Vara

The vara mudra is the gesture of 'granting boons' displayed by deities such as Ganesha. Boons are usually given to those who display great devotion. There are numerous stories where 'demons' are given boons (which go on to threaten the stability of the universe) due to their performance of tapas or yoga. One example is that of the Asura Bhasmasura described in the entry on Mohini.

In the Norse pantheon Vara is the goddess of oaths.