Varunani (Goddess of the Ocean)

Varunani (Goddess of the Ocean)

Eastern Ganga, 13th Century AD,  Konark,  Odisha

          In the Vedas Varun is one of the great four gods. According to many, He is the creator. According to some, He is the God of ocean. He is generally shown riding a mixed animal who has the legs of a lion, has a tusk of an elephant,  the tail of a fish. This creature merely suggests that life is a mystery,  it is full of contradictions, but it is acceptable.  

         Varunani is the Shakti (energy) of God Varun. She holds a noose in one hand so as to symbolise her ability to catch and hold things. She too sits on a hybrid animal called "Makar." This animal is also the symbol for Capricorn sign of the zodiac.

        The Konark sculptor has produced some of the most ornate and lively sculptures of India.  The eternal soft smile on the face imparts a sense of compassion and serenity to the divine figures. The art of Konark was to influence the art of Java and Sumatra where the Oriya fleets went for trade.