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{{short description|Hindu deity associated with | {{short description|Hindu deity associated with water}} | ||
{{ | {{for multi|the possible dwarf planet|20000 Varuna|other uses}} | ||
{{Infobox deity | {{Infobox deity | ||
| type = Hindu | | type = Hindu | ||
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| caption = The God Varuna on his mount [[Makara (Hindu mythology)|Makara]], 1675–1700<br />Painted in: [[India]], [[Rajasthan]], [[Bundi]], placed in [[LACMA]] museum | | caption = The God Varuna on his mount [[Makara (Hindu mythology)|Makara]], 1675–1700<br />Painted in: [[India]], [[Rajasthan]], [[Bundi]], placed in [[LACMA]] museum | ||
| name = Varuna | | name = Varuna | ||
| god_of = God of | | god_of = God of Water, Oceans, and Sky | ||
| member_of = | | member_of = [[Adityas]] | ||
| affiliation = [[Adityas]], [[Deva (Hinduism)|Deva]], [[Dikpala]] | | affiliation = [[Adityas]], [[Deva (Hinduism)|Deva]], [[Dikpala]] | ||
| abode = | | abode = Ocean | ||
| mantra = Om Jala bimbhaya <br>Vidhmahe Nila <br>Purushaya Dheemahe <br> | | mantra = Om Jala bimbhaya <br>Vidhmahe Nila <br>Purushaya Dheemahe <br> | ||
Thanno Varuna Prachodayath <br> and Om Varunaaya Namah | Thanno Varuna Prachodayath <br> and Om Varunaaya Namah | ||
| weapon = [[Noose]], [[Varunastra]], [[Gandiva]] | | weapon = [[Noose]], [[Varunastra]], [[Gandiva]] | ||
| consort = [[Varunani]]{{efn| | | consort = [[Varunani]] and Gauri (chief consorts){{efn|In the [[Puranas]], Varuna has multiple wives. Other notable consorts include Charshani, Jyeshtha and [[Bhadra#Chadra's daughter|Bhadra]].<ref name="Mani 1975">{{Cite book|last=Mani|first=Vettam|url=https://archive.org/details/puranicencyclopa00maniuoft/page/832/mode/2up?view=theater|title=Puranic encyclopaedia : a comprehensive dictionary with special reference to the epic and Puranic literature|date=1975|publisher=Delhi : Motilal Banarsidass|others=Robarts - University of Toronto}}</ref>}} | ||
| mount = [[Makara (Hindu mythology)|Makara]] | | mount = [[Makara (Hindu mythology)|Makara]] | ||
| father = [[Kashyapa]] | | father = [[Kashyapa]] | ||
| mother = [[Aditi]] | | mother = [[Aditi]] | ||
| children = | | children = Sushena, Vandi, [[Manu (Hinduism)|Dakshasavarni Manu]], [[Vasishtha]], Pushkara, Bala, Sura, Andharmaka (sons) and [[Varuni#Varuna's daughter|Varuni]] (daughter)<ref name="Mani 1975" /> | ||
}} | }} | ||
'''Varuna''' ({{IPAc-en|ˈ|v|ɜr|ʊ|n|ə|,_|ˈ|v|ɑː|r|ə|-}};<ref>[http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/varuna "Varuna"]. ''[[Random House Webster's Unabridged Dictionary]]''.</ref> {{lang-sa|वरुण}}, {{IAST3| | '''Varuna''' ({{IPAc-en|ˈ|v|ɜr|ʊ|n|ə|,_|ˈ|v|ɑː|r|ə|-}};<ref>[http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/varuna "Varuna"]. ''[[Random House Webster's Unabridged Dictionary]]''.</ref> {{lang-sa|वरुण}}, {{IAST3|Váruṇa}}) is a [[Hindu god]], associated with the sky, oceans and water. In the ''[[Vedic scriptures]]'', he is paired with the god [[Mitra (Hindu god)|Mitra]] and is the lord of [[Ṛta]] (justice) and [[Satya]] (truth).<ref name="Williams2003p294" /><ref name="Lochtefeld2002p741">{{cite book |author=James G. Lochtefeld |title=The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Hinduism: N-Z |url=https://archive.org/details/illustratedencyc0000loch |url-access=registration |year=2002 |publisher=The Rosen Publishing Group |isbn=978-0-8239-3180-4 |page=[https://archive.org/details/illustratedencyc0000loch/page/741 741]}}</ref> Varuna is one of the [[Adityas]], the sons of the goddess [[Aditi]] and sage [[Kashyapa]].<ref>{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=DH0vmD8ghdMC&q=Kashyapa+Varuna&pg=PA274|title=Hinduism: An Alphabetical Guide|isbn=9780143414216|last1=Dalal|first1=Roshen|year=2010}}</ref> | ||
In the Hindu [[Puranas]], Varuna is the | In the later Hindu texts like the ''[[Puranas]]'', Varuna is also a [[Dikpala]] or guardian of the western direction. He is depicted as a youthful man, mounted on [[Makara (Hindu mythology)|Makara]] (crocodile) and holding a [[Pasha (Hinduism)|Pasha]] (noose, rope loop) and a pitcher in his hands.<ref name="Williams2003p294" /><ref name="Snodgrass1992p121" /><ref name="Lochtefeld2002p741" /> He has multiple wives and fathered many children, including the Vedic sage [[Vasishtha]].<ref name="Williams2003p294">{{cite book |author=George Mason Williams |title=Handbook of Hindu Mythology |url=https://archive.org/details/isbn_9791576071068 |url-access=registration |year=2003 |publisher=ABC-CLIO |isbn=978-1-57607-106-9 |page=[https://archive.org/details/isbn_9791576071068/page/294 294]}}</ref> | ||
He is also mentioned in the [[Tamil language|Tamil]] grammar work ''[[Tolkāppiyam]]'', as Kadalon the god of sea and rain.<ref name=":0">{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=ZjoRAAAAYAAJ|title=Journal of Tamil Studies|date=1969|publisher=International Institute of Tamil Studies|pages=131|language=en}}</ref> He is found in Japanese Buddhist mythology as [[Suijin|Suiten]].<ref name="Snodgrass1992p121">{{cite book |author=Adrian Snodgrass |title=The Symbolism of the Stupa |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=nzqK8dDCM0UC |year=1992 |publisher=Motilal Banarsidass |isbn=978-81-208-0781-5 |pages=120–122 with footnotes}}</ref> He is also found in [[Jainism]].<ref>{{cite book |author=Sehdev Kumar |title=A Thousand Petalled Lotus: Jain Temples of Rajasthan : Architecture & Iconography |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=nSDACkmA_ukC&pg=PA18 |year=2001 |publisher=Abhinav Publications |isbn=978-81-7017-348-9 |page=18}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author=Kristi L. Wiley |title=The A to Z of Jainism |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=kUz9o-EKTpwC&pg=PA248 |year=2009 |publisher=Scarecrow |isbn=978-0-8108-6821-2 |page=248}}</ref> | |||
== Etymology == | == Etymology == | ||
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== Hindu texts == | == Hindu texts == | ||
=== Vedas === | === Vedas === | ||
In the earliest layer of the ''Rigveda'', Varuna is the guardian of moral law, one who punishes those who sin without remorse, and who forgives those who err with remorse.<ref name="dhavamony167">{{cite book |author=Mariasusai Dhavamony |title=Classical Hinduism |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=DD0w_IMFA8gC |year=1982 |publisher=Gregorian |isbn=978-88-7652-482-0 |pages=167–168 with footnotes}}</ref><ref name="Griffiths1991p132">{{cite book |author=John Gwyn Griffiths |title=The Divine Verdict: A Study of Divine Judgement in the Ancient Religions |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=QDbjjKglE1kC&pg=PA132 |year=1991 |publisher=BRILL |isbn=90-04-09231-5 |pages=132–133}}</ref> He is mentioned in many Rigvedic hymns, such as 7.86–88, 1.25, 2.27–30, 8.8, 9.73 and others.<ref name=" | In the earliest layer of the ''Rigveda'', Varuna is the guardian of moral law, one who punishes those who sin without remorse, and who forgives those who err with remorse.<ref name="dhavamony167">{{cite book |author=Mariasusai Dhavamony |title=Classical Hinduism |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=DD0w_IMFA8gC |year=1982 |publisher=Gregorian |isbn=978-88-7652-482-0 |pages=167–168 with footnotes}}</ref><ref name="Griffiths1991p132">{{cite book |author=John Gwyn Griffiths |title=The Divine Verdict: A Study of Divine Judgement in the Ancient Religions |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=QDbjjKglE1kC&pg=PA132 |year=1991 |publisher=BRILL |isbn=90-04-09231-5 |pages=132–133}}</ref> He is mentioned in many Rigvedic hymns, such as 7.86–88, 1.25, 2.27–30, 8.8, 9.73 and others.<ref name="dhavamony167" /><ref name="Snodgrass1992p121" /> His relationship with waters, rivers and oceans is mentioned in the Vedas. Rig veda 10.123 says Hiranyapaksha (golden winged bird) as the messenger of Varuna. The golden winged messenger bird of Varuna may not be a mythical one but most probably flamingos because they have colourful wings and the sukta further describes Vulture as the messenger of Yama, the beaks of both these birds have similar morphology and flamingos are seen nearby seashores and marshlands.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://archive.org/details/hymnsrigveda00unkngoog/page/n574/mode/2up|title=The Hymns of the Rigveda|year=1897|publisher=E.J. Lazarus & co.}}</ref><ref name="Oldenberg1988p104">{{cite book |author=Hermann Oldenberg |title=The Religion of the Veda |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=uKeubCiBOPQC |year=1988 |publisher=Motilal Banarsidass |isbn=978-81-208-0392-3 |page=104}}</ref> | ||
Varuna and [[Mitra (Vedic)|Mitra]] are the gods of the societal affairs including the [[oath]], and are often twinned ''[[Mitra-Varuna]]''.<ref name="Oldenberg1988p95">{{cite book |author=Hermann Oldenberg |title=The Religion of the Veda |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=uKeubCiBOPQC&pg=PA95 |year=1988 |publisher=Motilal Banarsidass |isbn=978-81-208-0392-3 |pages=95–98}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author=David Leeming |title=The Oxford Companion to World Mythology |url=https://archive.org/details/oxfordcompaniont0000leem |url-access=registration |year=2005 |publisher=Oxford University Press |isbn=978-0-19-028888-4 |page=[https://archive.org/details/oxfordcompaniont0000leem/page/200 200]}}</ref> Both Mitra and Varuna are classified as [[Asura (Hinduism)|Asuras]] in the Rigveda (e.g. [[Mandala 5|RV 5]].63.3), although they are also addressed as [[Deva (Hinduism)|Devas]] as well (e.g. [[RV 7]].60.12).<ref name="Bane 2012">{{cite book |last=Bane |first=Theresa |title=Encyclopedia of Demons in World Religions and Cultures |publisher=[[McFarland & Company|McFarland]] |location=[[Jefferson, North Carolina]] |year=2012 |isbn=978-0-7864-8894-0 |oclc=774276733 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=njDRfG6YVb8C&pg=PA323 |page=323 |access-date=2018-12-06}}</ref> Varuna, being the king of the Asuras, was adopted or made the change to a Deva after the structuring of the primordial cosmos, imposed by Indra after he defeats Vrtra.<ref>F. B. J. Kuiper (1975), [https://www.jstor.org/stable/1061926 The Basic Concept of Vedic Religion], History of Religions, Vol. 15, No. 2 (Nov., 1975), pp. 107–120</ref> | Varuna and [[Mitra (Vedic)|Mitra]] are the gods of the societal affairs including the [[oath]], and are often twinned ''[[Mitra-Varuna]]''.<ref name="Oldenberg1988p95">{{cite book |author=Hermann Oldenberg |title=The Religion of the Veda |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=uKeubCiBOPQC&pg=PA95 |year=1988 |publisher=Motilal Banarsidass |isbn=978-81-208-0392-3 |pages=95–98}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author=David Leeming |title=The Oxford Companion to World Mythology |url=https://archive.org/details/oxfordcompaniont0000leem |url-access=registration |year=2005 |publisher=Oxford University Press |isbn=978-0-19-028888-4 |page=[https://archive.org/details/oxfordcompaniont0000leem/page/200 200]}}</ref> Both Mitra and Varuna are classified as [[Asura (Hinduism)|Asuras]] in the Rigveda (e.g. [[Mandala 5|RV 5]].63.3), although they are also addressed as [[Deva (Hinduism)|Devas]] as well (e.g. [[RV 7]].60.12).<ref name="Bane 2012">{{cite book |last=Bane |first=Theresa |title=Encyclopedia of Demons in World Religions and Cultures |publisher=[[McFarland & Company|McFarland]] |location=[[Jefferson, North Carolina]] |year=2012 |isbn=978-0-7864-8894-0 |oclc=774276733 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=njDRfG6YVb8C&pg=PA323 |page=323 |access-date=2018-12-06}}</ref> Varuna, being the king of the Asuras, was adopted or made the change to a Deva after the structuring of the primordial cosmos, imposed by Indra after he defeats [[Vritra|Vrtra]].<ref>F. B. J. Kuiper (1975), [https://www.jstor.org/stable/1061926 The Basic Concept of Vedic Religion], History of Religions, Vol. 15, No. 2 (Nov., 1975), pp. 107–120</ref> | ||
[[File:Varuna with Varunani.jpg|thumb|200px|left|Varuna with Varunani. Statue carved out of [[basalt]], dates back to 8th century CE, discovered in Karnataka. On display at the [[Prince of Wales museum]], Mumbai.]] | [[File:Varuna with Varunani.jpg|thumb|200px|left|Varuna with Varunani. Statue carved out of [[basalt]], dates back to 8th century CE, discovered in Karnataka. On display at the [[Prince of Wales museum]], Mumbai.]] | ||
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In ''Vajasaneyi Samhita'' 21.40 (''[[Yajurveda]]''), Varuna is called the patron deity of physicians, one who has "a hundred, a thousand remedies".<ref name="Srinivasan1997p48" /> His capacity and association with "all comprehensive knowledge" is also found in the ''[[Atharvaveda]]'' (~1000 BCE).<ref>{{cite journal |last=Srinivasan |first=Doris |title=The Religious Significance of Divine Multiple Body Parts in the Atharva Veda |journal=Numen |publisher=Brill Academic Publishers |volume=25 |issue=3 |year=1978 |doi=10.1163/156852778x00245 |pages=198–200, context: 193–225}}</ref> Varuna also finds a mention in the early [[Upanishad]]s, where his role evolves. In verse 3.9.26 of the ''[[Brihadaranyaka Upanishad]]'' (~800 BCE), for example, he is stated to be the god of the western quarter, but one who is founded on "water" and dependent ultimately on "the heart" and the fire of soul.<ref>{{cite book |title=The Early Upanishads: Annotated Text and Translation |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Lsp18ZvstrcC |year=1998 |publisher=Oxford University Press |isbn=978-0-19-535242-9 |pages=98–101}}</ref> In the ''[[Katha Upanishad]]'', [[Aditi]] is identified to be same as the goddess earth. She is stated in the Vedic texts to be the mother of Varuna and [[Mitra (Vedic)|Mitra]] along with other Vedic gods, and in later Hindu mythology she as mother earth is stated to be mother of all gods.<ref>{{cite book |title=The Early Upanishads: Annotated Text and Translation |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Lsp18ZvstrcC |year=1998 |publisher=Oxford University Press |isbn=978-0-19-535242-9 |page=478}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author=Arthur Anthony Macdonell |title=Vedic Mythology |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=b7Meabtj8mcC |year=1898 |publisher=Motilal Banarsidass |isbn=978-81-208-1113-3 |pages=120–124, 30–34, 45–46}}</ref> | In ''Vajasaneyi Samhita'' 21.40 (''[[Yajurveda]]''), Varuna is called the patron deity of physicians, one who has "a hundred, a thousand remedies".<ref name="Srinivasan1997p48" /> His capacity and association with "all comprehensive knowledge" is also found in the ''[[Atharvaveda]]'' (~1000 BCE).<ref>{{cite journal |last=Srinivasan |first=Doris |title=The Religious Significance of Divine Multiple Body Parts in the Atharva Veda |journal=Numen |publisher=Brill Academic Publishers |volume=25 |issue=3 |year=1978 |doi=10.1163/156852778x00245 |pages=198–200, context: 193–225}}</ref> Varuna also finds a mention in the early [[Upanishad]]s, where his role evolves. In verse 3.9.26 of the ''[[Brihadaranyaka Upanishad]]'' (~800 BCE), for example, he is stated to be the god of the western quarter, but one who is founded on "water" and dependent ultimately on "the heart" and the fire of soul.<ref>{{cite book |title=The Early Upanishads: Annotated Text and Translation |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Lsp18ZvstrcC |year=1998 |publisher=Oxford University Press |isbn=978-0-19-535242-9 |pages=98–101}}</ref> In the ''[[Katha Upanishad]]'', [[Aditi]] is identified to be same as the goddess earth. She is stated in the Vedic texts to be the mother of Varuna and [[Mitra (Vedic)|Mitra]] along with other Vedic gods, and in later Hindu mythology she as mother earth is stated to be mother of all gods.<ref>{{cite book |title=The Early Upanishads: Annotated Text and Translation |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Lsp18ZvstrcC |year=1998 |publisher=Oxford University Press |isbn=978-0-19-535242-9 |page=478}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author=Arthur Anthony Macdonell |title=Vedic Mythology |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=b7Meabtj8mcC |year=1898 |publisher=Motilal Banarsidass |isbn=978-81-208-1113-3 |pages=120–124, 30–34, 45–46}}</ref> | ||
In [[Yajurveda]] it is said: "In fact Varuna is [[Vishnu]] and Vishnu is Varuna and hence the auspicious offering is to be made to these deities." || 8.59 || <ref name="Pandey">{{cite book |last=Pandey |first=R. |title=Yajurveda |year=2020 |publisher=Diamond Pocket Books (P) Limited |isbn=978-81-288-2284-1 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=UmhpCgAAQBAJ&pg=PA48 |access-date=6 December 2018 |page=48}}</ref> | In [[Yajurveda]] it is said: "In fact Varuna is [[Vishnu]] and Vishnu is Varuna and hence the auspicious offering is to be made to these deities." || 8.59 ||<ref name="Pandey">{{cite book |last=Pandey |first=R. |title=Yajurveda |year=2020 |publisher=Diamond Pocket Books (P) Limited |isbn=978-81-288-2284-1 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=UmhpCgAAQBAJ&pg=PA48 |access-date=6 December 2018 |page=48}}</ref> | ||
=== Upanishads === | === Upanishads === | ||
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=== Ramayana === | === Ramayana === | ||
[[File:Rama-Varuna.jpg|thumb|Varuna himself arose from the depth of the ocean and begged Rama for forgiveness.]] | [[File:Rama-Varuna.jpg|thumb|Varuna himself arose from the depth of the ocean and begged Rama for forgiveness.]] | ||
Rama interacts with Varuna in the Hindu epic ''Ramayana''. For example, faced with the dilemma of how to cross the ocean to [[Lanka]], where his abducted wife [[Sita]] is held captive by the demon king [[Ravana]], [[Rama]] (an [[Avatar]] of [[Vishnu]]) performs a ''pravpavesha'' (prayer, [[tapasya]]) to Varuna, the Lord of Oceans, for three days and three nights, states Ramesh Menon.<ref name="Menon2004p376" /> Varuna does not respond, and Rama arises on the fourth morning, enraged. He states to his brother Lakshamana that "even lords of the elements listen only to violence, Varuna does not respect gentleness, and peaceful prayers go unheard".<ref name="Menon2004p376">{{cite book |author=Ramesh Menon |title=The Ramayana: A Modern Retelling of the Great Indian Epic |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=kEEXjAagUzsC |year=2004 |publisher=Macmillan |isbn=978-1-4668-2625-0 |pages=376–379}}</ref> | Rama interacts with Varuna in the Hindu epic ''[[Ramayana]]''. For example, faced with the dilemma of how to cross the ocean to [[Lanka]], where his abducted wife [[Sita]] is held captive by the demon king [[Ravana]], [[Rama]] (an [[Avatar]] of [[Vishnu]]) performs a ''pravpavesha'' (prayer, [[tapasya]]) to Varuna, the Lord of Oceans, for three days and three nights, states Ramesh Menon.<ref name="Menon2004p376" /> Varuna does not respond, and Rama arises on the fourth morning, enraged. He states to his brother Lakshamana that "even lords of the elements listen only to violence, Varuna does not respect gentleness, and peaceful prayers go unheard".<ref name="Menon2004p376">{{cite book |author=Ramesh Menon |title=The Ramayana: A Modern Retelling of the Great Indian Epic |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=kEEXjAagUzsC |year=2004 |publisher=Macmillan |isbn=978-1-4668-2625-0 |pages=376–379}}</ref> | ||
With his bow and arrow, Rama prepares to attack the oceans to dry up the waters and create a bed of sand for his army of monkeys to cross and thus confront Ravana. Lakshmana appeals to Rama, translates Menon, that he should return to "peaceful paths of our fathers, you can win this war without laying waste the sea".<ref name="Menon2004p376" /> Rama shoots his weapon sending the ocean into flames. As Rama increases the ferocity of his weapons, Varuna arises out of the oceans. He bows to Rama, stating that he himself did not know how to help Rama because the sea is deep, vast and he cannot change the nature of sea. Varuna asked Rama to remember that he is "the soul of peace and love, wrath does not suit him". Varuna promised to Rama that he will not disturb him or his army as they build a bridge and cross over to Lanka. Although, | With his bow and arrow, Rama prepares to attack the oceans to dry up the waters and create a bed of sand for his army of monkeys to cross and thus confront Ravana. Lakshmana appeals to Rama, translates Menon, that he should return to "peaceful paths of our fathers, you can win this war without laying waste the sea".<ref name="Menon2004p376" /> Rama shoots his weapon sending the ocean into flames. As Rama increases the ferocity of his weapons, Varuna arises out of the oceans. He bows to Rama, stating that he himself did not know how to help Rama because the sea is deep, vast and he cannot change the nature of sea. Varuna asked Rama to remember that he is "the soul of peace and love, wrath does not suit him". Varuna promised to Rama that he will not disturb him or his army as they build a bridge and cross over to Lanka. Although, most of the sources claim it was [[Samudra]], the god of the oceans who met Rama not the water god Varuna.<ref name="Menon2004p376" /> | ||
most of the sources claim it was [[Samudra]], the god of the oceans who met Rama not the water god Varuna<ref name="Menon2004p376" /> | |||
=== In Tolkappiyam === | === In Tolkappiyam === | ||
The [[Tolkāppiyam]], a [[Tamil language|Tamil]] grammar work from 3rd century BCE divides the people of ancient [[Tamilakam]] into | The [[Tolkāppiyam]], a [[Tamil language|Tamil]] grammar work from 3rd century BCE divides the people of ancient [[Tamilakam]] into five [[Sangam landscape]] divisions: ''kurinji, mullai, paalai, marutham'' and ''neithal''.<ref>{{Cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=8uP7LHS3cDMC&q=sangam+landscape&pg=PT124 |title=Tamil Oratory and the Dravidian Aesthetic: Democratic Practice in South India |last=Bate |first=Bernard |date=2010-06-01 |publisher=Columbia University Press |isbn=978-0-231-51940-3 |pages=100 |language=en}}</ref> Each landscape is designated with different gods. ''Neithal'' is described as a seashore landscape occupied by fishermen and seatraders, with the god of sea and rain, ''Varunan'' or ''Kadalōn''.<ref name=":0" /><ref>{{Cite book|title=Trade, ideology, and urbanization: South India 300 BC to AD 1300|last=Champakalakshmi|first=Radha|date=1996|publisher=Oxford University Press|pages=78|language=en}}</ref> "Varuna" means water which denotes the ocean in the Tamil language.<ref>{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=bIQOAAAAYAAJ|title=A glimpse of Tamilology|last1=Manickam|first1=Valliappa Subramaniam|last2=Nadu|first2=Academy of Tamil Scholars of Tamil|date=1968|publisher=Academy of Tamil Scholars of Tamil Nadu|pages=174|language=en}}</ref> | ||
==Festivals== | ==Festivals== | ||
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===Cheti Chand=== | ===Cheti Chand=== | ||
The [[Cheti Chand]] festival in the Hindu month of [[Chaitra]]<ref>{{Cite web|date=2021-04-09|title=Jhulelal Jayanti 2021 (Cheti Chand) [Hindi]: जानिए झूलेलाल जी को विस्तार से|url=https://news.jagatgururampalji.org/cheti-chand-jhulelal-jayanti/|access-date=2021-04-14|website=S A NEWS|language=en-US}}</ref> marks the arrival of spring and harvest, but in Sindhi Hindu community, it also marks the mythical birth of Uderolal in the year 1007.<ref name=falzon159/><ref name=kumar120>{{cite book|author=P. Pratap Kumar|title=Contemporary Hinduism|url= https://books.google.com/books?id=7Wd_BAAAQBAJ&pg=PA120|year= 2014|publisher= Routledge|isbn=978-1-317-54636-8|pages= 120–124}}</ref><ref name="Ramey2008p8">{{cite book|author=S. Ramey|title=Hindu, Sufi, or Sikh: Contested Practices and Identifications of Sindhi Hindus in India and Beyond|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Bv2ADAAAQBAJ|year=2008|publisher=Palgrave Macmillan|isbn=978-0-230-61622-6|pages=8, 36}}</ref> Uderolal morphed into a warrior and old man who preached and reprimanded Mirkhshah that Muslims and Hindus deserve the same religious freedoms. He, as Jhulelal,<ref name="Ramey2008p8"/> became the saviour of the Sindhi Hindus, who according to this legend, celebrate the new year as Uderolal's birthday.<ref name=falzon159>{{cite book|author=Mark-Anthony Falzon|title=Cosmopolitan Connections: The Sindhi Diaspora, 1860–2000|url= https://books.google.com/books?id=ljbS-I5Y8WMC&pg=PA59|year=2004|publisher=BRILL|isbn=90-04-14008-5|pages=58–60}}</ref | The [[Cheti Chand]] festival in the Hindu month of [[Chaitra]]<ref>{{Cite web|date=2021-04-09|title=Jhulelal Jayanti 2021 (Cheti Chand) [Hindi]: जानिए झूलेलाल जी को विस्तार से|url=https://news.jagatgururampalji.org/cheti-chand-jhulelal-jayanti/|access-date=2021-04-14|website=S A NEWS|language=en-US}}</ref> marks the arrival of spring and harvest, but in Sindhi Hindu community, it also marks the mythical birth of Uderolal in the year 1007.<ref name=falzon159/><ref name=kumar120>{{cite book|author=P. Pratap Kumar|title=Contemporary Hinduism|url= https://books.google.com/books?id=7Wd_BAAAQBAJ&pg=PA120|year= 2014|publisher= Routledge|isbn=978-1-317-54636-8|pages= 120–124}}</ref><ref name="Ramey2008p8">{{cite book|author=S. Ramey|title=Hindu, Sufi, or Sikh: Contested Practices and Identifications of Sindhi Hindus in India and Beyond|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Bv2ADAAAQBAJ|year=2008|publisher=Palgrave Macmillan|isbn=978-0-230-61622-6|pages=8, 36}}</ref> Uderolal morphed into a warrior and old man who preached and reprimanded Mirkhshah that Muslims and Hindus deserve the same religious freedoms. He, as Jhulelal,<ref name="Ramey2008p8"/> became the saviour of the Sindhi Hindus, who according to this legend, celebrate the new year as Uderolal's birthday.<ref name="Ramey2008p8"/><ref name=falzon159>{{cite book|author=Mark-Anthony Falzon|title=Cosmopolitan Connections: The Sindhi Diaspora, 1860–2000|url= https://books.google.com/books?id=ljbS-I5Y8WMC&pg=PA59|year=2004|publisher=BRILL|isbn=90-04-14008-5|pages=58–60}}</ref> | ||
===Chaliya saheb=== | ===Chaliya saheb=== | ||
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Nārali Poornima is a ceremonial day observed by Hindu fishing communities in [[Maharashtra]], [[India]] particularly around [[Mumbai]] and the [[Konkan coast]]. It is held on the full-moon day of the Hindu month of [[Shravan month|Shravan]] which falls around July or August. On this day offerings such as rice, flowers and coconuts as offered to Lord Varuna, the god of ocean and waters.<ref>{{Cite news |title=Narali Purnima 2021: All hail Varuna Dev, the lord of oceans |language=en |url=https://www.freepressjournal.in/spirituality/narali-purnima-2021-all-hail-varuna-dev-the-lord-of-oceans |access-date=2021-08-24}}</ref> | Nārali Poornima is a ceremonial day observed by Hindu fishing communities in [[Maharashtra]], [[India]] particularly around [[Mumbai]] and the [[Konkan coast]]. It is held on the full-moon day of the Hindu month of [[Shravan month|Shravan]] which falls around July or August. On this day offerings such as rice, flowers and coconuts as offered to Lord Varuna, the god of ocean and waters.<ref>{{Cite news |title=Narali Purnima 2021: All hail Varuna Dev, the lord of oceans |language=en |url=https://www.freepressjournal.in/spirituality/narali-purnima-2021-all-hail-varuna-dev-the-lord-of-oceans |access-date=2021-08-24}}</ref> | ||
== | == Beyond Hinduism and India == | ||
=== Sri Lankan Tamils ([[Karaiyar]] caste) === | |||
Karaiyar is a Sri Lankan Tamil caste found mainly on the northern and eastern coastal areas of Sri Lanka, and globally among the Tamil diaspora. | |||
They are traditionally a seafaring community that is engaged in fishing, shipment and seaborne trade. They fish mostly in deep seas, and employ gillnet and seine fishing methods. The Karaiyars were the major maritime traders and boat owners who among other things, traded with pearls, chanks, tobacco, and shipped goods overseas to countries such as India, Myanmar and Indonesia. The community known for their maritime history, are also reputed as a warrior caste who contributed as army and navy soldiers of Tamil kings. They were noted as the army generals and navy captains of the Aryacakravarti dynasty. The Karaiyars emerged in the 1980s as strong representatives of Sri Lankan Tamil nationalism. The nuclear leadership of the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam have background in the wealthier enterprising section of the Karaiyars. | |||
The word "Karaiyar" is derived from the [[Tamil language]] words ''karai'' ("coast" or "shore") and ''yar'' ("people").<ref>{{Cite book|last=Dravidian Linguistics Association|title=International Journal of Dravidian Linguistics|date=1990|publisher=Department of Linguistics, University of Kerala.|pages=110|language=en}}</ref> The term ''Kareoi'' mentioned by 2nd century AD writer [[Ptolemy]], is identified with the Tamil word "Karaiyar".<ref>{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=2vhIAAAAIAAJ|title=The History of the Pearl Fishery of the Tamil Coast|last=Arunachalam|first=S.|date=1952|publisher=Ananamalai University|pages=34|language=en}}</ref> The Portuguese and Dutch sources mentions them under the term ''Careas'', ''Careaz'', or ''Carias,'' which are terms denoting "Karaiyar".<ref name=":0" /> | |||
''Kurukulam'', ''Varunakulam'' and ''Arasakulam'' were historically one of the significant clans of the Karaiyars.<ref name=":13">{{Cite book|last=Raghavan|first=M. D.|title=The Karāva of Ceylon: Society and Culture|date=1961|publisher=K.V.G. De Sīlva|pages=5, 13, 195|language=en}}</ref> Kurukulam, meaning "clan of the ''Kuru''", may be a reference to their origin from [[Coromandel Coast|Kurumandalam]] (meaning "realm of Kuru's") of [[Southern India]].<ref>{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Fb4LAAAAIAAJ|title=Tamil culture in Ceylon: a general introduction|last=Raghavan|first=M. D.|date=1971|publisher=Kalai Nilayam|pages=194|language=en}}</ref> They attribute their origin myth from the [[Kuru Kingdom]], mentioned in Hindu epic [[Mahabharata]].<ref>{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=pGUEAAAAYAAJ|title=The Social Order of the Sinhalese Buddhist Sangha|last=Kemper|first=Steven E. G.|date=1973|publisher=University of Chicago.|pages=215|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=NA5uAAAAMAAJ|title=Nēthrā: A Non-specialist Journal for Lively Minds|date=2000|publisher=International Centre for Ethnic Studies|pages=47|language=en}}</ref> Some scholars derived ''Kurukulam'' from Kuru, the [[Tamil language|Tamil]] name for [[Jupiter]].<ref>{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=tzPXAAAAMAAJ|title=The karmic theater: self, society, and astrology in Jaffna|last=Perinbanayagam|first=R. S.|date=1982|publisher=University of Massachusetts Press|isbn=9780870233746|pages=30|language=en}}</ref> Varunakulam, meaning "clan of ''Varuna''", is a reference to their maritime origin.<ref name=":8">{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=GD_6ka-aYuQC|title=Nayaks of Tanjore|last=Vriddhagirisan|first=V.|date=1995|publisher=University of Annamalai|isbn=9788120609969|pages=91|language=en}}</ref> Varuna is the god of sea and rain, mentioned in [[Vedic Literature]], but also in [[Sangam literature]] as the principal deity of the ''Neithal [[Sangam landscape]]'' (i.e. [[Littoral zone|littoral]] landscape).<ref>{{Cite book|last=Xavier Thaninayagam|author-link=Xavier Thaninayagam|title=Tamil Culture: Its Past, Its Present and Its Future With Special Reference to Ceylon|date=1966|publisher=Academy of Tamil Culture|language=en}}</ref> Arasakulam means "clan of kings".<ref name=":13" /> They used the [[Makara (Hindu mythology)|Makara]] as emblem, the mount of their clan deity, the sea god Varuna, which was also seen on their flags. | |||
=== Sindhi Hindus === | === Sindhi Hindus === | ||
[[File:Jhulelal hindu deity.jpg|thumb|150px|left|[[Jhulelal (Hinduism)|Jhulelal]] is considered an incarnation of Varuna by [[Sindhi people|Sindhi Hindus]].]] | [[File:Jhulelal hindu deity.jpg|thumb|150px|left|[[Jhulelal (Hinduism)|Jhulelal]] is considered an incarnation of Varuna by [[Sindhi people|Sindhi Hindus]].]] | ||
Jhulelal is believed by Sindhi Hindus to be an incarnation of Varuna.<ref name="Dalal2010p178">{{cite book |author=Roshen Dalal |title=Hinduism: An Alphabetical Guide |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=DH0vmD8ghdMC |year=2010 |publisher=Penguin Books India |isbn=978-0-14-341421-6 |page=178}}</ref> They celebrate the festival of [[Cheti Chand]] in his honor. The festival marks the arrival of spring and harvest, but in Sindhi community it also marks the birth of Uderolal in year 1007, after they prayed to Hindu god Varuna to save them from the persecution by tyrannical Muslim ruler named Mirkhshah.<ref name="falzon159" /><ref name="kumar120" | Jhulelal is believed by Sindhi Hindus to be an incarnation of Varuna.<ref name="Dalal2010p178">{{cite book |author=Roshen Dalal |title=Hinduism: An Alphabetical Guide |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=DH0vmD8ghdMC |year=2010 |publisher=Penguin Books India |isbn=978-0-14-341421-6 |page=178}}</ref> They celebrate the festival of [[Cheti Chand]] in his honor. The festival marks the arrival of spring and harvest, but in Sindhi community it also marks the birth of Uderolal in year 1007, after they prayed to Hindu god Varuna to save them from the persecution by tyrannical Muslim ruler named Mirkhshah.<ref name="falzon159" /><ref name="kumar120" /><ref name="Ramey2008p8" /> Uderolal morphed into a warrior and old man who preached and reprimanded Mirkhshah that Muslims and Hindus deserve the same religious freedoms. He, as Jhulelal,<ref name="Ramey2008p8" /> became the champion of the people in Sindh, from both religions. Among his [[Sufi]] Muslim followers, Jhulelal is known as "Khwaja Khizir" or "Sheikh Tahit". The Hindu Sindhi, according to this legend, celebrate the new year as Uderolal's birthday.<ref name="Ramey2008p8" /><ref name="falzon159" /> | ||
===Buddhism === | ===Buddhism === | ||
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[[File:Sui Ten Varna TOJI12TEN.JPG|thumb|Painting of Varuna ([[Kyoto]], [[Japan]])]] | [[File:Sui Ten Varna TOJI12TEN.JPG|thumb|Painting of Varuna ([[Kyoto]], [[Japan]])]] | ||
In [[East Asian Buddhism]], Varuna is a [[dharmapāla]] and often classed as one of the [[Twelve Devas]] (Japanese: [[:ja:十二天|Jūniten]], 十二天). He presides over the western direction.<ref>[http://www.emuseum.jp/detail/100031/000/000?mode=detail&d_lang=en Twelve Heavenly Deities (Devas)] Nara National Museum, Japan</ref> | In [[East Asian Buddhism]], Varuna is a [[dharmapāla]] and often classed as one of the [[Twelve Devas]] (Japanese: [[:ja:十二天|Jūniten]], 十二天). He presides over the western direction.<ref>[http://www.emuseum.jp/detail/100031/000/000?mode=detail&d_lang=en Twelve Heavenly Deities (Devas)] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304201634/http://www.emuseum.jp/detail/100031/000/000?mode=detail&d_lang=en |date=2016-03-04 }} Nara National Museum, Japan</ref> | ||
In Japan, he is called "Suiten" (水天 lit. "water [[Deva (Buddhism)|deva]]"). He is included with the other eleven devas, which include Taishakuten ([[Śakra (Buddhism)|Śakra/Indra]]), Fūten([[Vāyu]]), Emmaten ([[Yama]]), Rasetsuten ([[Nirṛti (god)|Nirṛti]]/[[Rakshasa|Rākṣasa]]), Ishanaten ([[Ishana|Īśāna]]), Bishamonten ([[Vaiśravaṇa|Vaiśravaṇa/Kubera]]), Katen ([[Agni]]), Bonten ([[Brahmā]]), Jiten ([[Pṛthivī]]), Nitten ([[Sūrya|Sūrya/Āditya]]), and Gatten ([[Chandra]]).<ref>{{cite web |title=juuniten 十二天 |url=http://www.aisf.or.jp/~jaanus/deta/j/juuniten.htm |website=JAANUS |access-date=23 January 2019}}</ref> | In Japan, he is called "Suiten" (水天 lit. "water [[Deva (Buddhism)|deva]]"). He is included with the other eleven devas, which include Taishakuten ([[Śakra (Buddhism)|Śakra/Indra]]), Fūten ([[Vāyu]]), Emmaten ([[Yama]]), Rasetsuten ([[Nirṛti (god)|Nirṛti]]/[[Rakshasa|Rākṣasa]]), Ishanaten ([[Ishana|Īśāna]]), Bishamonten ([[Vaiśravaṇa|Vaiśravaṇa/Kubera]]), Katen ([[Agni]]), Bonten ([[Brahmā]]), Jiten ([[Pṛthivī]]), Nitten ([[Sūrya|Sūrya/Āditya]]), and Gatten ([[Chandra]]).<ref>{{cite web |title=juuniten 十二天 |url=http://www.aisf.or.jp/~jaanus/deta/j/juuniten.htm |website=JAANUS |access-date=23 January 2019}}</ref> | ||
=== Shinto === | === Shinto === | ||
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* [[Hindu deities]] | * [[Hindu deities]] | ||
* [[Mitra (Vedic)]] | * [[Mitra (Vedic)]] | ||
* [[ | * [[Mitra–Varuna]] | ||
* [[Rigvedic deities]] | * [[Rigvedic deities]] | ||
* [[Shukra]] | * [[Shukra]] | ||
* [[The king and the god]] | * [[The king and the god]] | ||
== Notes == | == Notes == | ||