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]

Varuni (left) with her consort Varuna

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.[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

Third goddess is a Matrika found in Matsya Purana.[4] 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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