In the Vedas, who is recognized as the sky god and sustainer of the cosmic order?

Varuna is recognized in the Vedas as the god of the sky and the sustainer of cosmic order. In Vedic literature, Varuna represents a powerful force that upholds rita, which is the principle of natural order and truth in the universe. His role is significant as he embodies the moral and cosmic law, ensuring that order prevails over chaos. Varuna's attributes emphasize the importance of truth and morality in the functioning of both the natural world and human society.

Indra, while a major deity in the Vedas often associated with leadership and power, primarily functions as a god of thunder, rain, and war, rather than as the sustainer of cosmic order. Agni is revered as the fire god and the mediator between humans and deities, playing a central role in rituals but not specifically in relation to the cosmic order itself. Brahma, on the other hand, is considered the creator god in later Hindu tradition, but he does not have a prominent role within the Vedic texts that directly links him to the cosmic order like Varuna does. Thus, Varuna's unique position as both the sky god and the maintainer of rita makes him the correct choice for this question.