Varuna, one of the principal deities of the Vedic pantheon, is not widely worshipped today for several reasons that are rooted in the historical, cultural, and religious evolution of Hinduism:
Shift in Religious Focus: During the Vedic period, Varuna was a major deity associated with cosmic order (Rta), water, and the law. However, as Hinduism evolved, the religious focus shifted towards other deities such as Vishnu, Shiva, and Devi (the Goddess). These deities became central figures in the Puranic traditions that followed the Vedic period.
Integration and Assimilation: Many Vedic deities, including Varuna, were assimilated into the Puranic framework in different forms. Varuna's attributes and roles were often absorbed by other gods. For example, aspects of Varuna's association with water were taken over by deities like Vishnu (in his aspect as Narayana who rests on the cosmic ocean) and local water deities.
Evolution of Mythology: The Puranas and later texts developed new mythologies and narratives that focused on other deities. These texts, which became more influential in shaping popular Hinduism, placed less emphasis on Varuna, thereby diminishing his prominence in ritual and worship.
Development of Sectarian Traditions: Hinduism developed various sects like Vaishnavism, Shaivism, and Shaktism, each with its own central deities and practices. The worship of deities like Vishnu, Shiva, and Devi overshadowed the Vedic gods, including Varuna.
Regional and Folk Practices: Over time, regional and folk traditions also developed their own pantheons and practices, which often did not include the Vedic gods in their original forms. Local deities and spirits became more significant in daily religious life.
Role of Rituals: In the Vedic period, Varuna was invoked primarily through elaborate rituals performed by the priestly class (Brahmins). As the nature of worship became more personal and devotional in later periods, the complex Vedic rituals lost their centrality, and so did the gods associated with them, like Varuna.
Iconographic Representation: Unlike gods like Vishnu and Shiva, who have well-defined iconography and temples dedicated to them, Varuna does not have a widespread or distinct iconographic tradition in later Hinduism. This lack of temples and images further contributed to the decline in his worship.
While Varuna may not be widely worshipped today, he is still acknowledged and respected within the larger tapestry of Hindu mythology and religious history. He occasionally appears in rituals and festivals, particularly those related to water and the oceans, but his role is significantly diminished compared to his prominence in the Vedic period