Shatabhisha (Sadhayam, Chathayam) Nakshatra Devata Varuna: Meaning of His Form in Hindu Art
In South Indian panchang and almanac, each nakshatra has its
own devata. These are called Nakshatra Devatas or Athi Devatas. The word Athi
means presiding, so Athi Devata is the presiding deity of that nakshatra. The
devatas are shown in temple sculptures and also as small paintings in almanacs.
Sometimes they are seen in temple panels or carved in small shrines around the
outer prakara of the temple.
The purpose of these images is not only decoration. The
sculptors followed the rules of the Shilpa Shastras and Agamas, so that every
form gives a clear message to the devotee. Hindu art is a way of teaching
dharma to common people, who may not read the scriptures. One look at the image
tells about the power, duty and nature of the devata.
Shatabhisha Nakshatra and Its Names
Shatabhisha is the 24th nakshatra. It is also called
Shatataraka, Satabhisha, Sadhayam in Tamil and Chathayam in Malayalam. The name
Shatabhisha means hundred healers or hundred physicians. Shatataraka means
hundred stars. Because of this, the nakshatra is connected with healing,
medicine, secrecy and the vastness of the sky. The Athi Devata of this
nakshatra is Varuna.
Who is Varuna
Varuna is one of the oldest devatas mentioned in the Rig
Veda. He is the guardian of Rta, the cosmic order and truth. In the Vedic
hymns, Varuna sees everything, and nothing can be hidden from him. He is also
the ruler of the waters, the ocean and the western direction. In the Puranas,
he is counted among the Ashta Dikpalakas, the eight guardians of the
directions. He is the dikpala of the west.
Sculpture and Form of Varuna
Varuna is shown seated in sukhasana, the easy cross-legged
posture, with two hands. The lower right hand holds amrita. The lower left hand
holds pasha. There is no vahana or mount in this form of the Nakshatra Devata.
Meaning of Sukhasana
Sukhasana shows calmness and stability. A devata who sits in
a relaxed but steady posture shows that his authority is natural and does not
need force. For the devotee, it is a reminder that a steady mind is needed for
both worship and daily life.
Meaning of Amrita
Amrita is the nectar of immortality. It is connected with
healing and long life, which fits well with the meaning of Shatabhisha as
hundred healers. Water is also the source of life, and Varuna is the lord of
waters, so amrita in his hand shows that he gives life, health and renewal. It
also points to spiritual wealth, because in Hindu teaching the real amrita is
knowledge of the Atman.
Meaning of Pasha
Pasha is a noose or rope. It is not meant only for
punishment. It shows the binding power of dharma. Varuna uses it to hold those
who break Rta, the cosmic order, and to restrain wrong actions. At the
philosophical level, pasha also means the bonds of ignorance, ego and desire
that tie the jiva to samsara. When the devotee prays to Varuna, he asks for
these bonds to be loosened.
No Mount
The absence of a vahana is noted in this sculptural form. It
keeps the image simple and focused on the two items he holds, amrita and pasha,
which together show the balance of grace and discipline.
Teachings and Philosophy
The two hands of Varuna give one clear teaching. Life needs
both compassion and discipline. Amrita is the reward of right living, and pasha
is the check against adharma. A person who respects Rta, speaks truth and lives
with honesty receives peace and health. A person who ignores it faces the
result of his karma.
Varuna is also the witness of truth. This reminds the
devotee that the divine knows all actions, even those done in secret. This idea
supports honest conduct in personal and social life.
Benefits of Worshipping Varuna
Devotees believe that worship of the Nakshatra Devata brings peace, prosperity, fulfillment of desires and good health. It also helps to overcome impediments in life and gives spiritual wealth. People born in Satabhisha Nakshatra, or those who face health problems and obstacles, usually pray to Varuna, especially on their birth star day.
The image of Varuna in sukhasana with amrita and pasha is simple, but it carries deep meaning. It shows that the divine power is calm, healing and just at the same time. Seeing such sculptures in temple prakaras and almanacs, the devotee remembers that Hindu art is not only for the eyes. It is a teaching of truth, order and liberation.