The worship of Mithra and Varuna is deeply intertwined, with many scholars suggesting that they were originally two aspects of the same deity. In Hindu mythology, Varuna is often depicted as a god of the sky, with his thousand eyes symbolizing his ability to see everything that happens in the world. Mithra, on the other hand, is associated with the sun, and his role is to bring light to the world and dispel darkness (Sauer, 2012).

One of the most fascinating aspects of the Mithra-Varuna connection is the concept of cosmic balance and harmony. In Hindu mythology, Varuna is considered to be the lord of the night sky, while Mithra rules the day. Together, they represent the perfect balance between light and dark, order and chaos, and all the other opposing forces that shape our world. They are also believed to work together to maintain the cosmic order and ensure that the universe runs smoothly.

The worship of Mithra and Varuna has been a part of Hindu tradition for thousands of years, and their influence can still be felt today. Many people believe that by honoring these powerful deities, they can tap into their energy and wisdom, bringing balance and harmony into their lives.

In conclusion, Mithra and Varuna are two of the most intriguing gods in the Hindu pantheon, representing the power and majesty of the sun and the sky, as well as the oceans and the cosmic order. Their connection is a testament to the ancient wisdom and knowledge that has been passed down through generations, reminding us of the importance of balance, harmony, and the interconnectedness of all things. By studying their stories and honoring their traditions, we can gain a deeper understanding of ourselves and the world around us.

Varuna is a major deity in Hinduism, believed to be the god of oceans, seas, and waters. He is also associated with the sky, night, and truth (T. S, 2021)

Varuna is considered to be a very important god in Hinduism, as water is a crucial element for the sustenance of life, and in ancient India, most communities were situated near water sources like rivers, lakes, and oceans. Thus, Varuna’s connection with water is seen as vital to the survival and well-being of humans (varan – “rain” in the Parthian dialects, Persian: baran)

Varuna is also believed to be a moral deity who judges the deeds of humans and is associated with the concept of dharma or righteousness. It is said that he punishes those who break the laws of nature, which includes not respecting water resources and polluting them. Thus, worship of Varuna is seen as a way to gain his blessings and protection from the destructive forces of nature, including floods, droughts, and tsunamis (Mangaiyarkkarasi, 2021)

Mithra is a deity from ancient Iranian mythology and religion. He was worshipped as a god of light, justice, and contracts (Daryaee 2012). Mithra’s worship was widespread across the Iranian plateau and beyond, including in the Roman Empire where he was adopted into the Roman pantheon as the god Mithras (Nabarz 2005)

The deity Mithra can be traced back to Indo-Iranian roots and is a god of agreements and contracts, also known in ancient times as the “friendly alliance” or “peace” (Slavic: mir). Etymologically, the name is rooted further back into the deep Satem group (Balto-Slavic and Indo-Iranian) root. This is also the reason why Hinduism recognizes and worships Mithra as a deity. Mithraism was the original religion of all Iranian peoples, even though it had regional diversities and still has them today (Secunda 2014), even though it had regional diversities and still has them today. In present remnants such as in Yezidism, Yarsanism, Raye Haq (in Dersim/Kalan) and partially also in Ismailism, we can recognize Mithraic roots. Despite the emergence of Zoroastrianism – concentrated in southern Eran (Persia) – and its designation as the state religion by the Sasanian family, and even the fanatical approach of the Zoroastrian priest Kartir, Mithraism was preferred by the majority of Iranian peoples.

Mithra is often depicted as a young man wearing a Phrygian cap and carrying a dagger or a sword. He is also sometimes depicted riding a chariot drawn by white horses. Mithra was believed to be the god of the sun and the sky, and was associated with fire and the dawn. One of the most significant aspects of Mithra’s worship was his connection with contracts and oaths. It was believed that Mithra was a witness to all agreements made between people, and that he punished those who broke their promises (Stoholski, 2007)

One of the most significant aspects of Mithra’s worship was his connection with contracts and oaths. It was believed that Mithra was a witness to all agreements made between people, and that he punished those who broke their promises. Thus, those who made oaths and contracts would invoke Mithra’s name as a guarantee of their sincerity and trustworthiness.

Mithra’s worship was also closely connected to the concept of justice. It was believed that Mithra presided over the judgment of the souls of the dead, and that he rewarded the righteous and punished the wicked. As a result, Mithra’s worship emphasized the importance of moral behavior and the need to uphold one’s obligations to others.

The spread of Mithra’s worship beyond Iran was likely facilitated by the expansion of the Sarmatians from the north and the Parthians from the south, as well as the popularity of his cult among Roman soldiers.

Mangaiyarkkarasi, G. 2021. Obsolete Worship

Stoholski, Mark. 2007. Welcome to Heaven, Please Watch Your Step: The Mithras Liturgy and the Homeric Quotations in the Paris Papyrus

S., T. 2021. Sangam Landscape and its Theological Soctrines

Sauer, Eberhard. 2012. Mithras and Mithraism

Daryaee, Touraj. 2012. The Oxford Handbook of Iranian History 

Secunda, Shai. 2014. The Iranian Talmud: Reading the Bavli in Its Sasanian Context 

Nabarz, Payam. 2005. The Mysteries of Mithras: The Pagan Belief That Shaped the Christian World