Editing Varuna (section)

=== Brahmanas ===
In the [[Brahmana]] texts, Varuna retains his Vedic stature as the sovereign of ''[[ṛta]]'' (cosmic order) and is especially associated with the moral and ritual law. The ''[[Shatapatha Brahmana]]'' frequently describes Varuna as the deity who punishes violations of ritual precision through his noose (''[[Pasha (Hinduism)|pāśa]]'') and cords, symbolic of cosmic and ethical consequences.<ref name=":Brahm">{{Cite book |last=Chaudhuri |first=Dr Usha |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=HODWjwEACAAJ |title=Indra And Varuna In Indian Mythology |publisher=Nag Publishers |year=1978 |isbn=978-81-7081-034-6 |pages=82–96 |language=en |chapter=Varuṇa in the Brahmanas}}</ref>

A significant ceremony called the ''Varunapraghasa'' is detailed. The ''Varunapraghasa'' sacrifice, performed during the rainy season, underscores Varuna’s association with cosmic law, where violations are metaphorically described as "eating Varuna’s barley," leading to divine punishment but also offering a path to redemption through ritual. Varuna’s dual nature is reflected in offerings of white barley (symbolizing light and unity) and black rice (representing the punitive aspect of law), illustrating his role as both a unifier and a judge. As such, Varuna's function is twofold: he enforces cosmic and social law, and he grants atonement through sacrifice.<ref name=":Brahm" />

The ''[[Taittirīya Brāhmaṇa]]'' highlights Varuna’s vigilance over truth (''[[satya]]'') and falsehood (''[[anṛta]]''), emphasizing his immediate retribution against deceit. He is identified with the cosmic waters (''[[Ap (water)|āpah]]''), truth (''satya''), and darkness, all of which reflect dual aspects of creation and morality (pp. 88–90). Varuna is further described as ''[[Samvatsara]]''—the cosmic year—and is associated with [[prana]] (life breath), [[Agni]] (fire), and as the holder of royal authority in the ''[[Rajasuya]]'' consecration rite.<ref name=":Brahm" />

Philosophical passages depict Varuna as enveloping the universe, akin to the cosmic waters that cover and permeate creation. This enveloping aspect (''var'') forms the etymological basis for his name, portraying him as both metaphysical principle and divine legislator.<ref name=":Brahm" />