Varuni

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). Sometimes, all three goddesses are merged into one goddess, who rose during the churning of the ocean and chose Varuna as her consort.[1]

A sculpture of Varuni (left) with her consort Varuna
A 13th century sculpture of Varuni.

Varuna's wife

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

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

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
  1. Dalal, Roshen (18 April 2014). Hinduism: An Alphabetical Guide. Penguin UK. ISBN 978-81-8475-277-9.
  2. Puranic Encyclopedia: a comprehensive dictionary with special reference to the epic and Puranic literature, Vettam Mani, Motilal Banarsidass, Delhi, 1975, p. 833.
  3. Mani, Vettam (1975). Puranic encyclopaedia : a comprehensive dictionary with special reference to the epic and Puranic literature. Robarts - University of Toronto. Delhi : Motilal Banarsidass.
  4. Rajeswari, D. R. (1989). Sakti Iconography. Intellectual Publishing House. ISBN 978-81-7076-015-3.


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