Varuna, God of Waters

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Varuna, God of Waters

India, Rajasthan, Bundi, circa 1675-1700
Drawings; watercolors
Opaque watercolor, gold, and ink on paper
Sheet: 7 3/4 x 10 3/4 in. (19.69 x 27.31 cm); Image: 6 1/2 x 9 1/2 in. (16.51 x 24.13 cm)
Gift of the Felix and Helen Juda Foundation (M.72.4.2)
South and Southeast Asian Art
Not currently on public view

Curator Notes

Varuna, the Hindu God of Waters, is one of the earliest and most important Vedic deities. He ruled over waters (oceans and rain), demons, and the laws of nature and man....
Varuna, the Hindu God of Waters, is one of the earliest and most important Vedic deities. He ruled over waters (oceans and rain), demons, and the laws of nature and man. He is also the leader of the (generally) twelve solar deities known as the Adityas (sons of Aditi, the mother goddess of infinity). In later Hinduism, Varuna is principally the guardian of the direction (dikpala) of the West. This folio [#37] is likely from a series of propitiatory divinities. The inscription along the top identifies the figure as Varuna, regent of the West. He is crowned and wears golden jewelry, a floral garland, an orange dhoti, and a transparent shawl. He has four arms and carries a golden waterpot (kamandalu) and a snake-noose (naga-pasha). His hands are held in the symbolic gestures of ‘fear-not’ (abhaya mudra) and ‘gift-giving’ (varada mudra). He rides on a mythical aquatic creature (makara).
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Bibliography

  • El Universo de la India: Obras Maestras del Museo de Arte del Condado de Los Angeles. Santiago: Centro Cultural Palacio La Moneda, 2012.

  • Meller, Susan. Labels of Empire: Textile Trademarks: Windows into India in the Time of the Raj. Novato, CA: Goff Books, 2023.

  • El Universo de la India: Obras Maestras del Museo de Arte del Condado de Los Angeles. Santiago: Centro Cultural Palacio La Moneda, 2012.

  • Meller, Susan. Labels of Empire: Textile Trademarks: Windows into India in the Time of the Raj. Novato, CA: Goff Books, 2023.
  • Markel, Stephen. "Hindu Cosmology and Mythology." Orientations 55, no.6 (2024): 39-47.
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