Lord Varuna Introduction:

Lord Varuna, a significant deity in Hindu mythology, is often depicted as the god of the oceans and the cosmic order. In Vedic cosmology, Varuna is the deity who maintains the natural order and cosmic law, known as “Rita.” Varuna is also a Dikpala or guardian of the western direction.

Sculpture Information:

Lord Varuna’s sculpture is placed on the outer wall of Rajarani Temple in Bhubaneshwar (Odisha, India). The idol is standing in an Abhanga mudra with two hands on a Padma (lotus).

He is holding pasa (noose) in his left hand reflecting his role as the enforcer of moral and cosmic order. His other hand is in Varada mudra.

Lord Varuna is wearing a Kirita Mukuta (crown) on his head and Makara Kundala (earrings) on his ears.

Makara, a mythical sea creature, is a mount of Lord Varuna and is well depicted near his right feet. We can see that the tail of Makara is reaching up to Varuna’s hands.

Varuni is the consort of Varuna and stands near him. Two flying Gandharvas are flanking the god with garlands and flowers on the top.

Rajarani temple dates back to the 1100th Century CE and is the best example of Kalinga Architecture (Kalinga Panchratha Style). It is built in a Rekha Deul format.