Aditya 9 of 12 · Presides over Ashwina (Sep-Oct)

Varuna

वरुण

Cosmic order (Rta), oceans, oath-keeping, night-sky

Mantras

Beej mantra

ॐ ह्रीं वरुणाय नमः

Primary mantra

ॐ वरुणाय नमः

Om Varunaya Namah

Quality of light

Reflected-light — sun in water and night-stars (Varuna is lord of both)

Ratna (gem)

Diamond (Heera)

Vahana

Makara (crocodile) — different from solar chariot

Presiding month

Ashwina (Sep-Oct)

Benefit of worship

Truth-power, water-purity blessing, healing of urinary/kidney ailments, removes oath-breaking sin

Story / Origin

Originally the supreme deva of Vedic age (Rig Veda 1.25 calls him "all-knowing"). Holds the Pasha (cosmic noose) that binds liars and oath-breakers. Later texts demoted him to Lord of Western Quarter + Oceans. In Aditya list, retains primacy as cosmic-order enforcer.

Vrata practice

Sankalp at any water body — invoke Varuna before swearing important oaths; offer water at evening twilight

Associated temple

Varunjeshwara temple, Tamil Nadu (rare Varuna-dedicated)

See 12 sacred tirthas and Nava Graha for full graha-grid.

Plan a Surya puja

Cannot travel? Book a remote Varuna puja with video proof. For Ratha Saptami + Makar Sankranti dates see Hindu festival calendar 2026.