Changes

By a study of the scriptures as an application to modern science, Sri. C V B Subrahmanyam<ref>Dr. C V B Subrahmanyam and Ch V Ananth, Vedic Sciences - Applicability to Modern Life (2013). Vedic Seminar Series, USCEFI, Hyderabad</ref> proposed a relationship between Indra and Vrttrasura yudda (as mentioned in Rig veda mantras) along with the story Maruts (as given in Ramayana and Vishnu Purana) that clearly refers this natural phenomenon. The concept is extended to how lightning (vajraayudha the lighting bolt) can be used to pierce through the strong circling winds (Vrttra) and clouds (Indra's strength) and control cyclones.       

By a study of the scriptures as an application to modern science, Sri. C V B Subrahmanyam<ref>Dr. C V B Subrahmanyam and Ch V Ananth, Vedic Sciences - Applicability to Modern Life (2013). Vedic Seminar Series, USCEFI, Hyderabad</ref> proposed a relationship between Indra and Vrttrasura yudda (as mentioned in Rig veda mantras) along with the story Maruts (as given in Ramayana and Vishnu Purana) that clearly refers this natural phenomenon. The concept is extended to how lightning (vajraayudha the lighting bolt) can be used to pierce through the strong circling winds (Vrttra) and clouds (Indra's strength) and control cyclones.       

'''Rig Veda (1.32)'''<blockquote>अहन् वृत्रं वृत्रतरं व्यंसमिन्द्रो वज्रेण महता वधेन । स्कन्धांसीव कुलिशेना विवृक्णाऽहि: शयत उपपृक् पृथिव्याः ॥५ (Rig. Veda. 1.32.5)<ref name=":2">http://ignca.nic.in/Vedic_portal_rigveda_shakala_Samhita.htm</ref></blockquote>Meaning : Indra killed Vrttra by the fatal blows of his Vajraayudha (lightning strike). Just like how an axe is used to cut down the branches of a tree which falls down to the ground.  

'''Rig Veda (1.32)'''<blockquote>अहन् वृत्रं वृत्रतरं व्यंसमिन्द्रो वज्रेण महता वधेन । स्कन्धांसीव कुलिशेना विवृक्णाऽहि: शयत उपपृक् पृथिव्याः ॥५ (Rig. Veda. 1.32.5)<ref name=":2">Rig Veda ([http://vedicheritage.gov.in/samhitas/rigveda/shakala-samhita/rigveda-shakala-samhitas-mandal-01-sukta-032/ Mandala 1, Sukta 32])</ref></blockquote>Meaning : Indra killed Vrttra by the fatal blows of his Vajraayudha (lightning strike). Just like how an axe is used to cut down the branches of a tree which falls down to the ground.  

Summary : The whole sukta explains in detail how Indra uses Vajraayudha to break down Vrttrasura, there by releasing waters. Symbolically the whirling winds (Vrttra) which capture the dense clouds (Indra) are dispersed by the lightning strikes (Vajraayuda), thus reducing the intensity of cyclone, releasing rains on to the earth.   

Summary : The whole sukta explains in detail how Indra uses Vajraayudha to break down Vrttrasura, there by releasing waters. Symbolically the whirling winds (Vrttra) which capture the dense clouds (Indra) are dispersed by the lightning strikes (Vajraayuda), thus reducing the intensity of cyclone, releasing rains on to the earth.   

=== वैदिकप्रतीतिविचारः || Vedic Symbolism ===

=== वैदिकप्रतीतिविचारः || Vedic Symbolism ===

Indra, is the most amazing power and energy assuming different kinds of forms for the sake of well-being of the universe, as explained in the Rig Veda mantras. Therefore the battle between Indra and Vrttra is symbolically very significant and must be seen from this perspective rather than the Indological historic viewpoint.  The Rig veda mantras also describe the symbolism of the wars of Indra as follows <blockquote>यदचरस्तन्वा वावृधानो बलानीन्द्र प्रब्रुवाणो जनेषु । मायेत्सा ते यानि युद्धान्याहुर्नाद्य शत्रुं ननु पुरा विवित्से ।।  (Rig Veda 10.54.2) <ref name=":2" /> </blockquote><blockquote>yadacarastanvā vāvr̥dhānō balānīndra prabruvāṇō janēṣu । māyētsā tē yāni yuddhānyāhurnādya śatruṁ nanu purā vivitsē ।। (Rig Veda 10.54.2) <ref name=":2" /></blockquote>Meaning 2nd line: Hey Indra ! you don’t have enemity with anyone, and even so how can any enemy match you? All those who say you fought wars are nothing but maya (illusion) for you do not have any enemies in the past.  

Indra, is the most amazing power and energy assuming different kinds of forms for the sake of well-being of the universe, as explained in the Rig Veda mantras. Therefore the battle between Indra and Vrttra is symbolically very significant and must be seen from this perspective rather than the Indological historic viewpoint.  The Rig veda mantras also describe the symbolism of the wars of Indra as follows <blockquote>यदचरस्तन्वा वावृधानो बलानीन्द्र प्रब्रुवाणो जनेषु । मायेत्सा ते यानि युद्धान्याहुर्नाद्य शत्रुं ननु पुरा विवित्से ।।  (Rig Veda 10.54.2) <ref>Rig Veda Samhita ([http://vedicheritage.gov.in/samhitas/rigveda/shakala-samhita/rigveda-shakala-samhita-mandal-10-sukta-054/ Mandala 10, Sukta 54])</ref> </blockquote><blockquote>yadacarastanvā vāvr̥dhānō balānīndra prabruvāṇō janēṣu । māyētsā tē yāni yuddhānyāhurnādya śatruṁ nanu purā vivitsē ।। (Rig Veda 10.54.2) </blockquote>Meaning 2nd line: Hey Indra ! you don’t have enemity with anyone, and even so how can any enemy match you? All those who say you fought wars are nothing but maya (illusion) for you do not have any enemies in the past.  

Rig Veda mantras depict that Vrttra was killed and other mantras pronounce that a truce between Indra and Vrttra is established, whereby Vrttra exists in the form of hunger. In this perspective, the battle between Indra and Vrttra is eternal and Vrttra is not killed once and for all.  <blockquote>तव च्यौत्नानि वज्रहस्त तानि नव यत्पुरो नवतिं च सद्यः | निवेशने शततमाविवेषीरहञ्च वर्त्रं नमुचिमुताहन् || (Rig Veda. 7.19.5.) <ref name=":2" /></blockquote><blockquote>tava cyautnāni vajrahasta tāni nava yatpurō navatiṁ ca sadyaḥ | nivēśanē śatatamāvivēṣīrahañca vartraṁ namucimutāhan || (Rig Veda. 7.19.5.) <ref name=":2" /></blockquote>Meaning : With Vajraayudha in his hands, the invincible power, Indra swiftly destroyed 99 of the 100 places and captured the likes of Vrttra and Namuchi in his hundredth attempt.  

Rig Veda mantras depict that Vrttra was killed and other mantras pronounce that a truce between Indra and Vrttra is established, whereby Vrttra exists in the form of hunger. In this perspective, the battle between Indra and Vrttra is eternal and Vrttra is not killed once and for all.  <blockquote>तव च्यौत्नानि वज्रहस्त तानि नव यत्पुरो नवतिं च सद्यः | निवेशने शततमाविवेषीरहञ्च वर्त्रं नमुचिमुताहन् || (Rig Veda. 7.19.5.) <ref>Rig Veda Samhita ([http://vedicheritage.gov.in/samhitas/rigveda/shakala-samhita-2/rigveda-shakala-samhita-mandal-07-sukta-019/ Mandala 7, Sukta 19])</ref></blockquote><blockquote>tava cyautnāni vajrahasta tāni nava yatpurō navatiṁ ca sadyaḥ | nivēśanē śatatamāvivēṣīrahañca vartraṁ namucimutāhan || (Rig Veda. 7.19.5.) </blockquote>Meaning : With Vajraayudha in his hands, the invincible power, Indra swiftly destroyed 99 of the 100 places and captured the likes of Vrttra and Namuchi in his hundredth attempt.  

=== आधुनिकैतिहासिकविचारः || History as per Indologists ===

=== आधुनिकैतिहासिकविचारः || History as per Indologists ===