Varuna: The Guardian of Cosmic Waters and Invisible Laws

Shanti Om

In the vast Hindu pantheon, some deities reveal themselves as silent, ever-present forces, weaving the invisible fabric of the universe. Among them, Varuna holds a place both mysterious and fundamental. God of the celestial waters, keeper of cosmic order (rita), he embodies justice, truth, and infinite vastness. Less celebrated than Shiva or Vishnu, Varuna is nevertheless the one who envelops the world with his piercing gaze, knowing every thought, every action, and every secret hidden in the hearts of beings. His very name evokes the boundless ocean, the star-studded night sky, and that sense of depth we feel in the face of nature's immensity.

Yet it is often in the small, everyday gestures that his presence is most clearly revealed. Like Cassie, who approaches her water fountain each morning with sacred slowness, as if she knows every drop is a reflection of the universe. She does not drink merely to quench her thirst, but as a ritual, an offering to the balance of the world. Through her, I have learned to see Varuna not as a distant entity, but as a living energy, present in every moment of mindful awareness.

Varuna, Sovereign of Waters and Sky

Varuna is often depicted as a wise old man, dressed in a pristine white robe, seated on a chariot pulled by marine creatures or swans. In the Vedas, he is described as the god who "envelops the world" (var-), the one who maintains the balance between visible and invisible forces. The waters—whether of oceans, rivers, or life-giving rains—are his domain. But beyond their physical form, these waters also symbolize purification, knowledge, and the fluidity of life.

Every time I contemplate the sea or listen to the murmur of a river, I feel Varuna's presence. He is not only the master of the tides but also the guardian of moral and cosmic laws. In the Rig-Veda, he is invoked to wash away sins and guide souls toward the light, like a river carrying impurities to the ocean of universal consciousness. Cassie embodies this fluidity. When she lies beside me during meditation, her steady breath becomes the rhythm of the waves, reminding me that inner peace is as vast as the ocean.

Varuna's Law: Rita, the Sacred Order

Varuna watches over rita, the cosmic order that governs the universe. This central Vedic concept reminds us that everything is interconnected: the seasons, the movements of the stars, and human actions. When we act in harmony with rita, we align ourselves with a greater truth. Conversely, when we stray from it, we create imbalance, like a stone thrown into a peaceful lake.

This idea resonates deeply with Buddhist teachings on karma, as well as with Cassie's silent wisdom. She never judges, never forces anything. She observes, she waits, she acts at the right moment. In this, Varuna is a constant reminder of our responsibility to ourselves and the world. He does not punish, but he watches. And it is this silent observation that invites us to vigilance and introspection, much like when Cassie places her paw on my knee just as my thoughts begin to wander, gently bringing me back to the present.

Varuna in Daily Practice

Water Meditation

Sit by a source of water, close your eyes, and imagine each wave, each drop, carrying away your limiting thoughts. Visualize yourself as a river flowing toward the ocean of inner peace. Cassie loves to join me in these moments. She sits beside me, her eyes half-closed, as if she too is listening to the song of the water.

Purification Ritual

In the morning, before starting your day, wash your hands while silently reciting a mantra dedicated to Varuna, such as « Om Varunaya Namah ». This simple act can become an offering of purity and intention. Sometimes, Cassie rubs against my wet hands, as if blessing the ritual and reminding me that purification is also a matter of touch and presence.

Reflection on Truth

Take a moment to examine your actions of the day. Ask yourself: « Did I act in alignment with my deepest truth? » Varuna teaches us that sincerity toward oneself is the first step toward harmony. Cassie, on the other hand, never needs to ask herself this question. She lives each moment with total authenticity, without masks or pretense. By watching her, I learn to do the same.

Varuna and Animals: Messengers of Wisdom

Animals, through their instinct and natural connection to the elements, are often guides to understanding deities like Varuna. Watch Cassie at her water fountain: she dips her muzzle into it with absolute concentration, as if each sip is a communion with the sacred element. She does not rush or leave abruptly. She stays, present, as if honoring the water that sustains her.

One day, as I meditated near her fountain, I noticed how different her attitude was from human haste. She drinks slowly, with gratitude, as if acknowledging the value of every drop. This gesture reminded me that true wisdom lies in accepting the rhythms of life, without resistance or haste. Through these small moments, Varuna whispers: « Let yourself be carried by the current, but remain aware of your direction. »

Varuna and the Starry Night

Varuna is also associated with the celestial vault. On clear nights, when the sky unfolds like an infinite cloak, it is the perfect time to connect with his energy. Lie on the ground, gaze at the stars, and feel yourself enveloped by the vastness. You are but a tiny part of this whole, and yet, you are essential. This humility is at the heart of devotion to Varuna. Cassie, for her part, prefers to observe the stars from the balcony, still and silent, as if listening to the secrets of the universe.

A Mantra for Varuna

To invoke his presence, you can chant this mantra: « Om Shanti Varunaya, Lokapalaya, Dharmarajaya Namah » (« Salutations to Varuna, protector of worlds, king of justice. »)

Each syllable is a wave that cleanses the mind and recenters the soul. When I chant it, Cassie curls up against me, her purring becoming a sacred vibration, as if she is joining in the prayer.

Conclusion: Varuna, the Mirror of Our Soul

Varuna is not a distant god. He is in the breath of the wind, in the ripple of water, in the silence that follows a prayer. He is also in Cassie's attentive gaze, in her way of living each moment with grace and simplicity. He reminds us that true freedom does not come from escape, but from alignment with the natural order of things. By honoring him, by observing those like Cassie who embody his wisdom, we learn to live with integrity, to listen to our conscience, and to respect the sacred web that connects all beings.

And you, how do you feel Varuna's presence in your life? Perhaps in the calm after the rain, in the moon's reflection on a pond, or simply in that moment when, at last, you feel at peace with yourself, surrounded by those who, without a word, guide you toward the light.

Shanti Om Om Varunaya Namah