Part 18 - Lord Jhulelal's Association with Vedic Deity Varuna

When one looks at the characteristics, epithets, adjectives and various names by which he is referred, one may be able to present a picture of this deity in one's mind. At the same time when it is strongly believed by the Sindhi Community that Lord Jhulelal is an incarnation of Varuna, it would be possible to find certain similarities between both of them. It would be therefore necessary to look at the similarities and how these two are strongly related to each other which would give a fair idea of this concept. In the beginning one can look at the description of Vedic deity Varuna found in Vedas. Varuna is described as Asura Varuna, here the meaning of Asura is powerful. Varuna is the powerful deity in Rigveda and Atharvaveda. He is the Lord of the sea and all water bodies. He is the guardian of cosmic law (Ruta), the guardian of truth.

As Lord Jhulelal is believed to be an Avatar of Varuna, the roots of origin of Lord Jhulelal can be found to Vedic period. The concept of God Varuna is found in Rigveda. One finds some Suktas by Sage Vasishtha especially in the seventh Mandala of Rigveda, wherein the concept of ‘Bhakti’ is expressed for Lord Varuna. (Bahulkar 2008: 39)

He is an important and powerful Deity in Rigveda and said to rule the whole of the universe. He is said to be a great ruler. He dwells in a water body–sea–and from there itself he keeps an eye on all the living beings. He o bserves their good and bad deeds. He punishes those who behave with Adharma. He has his spy network spread throughout the universe. In the Vedas, there is a feeling of an awe and respect for Varuna. (Bahulkar 2008: 39)