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'''Indra''' (Samskrit: इन्द्रः) is the adhipati (leader) of the Devas and rules Svargaloka, also called as Amaravati. He is the presiding deity of rain and thunderstorms. Indra is the most important deity worshiped in the Rig veda mantras, and innumerable, anecdotes, legends and events are connected with Him, through different yugas or ages in different puranas.

'''Indra''' (Samskrit: इन्द्रः) is the adhipati (leader) of the Devatas and rules over Svargaloka, also called as Amaravati. He is the presiding deity of rain and thunderstorms. Indra is the most important deity. along with Agni, worshiped in the Rig veda mantras. Innumerable, anecdotes, legends and events are connected with Indra through different yugas or ages in different puranas.

Indra is also described as a position, which may be achieved by one who performs one hundred aswamedha yagnas.

Indra is also described as a position, which may be achieved by one who performs one hundred aswamedha yajnas.

== परिचय || Introduction ==

== परिचयः || Introduction ==

Indra, is the most celebrated deity and worshiped since ages in Sanatana Dharma. He is highly revered for his power as a slayer of rakshasas or demons and asuras and protector of rishis and dharma as seen in the Vedas.   

Indra, is the most celebrated deity and worshiped since ages in Sanatana Dharma. He is highly revered for his power as a slayer of rakshasas or demons and asuras and protector of rishis and dharma as seen in the Vedas.   

In Mahabharata and Puranas, numerous anecdotes of Indra describe his rivalries, wars, vices, disguises, hasty actions and decisions, often seeking refuge in either Brahma, Vishnu, or Mahadeva for overpowering his adversaries. Apart from all these qualities he is revered for his power and protection of Dharma. Following are the different aspects associated with Indra across the various texts.  

In Mahabharata and Puranas, numerous anecdotes of Indra describe his strengths, rivalries, wars, vices, disguises, hasty actions and decisions, often seeking refuge in either Brahma, Vishnu, or Mahadeva for overpowering his adversaries. Apart from all these qualities he is revered for his power and protection of Dharma. Following are the different aspects associated with Indra across the various texts.  

* '''यज्ञपालकः || Yagnapalaka''' : As the Protector of Yagnas, he plays a significant role. There are more than 250 Rk Suktas that glorify Indra by performance of yagnas and offering of Soma rasa for him, he is the chief receiver to be pleased at any yagna.  

* '''यज्ञपालकः || Yajnapalaka''' : As the Protector of Yajnas, he plays a significant role. There are more than 250 Rk Suktas that glorify Indra by performance of Yajnas and offering of Soma rasa for him, he is the chief receiver to be pleased at any Yajna.  

* '''सुरपतिः ||''' '''Surapati''' : As a protector, Indra rules over the earth and heavens, suras or devatas including Maruthas and other beings such as Gandharvaas, Apsaraas, Asuraas and Rakshasas, He is the master of all these entities including nishadas.     

* '''सुरपतिः ||''' '''Surapati''' : As a protector, Indra rules over the earth and heavens, suras or devatas including Maruthas and other beings such as Gandharvaas, Apsaraas, Asuraas and Rakshasas, He is the master of all these entities including nishadas.     

* '''स्वर्गाधिपतिः || Svargaadhipati''' : He is engaged in a constant vigil to protect Svargaloka which is the home for all ratnas (gems or treasures) and nidhis (divine heavenly treasures) such as Kalpavriksha (wish-fulfilling tree studded with precious stones), Amrita (nectar),  Kaamadhenu (divine wish-fulfilling cow), Airavata (divine elephant), Ucchaisravasa (divine horse), and Parijatavriksha (divine flowering tree with unfading flowers) among other things.     

* '''स्वर्गाधिपतिः || Svargaadhipati''' : He is engaged in a constant vigil to protect Svargaloka which is the home for all ratnas (gems or treasures) and nidhis (divine heavenly treasures) such as Kalpavriksha (wish-fulfilling tree studded with precious stones), Amrita (nectar),  Kaamadhenu (divine wish-fulfilling cow), Airavata (divine elephant), Ucchaisravasa (divine horse), and Parijatavriksha (divine flowering tree with unfading flowers) among other things.     

Indra is also called सोमपा || Somapa (One who delights in drinking soma rasa).

Indra is also called सोमपा || Somapa (One who delights in drinking soma rasa).

== Role of Indra ==

== Role of Indra ==

In the Vedas, Indra has a very significant position as a Protector of Yagnas and the chief recipient of havish or yagna offerings. He is also the most feared destroyer of Panis, Dasyus and Asuras like Vrttra, who obstructed the performance of yagnas.  He is also the chief deity in Somayaga, and is the chief beneficiary of Somarasa. There are more than 250 Rig veda suktas that glorify Indra.   

In the Vedas, Indra has a very significant position as a Protector of Yajnas and the chief recipient of havish or Yajna offerings. He is also the most feared destroyer of Panis, Dasyus and Asuras like Vrttra, who obstructed the performance of Yajnas.  He is also the chief deity in Somayaga, and is the chief beneficiary of Somarasa. There are more than 250 Rig veda suktas that glorify Indra.   

=== शक्रः || Shakra ===

=== शक्रः || Shakra ===

Indra is called as शक्रः Shakra meaning शक्नोति दैत्यान् नाशयितुम् (Shabdakalpadhruma) one who is capable of destroying the Daityas or Rakshasas.<blockquote>इन्द्रो यातूनामभवत्पराशरो हविर्मथीनामभ्या विवासताम् | अभीदु शक्रः परशुर्यथा वनं पात्रेव भिन्दन्त्सत एति रक्षसः || (Rig Veda 7.104.21)</blockquote><blockquote>indrō yātūnāmabhavatparāśarō havirmathīnāmabhyā vivāsatām | abhīdu śakraḥ paraśuryathā vanaṁ pātrēva bhindantsata ēti rakṣasaḥ || (Rig Veda 7.104.21)</blockquote>Meaning : Indra is the destroyer, like the Paraashara, of those Rakshasas that harm the हविर्मथीनाम् who offer havishya (by performing yagnas), just like the परशु (axe) that destroys the forest is capable of smashing the earthen vessels.  

Indra is called as शक्रः Shakra meaning शक्नोति दैत्यान् नाशयितुम् (Shabdakalpadhruma) one who is capable of destroying the Daityas or Rakshasas.<blockquote>इन्द्रो यातूनामभवत्पराशरो हविर्मथीनामभ्या विवासताम् | अभीदु शक्रः परशुर्यथा वनं पात्रेव भिन्दन्त्सत एति रक्षसः || (Rig Veda 7.104.21)</blockquote><blockquote>indrō yātūnāmabhavatparāśarō havirmathīnāmabhyā vivāsatām | abhīdu śakraḥ paraśuryathā vanaṁ pātrēva bhindantsata ēti rakṣasaḥ || (Rig Veda 7.104.21)</blockquote>Meaning : Indra is the destroyer, like the Paraashara, of those Rakshasas that harm the हविर्मथीनाम् who offer havishya (by performing Yajnas), just like the परशु (axe) that destroys the forest is capable of smashing the earthen vessels.  

Rig Veda describes the strength and valor of Indra and the faith of Devatas in his might, in the following mantra <blockquote>नहि नु यादधीमसीन्द्रं को वीर्या परः | तस्मिन्नृम्णमुत क्रतुं देवा ओजांसि सं दधुरर्चन्ननु स्वराज्यम् || (Rig. Veda. 1.80.15)</blockquote><blockquote>nahi nu yādadhīmasīndraṁ ko vīryā paraḥ | tasminnr̥mṇamuta kratuṁ devā ojāṁsi saṁ dadhurarcannanu svarājyam || (Rig. Veda. 1.80.15)</blockquote>Meaning : For the Devas know no other person in their knowledge, who have surpassed Indra, in strength. In him the deities have placed their courage, wisdom, valor and prowess.   

Rig Veda describes the strength and valor of Indra and the faith of Devatas in his might, in the following mantra <blockquote>नहि नु यादधीमसीन्द्रं को वीर्या परः | तस्मिन्नृम्णमुत क्रतुं देवा ओजांसि सं दधुरर्चन्ननु स्वराज्यम् || (Rig. Veda. 1.80.15)</blockquote><blockquote>nahi nu yādadhīmasīndraṁ ko vīryā paraḥ | tasminnr̥mṇamuta kratuṁ devā ojāṁsi saṁ dadhurarcannanu svarājyam || (Rig. Veda. 1.80.15)</blockquote>Meaning : For the Devas know no other person in their knowledge, who have surpassed Indra, in strength. In him the deities have placed their courage, wisdom, valor and prowess.   

Valmiki Ramayana, Sundarakanda, lends support to the story of Indra cutting off the wings of mountains with his Vajraayudha. Mainaka, is the mountain that stands at the entrance of Patalaloka (पातालस्याप्रमेयस्य द्वारमावृत्य तिष्ठसि | Valm. Rama. 5.1.93) guarding against the entrance and rise of the asuras. Upon being urged by Samudra, Mainaka raises himself to offer supporting place to Hanuman, who started his journey across the ocean to reach Lanka. In this context, Mainaka describes, the story of presence of winged mountains in Kritayuga.  <blockquote>पूर्वं कृतयुगे तात पर्वताः पक्षिणोऽभवन् | ते हि जग्मुर्दिशः सर्वा गरुडानिलवेगिनः || (Valm. Rama. 5.1.123)</blockquote>Meaning : In the past, in Kritayuga, mountains, having wings, used to fly at great speeds, all over, like Garuda and Vaayu. <blockquote>ततस्तेषु प्रयातेषु देवसंघः सहर्षिभिः | भूतानि च भयं जग्मुस्तेषां पतनशङ्कया || (Valm. Rama. 5.1.124)</blockquote>Meaning : When they were so freely flying in all directions, the devas, and other living beings along with Rishis, doubted and feared that these mountains would fall on them. <blockquote>ततः क्रुद्धः सहस्राक्षः पर्वतानां शतक्रतुः | पक्षान् चिच्छेद वज्रेण तत्र तत्र सहस्रशः || (Valm. Rama. 5.1.125)</blockquote>Meaning : Angered by that, the thousand-eyed Indra chopped off wings of hundreds of mountains, then and there, using his [[Vajraayudha]].  

Valmiki Ramayana, Sundarakanda, lends support to the story of Indra cutting off the wings of mountains with his Vajraayudha. Mainaka, is the mountain that stands at the entrance of Patalaloka (पातालस्याप्रमेयस्य द्वारमावृत्य तिष्ठसि | Valm. Rama. 5.1.93) guarding against the entrance and rise of the asuras. Upon being urged by Samudra, Mainaka raises himself to offer supporting place to Hanuman, who started his journey across the ocean to reach Lanka. In this context, Mainaka describes, the story of presence of winged mountains in Kritayuga.  <blockquote>पूर्वं कृतयुगे तात पर्वताः पक्षिणोऽभवन् | ते हि जग्मुर्दिशः सर्वा गरुडानिलवेगिनः || (Valm. Rama. 5.1.123)</blockquote>Meaning : In the past, in Kritayuga, mountains, having wings, used to fly at great speeds, all over, like Garuda and Vaayu. <blockquote>ततस्तेषु प्रयातेषु देवसंघः सहर्षिभिः | भूतानि च भयं जग्मुस्तेषां पतनशङ्कया || (Valm. Rama. 5.1.124)</blockquote>Meaning : When they were so freely flying in all directions, the devas, and other living beings along with Rishis, doubted and feared that these mountains would fall on them. <blockquote>ततः क्रुद्धः सहस्राक्षः पर्वतानां शतक्रतुः | पक्षान् चिच्छेद वज्रेण तत्र तत्र सहस्रशः || (Valm. Rama. 5.1.125)</blockquote>Meaning : Angered by that, the thousand-eyed Indra chopped off wings of hundreds of mountains, then and there, using his [[Vajraayudha]].  

=== Agastya Rushi and Indra: ===

=== Agastya Rushi and Indra: ===

Once, Agastya rushi offered the havishya or oblation to Maruta which was meant for Indra.  When Indra came to know, he became distressed, as given in the following mantras of Rig Veda  <blockquote>न नूनमस्ति नो श्वः कस्तद् वेद यदद्भुतम् | अन्यस्य चित्तमभि संचरेण्यमुताधीतं वि नश्यति || (Rig Veda 1.170.1)</blockquote><blockquote>na nūnamasti nō śvaḥ kastad vēda yadadbhutam | anyasya cittamabhi saṁcarēṇyamutādhītaṁ vi naśyati || (Rig Veda 1.170.1)</blockquote>Summary : Indra says “Oh Agastya no one understands what happens in the present or future. Man’s mind is wavering. How can he understand wisdom with such mind? But you, who are man of wisdom and full of Vedic knowledge, if your intelligence gets disturbed what to speak of others?” <blockquote>किं न इन्द्र जिघांससि भ्रातरो मरुतस्तव | तेभिः कल्पस्व साधुया मा नः समरणे वधीः || (Rig Veda 1.170.2)</blockquote><blockquote>kiṁ na indra jighāṁsasi bhrātarō marutastava | tēbhiḥ kalpasva sādhuyā mā naḥ samaraṇē vadhīḥ || (Rig Veda 1.170.2)</blockquote>Summary :  Agastya rushi requests, “hey Indra, are you not the brother of Marutas, if I offer to Marutas, does it not go to you? If we do not offer then it’s your responsibility to give all that bhoga, it’s your responsibility. Therefore we are not at fault, you please share the oblation with marutas, justly. Do not harm us just like you have power to harm demons.” <blockquote>किं नो भ्रातरगस्त्य सखा सन्नति मन्यसे | विद्मा हि ते यथा मनोऽस्मभ्यमिन्न दित्ससि || (Rig Veda 1.170.3)</blockquote><blockquote>kiṁ nō bhrātaragastya sakhā sannati manyasē | vidmā hi tē yathā manō'smabhyaminna ditsasi || (Rig Veda 1.170.3)</blockquote>Indra answers: “Oh my dear brother Agastya, you are my friend for long time. Why are you neglecting us?  Your nature of mind is known. You do not have the desire to give oblation to us”  <blockquote>अरं कर्ण्वन्तु वेदिं समग्निमिन्धतां पुरः | तत्रामृतस्य चेतनं यज्ञं ते तनवावहै || (Rig Veda 1.170.4)</blockquote><blockquote>araṁ karṇvantu vēdiṁ samagnimindhatāṁ puraḥ | tatrāmr̥tasya cētanaṁ yajñaṁ tē tanavāvahai || (Rig Veda 1.170.4)</blockquote>Agastya recognizes Indra’s piercing and touching answer and the altar to offer yagna to Indra is prepared with समिधः samidha a special kind of wood. The blazing fire of yagna indicates the nectar or in one sense which rekindles the knowledge. <blockquote>तवमीशिषे वसुपते वसूनां तवं मित्राणां मित्रपते धेष्ठः | इन्द्र त्वं मरुद्भिः सं वदस्वाध प्राशान ऋतुथा हवींषि || (Rig Veda 1.170.5)</blockquote><blockquote>tavamīśiṣē vasupatē vasūnāṁ tavaṁ mitrāṇāṁ mitrapatē dhēṣṭhaḥ | indra tvaṁ marudbhiḥ saṁ vadasvādha prāśāna r̥tuthā havīṁṣi || (Rig Veda 1.170.5)</blockquote>Summary : “Oh Indra! You are the master of wealth and treasures, you are the master of the Mitra and supporter of Mitra.  Oh Indra please be kind to the Marut devathas and accept the havishya of those yajnas that are performed in different seasons and be satisfied." 

Once, Agastya rushi offered the havishya or oblation to Maruta which was meant for Indra.  When Indra came to know, he became distressed, as given in the following mantras of Rig Veda  <blockquote>न नूनमस्ति नो श्वः कस्तद् वेद यदद्भुतम् | अन्यस्य चित्तमभि संचरेण्यमुताधीतं वि नश्यति || (Rig Veda 1.170.1)</blockquote><blockquote>na nūnamasti nō śvaḥ kastad vēda yadadbhutam | anyasya cittamabhi saṁcarēṇyamutādhītaṁ vi naśyati || (Rig Veda 1.170.1)</blockquote>Summary : Indra says “Oh Agastya no one understands what happens in the present or future. Man’s mind is wavering. How can he understand wisdom with such mind? But you, who are man of wisdom and full of Vedic knowledge, if your intelligence gets disturbed what to speak of others?” <blockquote>किं न इन्द्र जिघांससि भ्रातरो मरुतस्तव | तेभिः कल्पस्व साधुया मा नः समरणे वधीः || (Rig Veda 1.170.2)</blockquote><blockquote>kiṁ na indra jighāṁsasi bhrātarō marutastava | tēbhiḥ kalpasva sādhuyā mā naḥ samaraṇē vadhīḥ || (Rig Veda 1.170.2)</blockquote>Summary :  Agastya rushi requests, “hey Indra, are you not the brother of Marutas, if I offer to Marutas, does it not go to you? If we do not offer then it’s your responsibility to give all that bhoga, it’s your responsibility. Therefore we are not at fault, you please share the oblation with marutas, justly. Do not harm us just like you have power to harm demons.” <blockquote>किं नो भ्रातरगस्त्य सखा सन्नति मन्यसे | विद्मा हि ते यथा मनोऽस्मभ्यमिन्न दित्ससि || (Rig Veda 1.170.3)</blockquote><blockquote>kiṁ nō bhrātaragastya sakhā sannati manyasē | vidmā hi tē yathā manō'smabhyaminna ditsasi || (Rig Veda 1.170.3)</blockquote>Indra answers: “Oh my dear brother Agastya, you are my friend for long time. Why are you neglecting us?  Your nature of mind is known. You do not have the desire to give oblation to us”  <blockquote>अरं कर्ण्वन्तु वेदिं समग्निमिन्धतां पुरः | तत्रामृतस्य चेतनं यज्ञं ते तनवावहै || (Rig Veda 1.170.4)</blockquote><blockquote>araṁ karṇvantu vēdiṁ samagnimindhatāṁ puraḥ | tatrāmr̥tasya cētanaṁ yajñaṁ tē tanavāvahai || (Rig Veda 1.170.4)</blockquote>Agastya recognizes Indra’s piercing and touching answer and the altar to offer Yajna to Indra is prepared with समिधः samidha a special kind of wood. The blazing fire of Yajna indicates the nectar or in one sense which rekindles the knowledge. <blockquote>तवमीशिषे वसुपते वसूनां तवं मित्राणां मित्रपते धेष्ठः | इन्द्र त्वं मरुद्भिः सं वदस्वाध प्राशान ऋतुथा हवींषि || (Rig Veda 1.170.5)</blockquote><blockquote>tavamīśiṣē vasupatē vasūnāṁ tavaṁ mitrāṇāṁ mitrapatē dhēṣṭhaḥ | indra tvaṁ marudbhiḥ saṁ vadasvādha prāśāna r̥tuthā havīṁṣi || (Rig Veda 1.170.5)</blockquote>Summary : “Oh Indra! You are the master of wealth and treasures, you are the master of the Mitra and supporter of Mitra.  Oh Indra please be kind to the Marut devathas and accept the havishya of those yajnas that are performed in different seasons and be satisfied." 

==Indra in Mahabharata==

==Indra in Mahabharata==

Many anecdotes are described in Mahabharata about Indra involved in various events in this great epic.  Mahabharata is the treasure of references of events that happened in the eons prior to Mahabharata.   

Many anecdotes are described in Mahabharata about Indra involved in various events in this great epic.  Mahabharata is the treasure of references of events that happened in the eons prior to Mahabharata.   

Indra, king of the gods, asks in charity Karna’s natural armor 'Kavach and Kundal'. Karna donates this leaving himself vulnerable. (Maha. Aranyaparva. Chap 44, verse 9).

Indra, king of the gods, asks in charity Karna’s natural armor 'Kavach and Kundal'. Karna donates this leaving himself vulnerable. (Maha. Aranyaparva. Chap 44, verse 9).

=== खाण्डववनदहनम् || Khandava Dahana ===

=== खाण्डववनदहनम् || Khandava Dahana ===

In Mahabharata (Adi Parva. Khandava daha parva Chap. 221 to 226), there is a legend about Agni who suffered from stomach ailments (due to the Yagnas of Svetaki King) was advised to consume the Khandava forest which contains the medicinal herbs that can treat his condition. In the process, Indra protects Takshaka who resides in the same forest, thus preventing Agni from consuming the medicinal plants.  

In Mahabharata (Adi Parva. Khandava daha parva Chap. 221 to 226), there is a legend about Agni who suffered from stomach ailments (due to the Yajnas of Svetaki King) was advised to consume the Khandava forest which contains the medicinal herbs that can treat his condition. In the process, Indra protects Takshaka who resides in the same forest, thus preventing Agni from consuming the medicinal plants.  

In this parva, Krishna and Arjuna, are requested by Agni (who in the guise of a Brahmana) to quench his hunger. Realizing his true form, they agree to prevent his obstacles (Indra from sending heavy rain) in consuming the forest. Thus ensues a battle between Arjuna and Indra (father of Arjuna).  

In this parva, Krishna and Arjuna, are requested by Agni (who in the guise of a Brahmana) to quench his hunger. Realizing his true form, they agree to prevent his obstacles (Indra from sending heavy rain) in consuming the forest. Thus ensues a battle between Arjuna and Indra (father of Arjuna).  

# Puranic Encyclopedia link https://ia802606.us.archive.org/17/items/puranicencyclopa00maniuoft/puranicencyclopa00maniuoft.pdf

# Puranic Encyclopedia link https://ia802606.us.archive.org/17/items/puranicencyclopa00maniuoft/puranicencyclopa00maniuoft.pdf

# Vishnupurana link : <nowiki>http://www.astrojyoti.com/puranassanskrit.htm</nowiki>

# Vishnupurana link : <nowiki>http://www.astrojyoti.com/puranassanskrit.htm</nowiki>