Varuni Yoga is regarded as a profoundly auspicious and beneficial time period in Hindu astrology. It signifies a phase where positivity thrives and events are propelled in a favorable direction. In the Hindu Panchang, Varuni Yoga holds immense significance, akin to other auspicious timings such as Abuja Muhurta. It is believed that during Varuni Yoga, various religious ceremonies and rituals yield heightened spiritual benefits and outcomes.

This auspicious Yoga is described as a time filled with purity and auspiciousness in every moment. Ancient scriptures like the Dharma Sindhu and Kashi elaborate on the importance of Varuni Yoga, portraying it in beautifully articulated words. Its significance transcends regional boundaries, celebrated with reverence in both North and South India. Across different languages and cultures in India, texts describe the auspiciousness of Varuni Yoga, emphasizing its novelty and sanctity in every moment.

Three types of Varuni Yoga

Varuni Yoga, an auspicious combination in Vedic astrology, can manifest in three distinct ways, each increasing in significance. This yoga is believed to bring forth auspiciousness based on factors like the month, constellation, day, and other auspicious yogas.

Varuni Yoga: This yoga occurs when the Shatabhisha Nakshatra aligns with the Trayodashi date of the Krishna Paksha in the Chaitra month.

Mahavaruni Yoga: This yoga is an enhanced version of Varuni Yoga. It occurs when the Shatabhisha Nakshatra aligns with the Trayodashi date of the Krishna Paksha in the Chaitra month, specifically on a Saturday.

Mahamahavaruni Yoga: This is the most potent form of the Varuni Yoga. It happens when the Shatabhisha Nakshatra aligns with the Trayodashi date of the Krishna Paksha in the Chaitra month, also on a Saturday, and coincides with the presence of the Shubh Yoga.

These combinations are significant in determining auspicious periods and are subject to various interpretations within different schools of thought in astrology.

Varuni Yoga in Puranas

Varuni Yoga is described differently across various Puranas like Bhavishya Purana, Narada Purana, Skanda Purana, and Devi Bhagavata Purana (Srimad Devi Bhagavatam).

Bhavishya Purana

Chaitre Maasi Sitaashtamyaan Shanau Shatabhisha Yadi|

Gangaaya Yadi Labhyet Sooryagrahashataih Sama||

Seyan Mahaavaaruneeti Khyaata Krshnatrayodashee|

Asyaan Snaanan Ch Daanan Ch Shraaddhan Vaakshayamuchyate||

Narada Purana

Vaarunen Samaayukta Madhau Krshna Trayodashee|

Gangaayaan Yadi Labhyet Sooryagrahashataih Sama||

Skanda Purana

Vaarunen Samaayukta Madhau Krshna Trayodashee|

Gangaayaan Yadi Labhyet Sooryagrahashataih Sama||

Shanivaarasamaayukta Sa Mahaavaarunee Smrta|

Gangaayaan Yadi Labhyet Kotisooryagrahaih Sama||

Devi Bhagavata Purana

Vaarunan Kaalikaakhyanch Shaamban Nandikrtan Shubham|

Sauran Paaraasharaproktamaadityan Chaativistaram||

Snan Puja

On the day of Varuni Yoga, a celestial alignment considered auspicious in Hindu astrology, a series of rituals are recommended for spiritual elevation and blessings. Firstly, it’s advised to take a bath to purify oneself before commencing worship. The worship should begin with reverence to Lord Vishnu followed by worship of Lord Shiva. Surya Namaskar, the sun salutation, is performed to pay homage to Surya Deva (the sun god).

Additionally, it’s customary to worship Radha–Krishna, Tulsi (holy basil), Peepal tree, and the Amla tree. Lighting a lamp in front of Tulsi in the morning signifies devotion. Reading religious texts such as the Bhagavad Gita, Bhagavata Purana, Ramayana, and other scriptures is recommended during this time. Bhajan (devotional songs), Kirtan (chanting), and Katha (narration of religious stories) can also be conducted to invoke spiritual energy.

Ishta Pujan (worship of one’s chosen deity) and Tulsi Puja (worship of the holy basil plant) hold significance in this ceremony. Offering Deepdan (lighting of lamps) near a water body or at home symbolizes enlightenment and prosperity.

Performing these rituals along with Snan (bathing), Puja (worship), Upasna (meditation), and Chanting during Varuni Yoga is believed to yield Akshay Fal, endless fruits of one’s actions. Fasting throughout the day is a common practice, with devotees breaking their fast only after offering food to the deities at night, following a day of spiritual devotion and discipline.

Ganga Snan

Varuni Yoga is an ancient tradition where people perform a special bath ritual believed to bring immense benefits. This tradition involves not only bathing but also making donations and observing penance. It’s highly regarded as a propitious time for bathing in sacred rivers like the Ganges. Engaging in religious rituals, storytelling, and meditation during Varuni Yoga is said to bring auspicious outcomes.

The commencement of Varuni Yoga marks a time of heightened auspiciousness in the cosmic cycle. It’s believed to be so significant that even deities descend to Earth to partake in the ritual bathing. Ideally, one should bathe in rivers like the Ganga or the Yamuna, or at least in any available body of water. If that’s not feasible, a simple bath at home suffices. Following the bath, it’s customary to worship and chant the deity’s mantra one reveres.

When Varuni Yoga aligns with favorable celestial configurations and auspicious Yogas, it’s termed Mahavaruni Yoga, signifying an even more propitious period for bathing rituals. Additionally, meditating on specific Nakshatras during the bath is believed to enhance the benefits. Overall, Varuni Yoga represents a time of spiritual purification and blessings, with the potential for profound positive impacts on one’s life.

Charity

Varuni Yoga is a highly revered time as per scriptures, renowned for its great significance. It’s a day when people worship the relevant Nakshatra while bathing in sacred rivers, lakes, or pools. This act of bathing, or ‘Snan’, is believed to bestow happiness, health, and prosperity upon the devotees.

During Varuni Yoga, engaging in acts of charity and practicing restraint is considered highly virtuous. It’s believed that these actions have the power to absolve one of all sins. The benefits accrued from such virtuous deeds are said to be equivalent to those obtained from embarking on a pilgrimage.

Charitable acts performed with a pure heart, regardless of their scale, are believed to yield everlasting rewards, known as ‘Akshay Fal’. Mythological texts extensively discuss the glory of Varuni Yoga. Observing rituals like bathing and austerity (‘Tapa’) on this day is said to pave the path to moksha (salvation).