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| VARUNA - GOD OF THE OCEANS |
Varuna, the god of oceans, is shown as a fair complexioned
man riding a monster fish called MAKARA, which has the head and legs of an antelope. He may have two
or four hands and in one of his right hands he carries a noose.
Varuna lost his importance even during the Vedic times. Of his former character
of a celestial deity, he retains only the title of the regent of the Western
quarter of the compass. The mythological explanation of this great conflict occurred
between gods and demons and when it was over each of the gods was assigned a
clearly defined sphere of influence to avoid further conflicts.
From this time onwards Indra remained the god of atmosphere while Varuna was
ousted from the guardianship of the heavens and was given the over lordship of
the oceans. Here he kept watch over the various demons of the ocean. Varuna
sits with his wife VARUNI, on a throne of diamonds and the gods and goddesses
of the different rivers, lakes and springs form his court. |
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