India, Jan. 1 -- By Dr. Devdutt Pattanaik - Author, Speaker, Illustrator, Mythologist

Varuna is one of the most ancient gods of the Vedic pantheon. In the Rig Veda, he is majestic, distant and terrifying. He sits above the world, ruler of the sky and the ocean, guardian of the cosmic law called rta.

He sees everything. Nothing escapes him. His noose catches those who lie or break their word. His power is not physical strength but moral authority. He is a governor and a judge.

He belongs to the world of priests, chants and night skies. He complements Indra, the warrior. Indra is associated with raids and war. Varuna is associated with peace. Indra accumulates wealth (yoga). Varuna distributes wealth (kshema). Indra is linked to individu...