The Hindu equivalent of Poseidon is Varuna.
Varuna: The Hindu Deity Equivalent to Poseidon
Varuna is a prominent Vedic deity in Hinduism, often associated with the cosmic waters, the sky, and the upholding of Ṛta (cosmic order and truth). His dominion over the oceans and waters draws a significant parallel to Poseidon, the Greek god of the sea, earthquakes, and horses.
Comparative Overview of Varuna and His Equivalents
While Varuna shares a primary association with water bodies with Poseidon, his role extends beyond just the physical oceans to encompass moral law and cosmic truth, making him a multifaceted deity.
Here's a comparison of Varuna with his suggested equivalents in other mythologies:
| Deity | Mythology | Primary Domain | Key Attributes/Associations |
|---|---|---|---|
| Varuna | Hindu (Vedic) | Oceans, Sky, Cosmic Order (Ṛta) | God of waters, guardian of moral law, truth, oaths, often depicted holding a noose (pāśa). |
| Poseidon | Greek | Sea, Earthquakes, Horses | God of the sea, storms, creator of islands, known for his trident, often depicted with horses. |
| Njörðr | Norse | Sea, Winds, Fertility | God of the sea, seafaring, wind, wealth, and fertile land, particularly associated with fishing and travel. |
Roles and Similarities
- Dominion Over Waters: Both Varuna and Poseidon primarily govern vast bodies of water. Varuna is the lord of all waters, including rivers, lakes, and the celestial ocean, while Poseidon is the undisputed ruler of the seas.
- Cosmic Order vs. Earthly Power: While Poseidon's power is largely earthly and physical (shaking the earth, causing storms), Varuna's role is often more cosmic, overseeing the moral order of the universe and punishing those who deviate from Ṛta.
- Symbolism: Poseidon is famously associated with the trident, a symbol of his power over the sea. Varuna is often depicted with a noose (pāśa), which he uses to bind those who violate moral laws or truth.
Over time, Varuna's prominence in Hindu mythology shifted, with his role as a sky god diminishing and his association with the oceans becoming more central, solidifying his status as the guardian of the aquatic realm.
For more detailed information on Varuna, you can refer to his Wikipedia page.
