Ṛta
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In the Vedic religion, Ṛta is the principle of natural order which regulates and coordinates the operation of the universe and everything within it. In the hymns of the Vedas, Ṛta is described as that
17th century watercolour depicting Varuna (here astride the Makara), a god closely associated with Ṛta in the Vedas.
Varuna
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Varuna is a Hindu god. He is one of the earliest deities in the pantheon, whose role underwent a significant transformation from the Vedic to the Puranic periods. In the early Vedic era, Varuna is see
Ṛta
…the Maruts are referred to as "rejoicing in the house of Ṛta" and as "knowers of Ṛta"; Ushas is described as having been "placed at the root of Ṛta"; Varuna is praised as "having the form of Ṛta" and, along with Mitra as Mitra-Varuna, as "destroying the foes by Ṛta" and as "professing Ṛta by Ṛta". Epithets…
Sculpture of Varuna at the 11th-century Rajarani Hindu temple.
Varuna with his queen. Statue carved out of basalt, dates back to 8th century CE, discovered in Karnataka. On display at the Prince of Wales museum, Mumbai.
Rama vanquishing the pride of the ocean, Malwa, 17th century. Varuna is depicted arising from the depth of the ocean and begging Rama for forgiveness.
Varuna on a Makara with attendants, gouache on paper, c. 1820