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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 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.  

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.<ref name=":1">Mani, V. (1975). ''[https://archive.org/details/puranicencyclopa00maniuoft Puranic encyclopaedia : A comprehensive dictionary with special reference to the epic and Puranic literature.]'' Delhi:Motilal Banasidass.</ref>

* '''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.  

* '''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.     

* '''मरुतवान् ||''' '''Marutavaan''' : As the presiding devata for clouds and rain, He also controls thunder, lightning, and his discord is often seen as heavy downpour and thunderstorms. In Shrimad Bhagavatam, Bhagavan Srikrishna protects the residents of Vrindavan from the wrath of Indra who impounds them with incessant heavy rain for refusing to worship Him.  Similarly, in Mahabharata, Khandavavana dahana, Indra protects his friend, Takshaka from Agni, who wants to burn the forest.   

* '''मरुतवान् ||''' '''Marutavaan''' : As the presiding devata for clouds and rain, He also controls thunder, lightning, and his discord is often seen as heavy downpour and thunderstorms. In Shrimad Bhagavatam, Bhagavan Srikrishna protects the residents of Vrindavan from the wrath of Indra who impounds them with incessant heavy rain for refusing to worship Him.  Similarly, in Mahabharata, Khandavavana dahana, Indra protects his friend, Takshaka from Agni, who wants to burn the forest.<ref name=":1" />  

* '''गोरक्षकः ||''' '''Gorakshaka :''' He plays a chief role in the retrieval of the cows hidden by Panis in the mountains. Angirasa rushi the "padajna" helps him locate the cows and then he fights Panis to bring them back.   

* '''गोरक्षकः ||''' '''Gorakshaka :''' He plays a chief role in the retrieval of the cows hidden by Panis in the mountains. Angirasa rushi the "padajna" helps him locate the cows and then he fights Panis to bring them back.<ref name=":2">Narayanacharya, K. S. (2011). ''Veda Samskrita Parichaya''. Hubli:​Sahitya Prakashana​.</ref>    

== व्युत्पत्तिः || Etymology ==

== व्युत्पत्तिः || Etymology ==

'''[[Amarakosha]]''' defines the following about Indra in स्वर्गवर्गः (Prathama kanda Slokas 41- 44)  

'''[[Amarakosha]]''' defines the following about Indra in स्वर्गवर्गः (Prathama kanda Slokas 41- 44)<ref>[http://www.sanskritebooks.org/2009/07/amara-kosa-the-sanskrit-thesaurus-with-notes-index/ Amarakosha] (Page No 9 and 10)</ref>

"इन्द्रो मरुत्वान्मघवा बिडौजाः पाकशासनः । वृध्दश्रवाः सुनासीरः पुरुहूतः पुरंदरः ॥" (Amara 1. स्वर्ग. 41)  

"इन्द्रो मरुत्वान्मघवा बिडौजाः पाकशासनः । वृध्दश्रवाः सुनासीरः पुरुहूतः पुरंदरः ॥" (Amara 1. स्वर्ग. 41)  

Like many other deities, Indra is also called by many names - मरुत्वान् ॥ Marutvaan, Maghavaan, Paakashasana, Vriddhasravaaha, Sunaaseera, Puroohuta, Purandara, शक्र Shakra, Shatamanyu, Sutrama, Vritraha, मेघवाहन Meghavaahana, Vajri, Gotrabhit, Namuchisudhana, Surapati, Sachipati and others.  

Like many other deities, Indra is also called by many names - मरुत्वान् ॥ Marutvaan, Maghavaan, Paakashasana, Vriddhasravaaha, Sunaaseera, Puroohuta, Purandara, शक्र Shakra, Shatamanyu, Sutrama, Vritraha, मेघवाहन Meghavaahana, Vajri, Gotrabhit, Namuchisudhana, Surapati, Sachipati and others.  

Indra is derived from the dhatu (root) "इन्द" meaning "परमैश्वर्य्ये " parama aishwarya (wealthy).   

According to Shabdakalpadruma, Indra is derived from the dhatu (root) "इन्द" meaning "परमैश्वर्य्ये " parama aishwarya (wealthy).   

[[Nirukti]] : Maharshi Yaska in his Nirukti (10.8) explains the meaning of Indra as follows

[[Nirukti]] : Maharshi Yaska in his Nirukti (10.8)<ref>[http://vedicreserve.mum.edu/nirukta/nirukta.pdf Nirukta]</ref> explains the meaning of Indra as follows

1. इरां दृणातीति वा ॥ irāṁ dr̥ṇātīti vā ॥     

1. इरां दृणातीति वा ॥ irāṁ dr̥ṇātīti vā ॥     

According to Shabdakalpadhruma इरा has different meanings; two of the relevant ones here are Prithvi or Bhumi (earth) and Jalam (water).  

According to Shabdakalpadhruma इरा has different meanings; two of the relevant ones here are Prithvi or Bhumi (earth) and Jalam (water).  

Meaning of Indra is thus, one who is दारयति (दारयति ज्ञातिबन्धूनिति as per Shabdakalpadhruma) closely related to water (Indra is related to clouds which give water), who bears water (rain bearing clouds), who ददाति gives water (clouds give rains), who holds (clouds hold water), one who pierces the clouds and supplies water for the growth of plants. In another sense one who makes prithvi (earth) pierce and make crops grow thus providing grains.  

Meaning of Indra is thus, one who is दारयति (दारयति ज्ञातिबन्धूनिति as per Shabdakalpadhruma) closely related to water (Indra is related to clouds which give water), who bears water (rain bearing clouds), who ददाति gives water (clouds give rains), who holds (clouds hold water), one who pierces the clouds and supplies water for the growth of plants. In another sense one who makes prithvi (earth) pierce and make crops grow thus providing grains.<ref name=":2" />  

Megha (clouds), Indu (Moon) and Maruts (winds) are all interrelated and are the fundamental cause for nourishment of all tree and plant species including medicinal plants. Thus Indra is the power which can cut through the clouds and provide rain for the sake of loka kalyana, for the loka sangraha. 

Megha (clouds), Indu (Moon) and Maruts (winds) are all interrelated and are the fundamental cause for nourishment of all tree and plant species including medicinal plants. Thus Indra is the power which can cut through the clouds and provide rain for the sake of loka kalyana, for the loka sangraha. 

धा Dha root word means धारणे to bear and पुष्टौ to supply or nourish. Because Indra showers rain water, and धारयति nourishes the plants and thus he provides food or fuel for living beings (इन्धे भूतानीति वा).  Indra also one rejoices or shines in presence of Chandra (moon) as meant in इन्दौ रमत.  

धा Dha root word means धारणे to bear and पुष्टौ to supply or nourish. Because Indra showers rain water, and धारयति nourishes the plants and thus he provides food or fuel for living beings (इन्धे भूतानीति वा). Indra also one rejoices or shines in presence of Chandra (moon) as meant in इन्दौ रमत.  

For seeds to grow in the form of plants, the earth has to be very favorable, when bhudevi becomes coarse and hard, agriculture is not possible. A farmer tills the land with the plough piercing the land, Indra establishes the dharma “iram utpadayatum karshaka mukhe kena bhumi vidarayati iti indrayaha”  

For seeds to grow in the form of plants, the earth has to be very favorable, when bhudevi becomes coarse and hard, agriculture is not possible. A farmer tills the land with the plough piercing the land, Indra establishes the dharma “iram utpadayatum karshaka mukhe kena bhumi vidarayati iti indrayaha”.<ref name=":2" />  

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).

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.   

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 Yajnas), 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)<ref>Rig Veda ([http://vedicheritage.gov.in/samhitas/rigveda/shakala-samhita-2/mandal-07/rigveda-shakala-samhita-mandal-07-sukta-104/ Mandala 7 Sukta 104])</ref></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)<ref>Rig Veda ([http://vedicheritage.gov.in/samhitas/rigveda/shakala-samhita/rigveda-shakala-samhita-mandal-10-sukta-080/ Mandala 1 Sukta 80])</ref></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.   

=== मरुत्वान् || Marutvaan ===

=== मरुत्वान् || Marutvaan ===

इन्द्रः Indra is called as Marutvaan, meaning मरुतो देवाः पालनीयत्वेन (Shabdakalpadhruma) because he rules the Marut devatas.  Maruts are 49 in number and they are the children of Diti, the mother of Daityas.  At the loss of her children in the war between devatas and asuras, Diti prays to her husband Kashyapa to grant her a son who can slay Indra, the son of Aditi.  <blockquote>अकृत्वा पादयो: शौचं दिति: शयनमाविशत् | निद्रां चाहारयामास तस्या: कुक्षिं प्रविश्य स: ||३७ (Vish. Pura. Chap 21. 37)</blockquote><blockquote>वज्रपाणिर्महागर्भं चिच्छेदाथ स सप्तधा | सम्पीड्यमानो वज्रेण स रुरोदातिदारुणम् ||३८ (Vish. Pura. Chap 21. 38)</blockquote><blockquote>मा रोदीरिति तं शक्र: पुन:पुनरभाषत | सोऽभवत्सप्तधा गर्भस्तमिंद्र: कुपित: पुन: || ३९ (Vish. Pura. Chap 21. 39)</blockquote>This famous legend given in Vishnupurana (Part 1, Chap 21, Slokas 30 to 41) recounts how Indra, goes to serve Diti, when she was pregnant with a son who is capable of killing him. Her hundred years of penance gets disturbed when she falls asleep without washing her feet. Taking this impious opportunity, Indra enters her womb and cuts the embryo within into seven pieces, with his Vajrayudha. As the child is began to cry, Indra asked it not to cry by saying "Maa Ruda ". So repeatedly saying he cuts each of them onto seven pieces, thus generating 49 pieces. Upon Diti's request of making them subservient to him, Indra refrains from destroying them. Thus, they are 49 Marutgana, who became the assistants of Indra in the form of "vaayuskanda" of Indra.  (Also referred in Bhāgavata-purāṇa VI. 18. 19, 23-77: VIII. 13. 4: Brahmāṇḍa-purāṇa III. 5. 79, 90, 99, 104: Matsya-purāṇa 6. 47; 163. 22-3).   

इन्द्रः Indra is called as Marutvaan, meaning मरुतो देवाः पालनीयत्वेन (Shabdakalpadhruma) because he rules the Marut devatas.  Maruts are 49 in number and they are the children of Diti, the mother of Daityas.  At the loss of her children in the war between devatas and asuras, Diti prays to her husband Kashyapa to grant her a son who can slay Indra, the son of Aditi.  <blockquote>अकृत्वा पादयो: शौचं दिति: शयनमाविशत् | निद्रां चाहारयामास तस्या: कुक्षिं प्रविश्य स: ||३७ (Vish. Pura. Chap 21. 37)</blockquote><blockquote>वज्रपाणिर्महागर्भं चिच्छेदाथ स सप्तधा | सम्पीड्यमानो वज्रेण स रुरोदातिदारुणम् ||३८ (Vish. Pura. Chap 21. 38)</blockquote><blockquote>मा रोदीरिति तं शक्र: पुन:पुनरभाषत | सोऽभवत्सप्तधा गर्भस्तमिंद्र: कुपित: पुन: || ३९ (Vish. Pura. Chap 21. 39)</blockquote><blockquote>मरुतो नाम देवास्ते बभूवुरतिवेगिनः । यदुक्तं वै मघवता तेनैव मरुतोऽभवन् । देवा एकोनपञ्चासत् सहाया वज्रपाणिनः ।। ४० ।। (Vish. Pura. Chap 21. 40)</blockquote>This famous legend given in Vishnupurana (Part 1, Chap 21, Slokas 30 to 41<ref>Vishnupuranam ([https://sa.wikisource.org/wiki/%E0%A4%B6%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B0%E0%A5%80%E0%A4%B5%E0%A4%BF%E0%A4%B7%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%A3%E0%A5%81%E0%A4%AA%E0%A5%81%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%A3%E0%A4%AE%E0%A5%8D-%E0%A4%AA%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%A5%E0%A4%AE%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%82%E0%A4%B6%E0%A4%83/%E0%A4%85%E0%A4%A7%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%83_%E0%A5%A8%E0%A5%A7 Prathama Amsha, Adhyaya 21])</ref>) recounts how Indra, goes to serve Diti, when she was pregnant with a son who is capable of killing him. Her hundred years of penance gets disturbed when she falls asleep without washing her feet. Taking this impious opportunity, Indra enters her womb and cuts the embryo within into seven pieces, with his Vajrayudha. As the child is began to cry, Indra asked it not to cry by saying "Maa Ruda ". So repeatedly saying he cuts each of them onto seven pieces, thus generating 49 pieces. Upon Diti's request of making them subservient to him, Indra refrains from destroying them. Thus, they are 49 Marutgana, who became the assistants of Indra in the form of "vaayuskanda" of Indra.  (Also referred in Bhāgavata-purāṇa VI. 18. 19, 23-77: VIII. 13. 4: Brahmāṇḍa-purāṇa III. 5. 79, 90, 99, 104: Matsya-purāṇa 6. 47; 163. 22-3).   

=== लोकपालकः || Lokapalaka  ===

=== लोकपालकः || Lokapalaka  ===

Rig Veda mantra 2.12.2 explains that Indra rules over the worlds, including Antariksha and Vyoma and without Indra there is no stability for any planet.   <blockquote>यः पृथवीं व्यथमानाम दृंहद् यः पर्वतान प्रकुपिताँ अरम्णात् | यो अन्तरिक्षं विममे वरीयो यो दयामस्तभ्नात् स जनास इन्द्रः || (Rig. Veda. 2.12.2)</blockquote><blockquote>yaḥ parthivīṁ vyathamānāma dr̥ṁhad yaḥ parvatān prakupitām̐ aramṇāt | yō antarikṣaṁ vimamē varīyō yō dayāmastabhnāt sa janāsa indraḥ || (Rig. Veda. 2.12.2)</blockquote>Summary : He who gave relief to the earth from distress, one who laid at rest the mountains (from flying), who supported the heavens, know that he is Indra.  

Rig Veda mantra 2.12.2 explains that Indra rules over the worlds, including Antariksha and Vyoma and without Indra there is no stability for any planet.   <blockquote>यः पृथवीं व्यथमानाम दृंहद् यः पर्वतान प्रकुपिताँ अरम्णात् | यो अन्तरिक्षं विममे वरीयो यो दयामस्तभ्नात् स जनास इन्द्रः || (Rig. Veda. 2.12.2)</blockquote><blockquote>yaḥ parthivīṁ vyathamānāma dr̥ṁhad yaḥ parvatān prakupitām̐ aramṇāt | yō antarikṣaṁ vimamē varīyō yō dayāmastabhnāt sa janāsa indraḥ || (Rig. Veda. 2.12.2)</blockquote>Summary : He who gave relief to the earth from distress, one who laid at rest the mountains (from flying), who supported the heavens, know that he is Indra.  

==== Rig Veda ====

==== Rig Veda ====

The following Rig Veda mantras (2.12.1 to 15) proclaim and extol the greatness of Indra as the chief of devatas, the protector of earth and cows, as one who cut the wings of the mountains as the slayer of Vala and Vrttrasura.  <blockquote>यो जात एव प्रथमो मनस्वान् देवो देवान् क्रतुना पर्यभूषत् | यस्य शुष्माद् रोदसी अभ्यसेतां नृम्णस्य मह्ना स जनास इन्द्रः || (Rig. Veda. 2.12.1)</blockquote><blockquote>yō jāta ēva prathamō manasvān dēvō dēvān kratunā paryabhūṣat | yasya śuṣmād rōdasī abhyasētāṁ nr̥mṇasya mahnā sa janāsa indraḥ || (Rig. Veda. 2.12.1)</blockquote>Summary : As soon as he was born, who was decorated as the Chief of Devas, know that he is Indra.

The following Rig Veda mantras (2.12.1 to 15) proclaim and extol the greatness of Indra as the chief of devatas, the protector of earth and cows, as one who cut the wings of the mountains as the slayer of Vala and Vrttrasura.  <blockquote>यो जात एव प्रथमो मनस्वान् देवो देवान् क्रतुना पर्यभूषत् | यस्य शुष्माद् रोदसी अभ्यसेतां नृम्णस्य मह्ना स जनास इन्द्रः || (Rig. Veda. 2.12.1)<ref name=":3">Rig Veda ([https://sa.wikisource.org/wiki/%E0%A4%8B%E0%A4%97%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B5%E0%A5%87%E0%A4%A6%E0%A4%83_%E0%A4%B8%E0%A5%82%E0%A4%95%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%A4%E0%A4%82_%E0%A5%A8.%E0%A5%A7%E0%A5%A8 Mandala 2, Sukta 12])</ref></blockquote><blockquote>yō jāta ēva prathamō manasvān dēvō dēvān kratunā paryabhūṣat | yasya śuṣmād rōdasī abhyasētāṁ nr̥mṇasya mahnā sa janāsa indraḥ || (Rig. Veda. 2.12.1)</blockquote>Summary : As soon as he was born, who was decorated as the Chief of Devas, know that he is Indra.

=== वृत्रहा || Vrttraha ===

=== वृत्रहा || Vrttraha ===

Rig veda glorifies Indra for the slaying of one mighty asura namely Vrttrasura, and hence Indra is called Vrtt.     

Rig veda glorifies Indra for the slaying of one mighty asura namely Vrttrasura, and hence Indra is called Vrttraha.     

'''वृत्रासुरजननम् || Vrttrasura Jananam'''   

'''वृत्रासुरजननम् || Vrttrasura Jananam'''   

There are two versions about the birth of Vrtraasura as given in Puranic Encyclopedia (Page 883).   

There are two versions about the birth of Vrtraasura as given in Puranic Encyclopedia (Page 883).<ref name=":1" />  

* According to Padma purana (Bhumi Kaanda, Chap 23), Hiranyakasipu, the son of Kashyapa Prajapati and his wife Danu, is killed by Mahavishnu for his wrong asuric deeds. Kashyapa grants her another powerful son Vala or Bala, whom Indra kills with his Vajraayudha for stealing the cows. Angered Kashyapa plucked a hair and made a burnt offering of it, saying that a son would be born who will be the destroyer of Indra.       

* According to Padma purana (Bhumi Kaanda, Chap 23), Hiranyakasipu, the son of Kashyapa Prajapati and his wife Danu, is killed by Mahavishnu for his wrong asuric deeds. Kashyapa grants her another powerful son Vala or Bala, whom Indra kills with his Vajraayudha for stealing the cows. Angered Kashyapa plucked a hair and made a burnt offering of it, saying that a son would be born who will be the destroyer of Indra.       

==== Rig Veda ====

==== Rig Veda ====

Rig veda talks about Indra as one who protects the earth from the distress of flying mountains by chopping off their wings.<blockquote>यः पर्थिवीं व्यथमानाम दृंहद् यः पर्वतान् प्रकुपिताँ अरम्णात् | यो अन्तरिक्षं विममे वरीयो यो दयामस्तभ्नात् स जनास इन्द्रः || (Rig. Veda. 2.12.2)</blockquote><blockquote>yaḥ parthivīṁ vyathamānāma dr̥ṁhad yaḥ parvatān prakupitām̐ aramṇāt | yō antarikṣaṁ vimamē varīyō yō dayāmastabhnāt sa janāsa indraḥ || (Rig. Veda. 2.12.2)</blockquote>Summary : He who gave relief to the earth from distress, one who laid at rest the mountains (from flying), who supported the heavens, know that he is Indra.

Rig veda talks about Indra as one who protects the earth from the distress of flying mountains by chopping off their wings.<blockquote>यः पर्थिवीं व्यथमानाम दृंहद् यः पर्वतान् प्रकुपिताँ अरम्णात् | यो अन्तरिक्षं विममे वरीयो यो दयामस्तभ्नात् स जनास इन्द्रः || (Rig. Veda. 2.12.2)<ref name=":3" /></blockquote><blockquote>yaḥ parthivīṁ vyathamānāma dr̥ṁhad yaḥ parvatān prakupitām̐ aramṇāt | yō antarikṣaṁ vimamē varīyō yō dayāmastabhnāt sa janāsa indraḥ || (Rig. Veda. 2.12.2)</blockquote>Summary : He who gave relief to the earth from distress, one who laid at rest the mountains (from flying), who supported the heavens, know that he is Indra.

==== Ramayana ====

==== Ramayana ====

येनेमा विश्वा च्यवना कृतानि यो दासं वर्णमधरंगुहाकः | श्वघ्नीव यो जिगीवाँ लक्षमाददर्यः पुष्टानि स जनास इन्द्रः || 4<blockquote>यं स्मा पृच्छन्ति कुह सेति घोरमुतेमाहुर्नैषो अस्तीत्येनम् | सो अर्यः पुष्तीर्विज इवा मिनाति श्रदस्मै धत्त स जनास इन्द्रः || 5</blockquote><blockquote>यो रध्रस्य चोदिता यः कृशस्य यो ब्रह्मणो नाधमानस्य कीरेः | युक्तग्राव्णो योऽविता सुशिप्रः सुतसोमस्य स जनास इन्द्रः || 6</blockquote><blockquote>यस्याश्वासः प्रदिशि यस्य गावो यस्य ग्रामा यस्य विश्वे रथासः | यः सूर्यं य उषसं जजान यो अपां नेता स जनास इन्द्रः || 7</blockquote>Summary : He under whose control the horses, cattle, villages, and chariots exist, He who brought out Surya and Ushas (dawn), who leads the waters, know that he is Indra.<blockquote>यं क्रन्दसी संयती विह्वयेते परेऽवर उभया अमित्राः | समानं चिद् रथमातस्थिवांसा नाना हवेते स जनास इन्द्रः || 8</blockquote><blockquote>यस्मान्न ऋते विजयन्ते जनासो यं युध्यमाना अवसे हवन्ते | यो विश्वस्य प्रतिमानं बभूव यो अच्युतच्युत् स जनास इन्द्रः || 9</blockquote><blockquote>यः शश्वतो मह्येनो दधानानमन्यमानाञ्छर्वा जघान | यः शर्धते नानुददाति शृध्यां यो दस्योर्हन्ता स जनास इन्द्रः || 10</blockquote><blockquote>यः शम्बरं पर्वतेषु क्षियन्तं चत्वारिंश्यां शरद्यन्वविन्दत् | ओजायमानं यो अहिं जघान दानुं शयानं स जनास इन्द्रः || 11</blockquote><blockquote>यः सप्तरश्मिर्वृषभस्तुविष्मानवासृजत् सर्तवे सप्तसिन्धून् | यो रौहिणमस्फुरद् वज्रबाहुर्द्यामारोहन्तं स जनास इन्द्रः || 12</blockquote><blockquote>दयावा चिदस्मै पृथवी नमेते शुष्माच्चिदस्य पर्वता भयन्ते | यः सोमपा निचितो वज्रबाहुर्यो वज्रहस्तः स जनास इन्द्रः || 13</blockquote><blockquote>यः सुन्वन्तमवति यः पचन्तं यः शंसन्तं यः शशमानमूती | यस्य ब्रह्म वर्धनं यस्य सोमो यस्येदं राधः स जनास इन्द्रः || 14</blockquote><blockquote>यः सुन्वते पचते दुध्र आ चिद वाजं दर्दर्षि स किलासि सत्यः | वयं त इन्द्र विश्वह परियासः सुवीरासो विदथमा वदेम || 15</blockquote>The following slokas from Vishnupurana (Part 1, Adhyaya 21, Slokas 30 to 41) describe Indra's attempt to destroy the unborn child of Diti and thereby creation of Marutganas.<blockquote>दितिर्विनष्टपुत्रा वै तोषयामास काश्यपम् | तया चाराधित: सम्यक्काश्यस्तपतां वर: || ३०</blockquote><blockquote>वरेण च्छन्दयामास सा च वव्रे ततो वरम् | पुत्रमिन्द्रवधार्थाय समर्थममितौजसम् || ३१</blockquote><blockquote>स च तस्मै वरं प्रादाभ्दार्यायै मुनिसत्तम: | दत्वा च वरमत्युग्रं कश्यपस्तामुवाच ह || ३२</blockquote><blockquote>शक्रं पुत्रो निहन्ता ते यदि गर्भं शरच्छतम् |समाहितातिप्रयता शौचिनी धारयिष्यसि ||३३</blockquote><blockquote>इत्येवमुक्त्वा तां देवीं संगत: कश्यपो मुनि: | दधार सा च तं गर्भं सम्यक्छोचसमन्विता ||३४</blockquote><blockquote>गर्भमात्मवधार्थाय ज्ञात्वा तं मघवानपि | शुश्रूषुस्तामथागच्छद्विनयादमराधिप: ||३५</blockquote><blockquote>तस्याश्चैवान्तरप्रेप्सुरतिष्ठत्पाकशासन: | ऊने वर्षशते चास्या ददर्शान्तरमात्मना ||३६</blockquote><blockquote>अकृत्वा पादयो: शौचं दिति: शयनमाविशत् | निद्रां चाहारयामास तस्या: कुक्षिं प्रविश्य स: ||३७</blockquote><blockquote>वज्रपाणिर्महागर्भं चिच्छेदाथ स सप्तधा | सम्पीड्यमानो वज्रेण स रुरोदातिदारुणम् ||३८</blockquote><blockquote>मा रोदीरिति तं शक्र: पुन:पुनरभाषत | सोऽभवत्सप्तधा गर्भस्तमिंद्र: कुपित: पुन: || ३९</blockquote><blockquote>एकैकं सप्तधा चक्रे वज्रेणारिविदारिणा | मरुतो नाम देवास्ते बभूवुरतिवेगिन: ||४०</blockquote><blockquote>यदुक्तं वै भगवता तेनैव मरुतोऽभवन् | देवा एकोनपञचाशत्सहाया वज्रपाणिन: ||४१</blockquote>

येनेमा विश्वा च्यवना कृतानि यो दासं वर्णमधरंगुहाकः | श्वघ्नीव यो जिगीवाँ लक्षमाददर्यः पुष्टानि स जनास इन्द्रः || 4<blockquote>यं स्मा पृच्छन्ति कुह सेति घोरमुतेमाहुर्नैषो अस्तीत्येनम् | सो अर्यः पुष्तीर्विज इवा मिनाति श्रदस्मै धत्त स जनास इन्द्रः || 5</blockquote><blockquote>यो रध्रस्य चोदिता यः कृशस्य यो ब्रह्मणो नाधमानस्य कीरेः | युक्तग्राव्णो योऽविता सुशिप्रः सुतसोमस्य स जनास इन्द्रः || 6</blockquote><blockquote>यस्याश्वासः प्रदिशि यस्य गावो यस्य ग्रामा यस्य विश्वे रथासः | यः सूर्यं य उषसं जजान यो अपां नेता स जनास इन्द्रः || 7</blockquote>Summary : He under whose control the horses, cattle, villages, and chariots exist, He who brought out Surya and Ushas (dawn), who leads the waters, know that he is Indra.<blockquote>यं क्रन्दसी संयती विह्वयेते परेऽवर उभया अमित्राः | समानं चिद् रथमातस्थिवांसा नाना हवेते स जनास इन्द्रः || 8</blockquote><blockquote>यस्मान्न ऋते विजयन्ते जनासो यं युध्यमाना अवसे हवन्ते | यो विश्वस्य प्रतिमानं बभूव यो अच्युतच्युत् स जनास इन्द्रः || 9</blockquote><blockquote>यः शश्वतो मह्येनो दधानानमन्यमानाञ्छर्वा जघान | यः शर्धते नानुददाति शृध्यां यो दस्योर्हन्ता स जनास इन्द्रः || 10</blockquote><blockquote>यः शम्बरं पर्वतेषु क्षियन्तं चत्वारिंश्यां शरद्यन्वविन्दत् | ओजायमानं यो अहिं जघान दानुं शयानं स जनास इन्द्रः || 11</blockquote><blockquote>यः सप्तरश्मिर्वृषभस्तुविष्मानवासृजत् सर्तवे सप्तसिन्धून् | यो रौहिणमस्फुरद् वज्रबाहुर्द्यामारोहन्तं स जनास इन्द्रः || 12</blockquote><blockquote>दयावा चिदस्मै पृथवी नमेते शुष्माच्चिदस्य पर्वता भयन्ते | यः सोमपा निचितो वज्रबाहुर्यो वज्रहस्तः स जनास इन्द्रः || 13</blockquote><blockquote>यः सुन्वन्तमवति यः पचन्तं यः शंसन्तं यः शशमानमूती | यस्य ब्रह्म वर्धनं यस्य सोमो यस्येदं राधः स जनास इन्द्रः || 14</blockquote><blockquote>यः सुन्वते पचते दुध्र आ चिद वाजं दर्दर्षि स किलासि सत्यः | वयं त इन्द्र विश्वह परियासः सुवीरासो विदथमा वदेम || 15</blockquote>The following slokas from Vishnupurana (Part 1, Adhyaya 21, Slokas 30 to 41) describe Indra's attempt to destroy the unborn child of Diti and thereby creation of Marutganas.<blockquote>दितिर्विनष्टपुत्रा वै तोषयामास काश्यपम् | तया चाराधित: सम्यक्काश्यस्तपतां वर: || ३०</blockquote><blockquote>वरेण च्छन्दयामास सा च वव्रे ततो वरम् | पुत्रमिन्द्रवधार्थाय समर्थममितौजसम् || ३१</blockquote><blockquote>स च तस्मै वरं प्रादाभ्दार्यायै मुनिसत्तम: | दत्वा च वरमत्युग्रं कश्यपस्तामुवाच ह || ३२</blockquote><blockquote>शक्रं पुत्रो निहन्ता ते यदि गर्भं शरच्छतम् |समाहितातिप्रयता शौचिनी धारयिष्यसि ||३३</blockquote><blockquote>इत्येवमुक्त्वा तां देवीं संगत: कश्यपो मुनि: | दधार सा च तं गर्भं सम्यक्छोचसमन्विता ||३४</blockquote><blockquote>गर्भमात्मवधार्थाय ज्ञात्वा तं मघवानपि | शुश्रूषुस्तामथागच्छद्विनयादमराधिप: ||३५</blockquote><blockquote>तस्याश्चैवान्तरप्रेप्सुरतिष्ठत्पाकशासन: | ऊने वर्षशते चास्या ददर्शान्तरमात्मना ||३६</blockquote><blockquote>अकृत्वा पादयो: शौचं दिति: शयनमाविशत् | निद्रां चाहारयामास तस्या: कुक्षिं प्रविश्य स: ||३७</blockquote><blockquote>वज्रपाणिर्महागर्भं चिच्छेदाथ स सप्तधा | सम्पीड्यमानो वज्रेण स रुरोदातिदारुणम् ||३८</blockquote><blockquote>मा रोदीरिति तं शक्र: पुन:पुनरभाषत | सोऽभवत्सप्तधा गर्भस्तमिंद्र: कुपित: पुन: || ३९</blockquote><blockquote>एकैकं सप्तधा चक्रे वज्रेणारिविदारिणा | मरुतो नाम देवास्ते बभूवुरतिवेगिन: ||४०</blockquote><blockquote>यदुक्तं वै भगवता तेनैव मरुतोऽभवन् | देवा एकोनपञचाशत्सहाया वज्रपाणिन: ||४१</blockquote>

==References==

==References==

#Indra cut off the wings of mountains :http://valmikiramayan.net/utf8/sundara/sarga1/sundara_1_frame.htm

#Indra cut off the wings of mountains :http://valmikiramayan.net/utf8/sundara/sarga1/sundara_1_frame.htm

[[Category:Devatas]]

[[Category:Devatas]]