Vedic Mythology c5.s1.t2.13

c5.s1.t2.13

Varuṇa's ordinances are constantly said to be fixed, the epithet *dhṛtavrata* being preëminently applicable to him, sometimes conjointly with Mitra. The gods themselves follow Varuṇa's ordinances (8, 41⁷) or those of Varuṇa, Mitra, and Savitṛ (10, 36¹³). Even the immortal gods cannot obstruct the fixed ordinances of Mitra and Varuṇa (5, 69⁴ cp. 5, 63⁷). Mitra and Varuṇa are lords of order (*ṛta*) and light, who by means of order are the upholders of order (1, 23⁵). The latter epithet is mostly applied either to them and sometimes the Ādityas or to the gods in general. They are cherishers of order or right (1, 2⁸). Varuṇa or the Ādityas are sometimes called guardians of order (*ṛtasya gopā*), but this term is also applied to Agni and Soma. The epithet 'observer of order' (*ṛtāvan*), predominantly used of Agni, is also several times connected with Varuṇa and Mitra.