Varuna Shashti, an auspicious day dedicated to Varuna (the God of rain). In 2026, Varuna Shashti date is January 24. It is observed on Magha Shukla Sashti, the sixth day during Magha masam in Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu.
Varuna Dev is worshipped with red flowers, chandan (sandal paste), and dhoopa dheepa naivedyam.
Varuna Yagam is also performed in some regions on Varuna Sashti for better rains and harvest season.
Tithi and timing
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Varuna Shashti falls on the 6th lunar day (Shukla Shashti) of Magha masa according to the lunar calendar.
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In many South Indian regional panchangams it is specifically marked as a day for Varuna puja and rain‑related sankalpas.
Deity and spiritual significance
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The main deity is Varuna, the Vedic god of oceans, rivers and rains, who is also guardian of the western direction and associated with moral order (rita).
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Worship on this day is believed to remove drought, ensure regular rainfall, and harmonize the water element in life (health, emotional balance, agricultural welfare).
Common observances and vrata
Actual procedures vary by family and region, but typically include:
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Snana (preferably before sunrise), clean white or light‑coloured clothes and simple upavasa or at least avoiding heavy/tamasik food.
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Kalasha or kumbha representing Varuna, filled with clean water, decorated with mango leaves, coconut and sometimes placed on a plate with rice near a pot of water or well/house water‑source.
Puja outline (home level)
A simple, commonly followed home procedure (adapted to South Indian practice) is:
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Sankalpa for Varuna Shashti: praying for sufficient rains, protection from floods, good crops and loka‑kshema.
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Avahana of Varuna in kalasha or in water kept in a vessel; offering gandha, akshata, flowers, durva, and arghya with water.
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Chanting simple stotras or Vedic mantras of Varuna from Rigveda/Yajurveda as available in the family tradition, followed by naivedya and deepa.
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In Andhra/Telugu and Tamil households close to agriculture, Varuna Shashti is prominent when there is fear of drought, and special Varuna japams or homas may be arranged in temples or by purohits.
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Temple traditions may include abhisheka to Varuna or to a main deity (like Vishnu/Shiva) with special Varuna‑related sankalpa and collective rain‑prayers.