUTES: Conch, lotus, parasol, sacred thread, snake noose, trident and water jar with jewels. Potbellied and four-headed.