Varuni (Sanskrit: वारुणी) is the name of multiple goddesses associated with water god Varuna. The term refers to three goddesses — his wife, his daughter and a Matrika (power). Most prominent among them is his daughter, who rose during the churning of the ocean and chose the companionship of the gods or demons depending on the text.[1]
Varuna's wife[edit | edit source]
First Varuni is also known as Varunani and Jaldevi. She is the consort of Varuna and is often depicted with her husband. Varunani is the Goddess of Prophecy[2]
Varuna's daughter[edit | edit source]
Second goddess with the name is the daughter of Varuna. She is the goddess of wine and came out of the ocean during Samudra manthan.[3] As per the story found in Bhagavata Purana, Varuni was taken by Asura. But the Bala Kanda of Ramayana narrates that Varuni chose the Devas.
Matrika[edit | edit source]
The third goddess is a Matrika found in Matsya Purana.[4] She is the manifestation of the first Varuni and the divine energy of Varuna. As per the story, she was created to drink the blood of demon Andhaka. She is also one of the 64 yogini(s).
References[edit | edit source]
- ↑ Dalal, Roshen (18 April 2014). Hinduism: An Alphabetical Guide. Penguin UK. ISBN 978-81-8475-277-9.
- ↑ Puranic Encyclopedia: a comprehensive dictionary with special reference to the epic and Puranic literature, Vettam Mani, Motilal Banarsidass, Delhi, 1975, p. 833.
- ↑ Mani, Vettam (1975). Puranic encyclopaedia : a comprehensive dictionary with special reference to the epic and Puranic literature. Robarts - University of Toronto. Delhi : Motilal Banarsidass.
{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: publisher location (link) - ↑ Rajeswari, D. R. (1989). Sakti Iconography. Intellectual Publishing House. ISBN 978-81-7076-015-3.
External links[edit | edit source]
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