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Indra (इन्द्रः) (view source)

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'''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.

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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.

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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>

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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.

* '''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.

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* '''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 ==

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'''[[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>

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'''[[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)

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

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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" />

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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.

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इन्द्रियम् इन्द्रलिंगम् इन्द्रदृष्टमिन्द्रऋष्टमिन्द्रौष्टमिन्द्रात्तं इति वा । ५.२.९३ (Ashtadhyayi 5.2.93)<ref>Ashtadhyayi ([https://sa.wikisource.org/wiki/%E0%A4%85%E0%A4%B7%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%9F%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%A7%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%AF%E0%A5%80_%E0%A5%AB#%E0%A4%AD%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%97_%E0%A5%AB.%E0%A5%A8 Adhyaya 5])</ref>

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According to Panini, the name Indriya (sense organs) is fulfilled as they are empowered through the power of the Atma form of Indra.<ref name=":4">Bhagavatdatta's Book Titled : [https://ia601604.us.archive.org/33/items/in.ernet.dli.2015.308632/2015.308632.Uru-Jyoti.pdf Uru Jyoti] </ref>

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According to Panini, the name Indriya (sense organs) is fulfilled as they are empowered through the power of the Atma form of Indra.<ref name=":4">Bhagavatdatta's Book Titled : [https://ia601604.us.archive.org/33/items/in.ernet.dli.2015.308632/2015.308632.Uru-Jyoti.pdf Uru Jyoti] </ref>

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" />

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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.

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=== सोमपा || Somapa ===

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Indra is also called सोमपा || Somapa (One who delights in drinking soma rasa). Soma is a considered as a tender plant from which the juice is extracted by many scholars, however many different versions about Soma exist in a broader sense. All plants, medicinal herbs and food are called Soma, and the energy obtained by the digestion of this food is called Soma as in Shatapatha Brahmana अन्नं वै सोमः |<ref name=":4" />

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Indra is also called सोमपा || Somapa (One who delights in drinking soma rasa). Soma is a considered as a tender plant from which the juice is extracted by many scholars, however many different versions about Soma exist in a broader sense. All plants, medicinal herbs and food are called Soma, and the energy obtained by the digestion of this food is called Soma as in Shatapatha Brahmana अन्नं वै सोमः |<ref name=":4" />

=== 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><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. This legend is also referred in Valmiki Ramayana (Balakanda Sarga 66)<ref name=":5">Valmiki Ramayana ([http://valmikiramayan.net/utf8/baala/sarga47/bala_47_frame.htm Balakanda Sarga 66])</ref> Bhagavatapuraṇa (Skanda 6. Adhyaya 18 and 19)<ref>Shrimad Bhagavata Puranam ([https://sa.wikisource.org/wiki/%E0%A4%B6%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B0%E0%A5%80%E0%A4%AE%E0%A4%A6%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AD%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%97%E0%A4%B5%E0%A4%A4%E0%A4%AA%E0%A5%81%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%A3%E0%A4%AE%E0%A5%8D/%E0%A4%B8%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%95%E0%A4%A8%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%A7%E0%A4%83_%E0%A5%AC/%E0%A4%85%E0%A4%A7%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%83_%E0%A5%A7%E0%A5%AE Skanda 6, Adhyaya 18])</ref> Matsyapuraṇa (Adhyaya 6. 47<ref>Matsya Puranam ([https://sa.wikisource.org/wiki/%E0%A4%AE%E0%A4%A4%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B8%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%AA%E0%A5%81%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%A3%E0%A4%AE%E0%A5%8D/%E0%A4%85%E0%A4%A7%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%83_%E0%A5%AC Adhyaya 6 Sloka 47])</ref>).

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Rig Veda mantra 2.12.2<ref name=":3" /> 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.

=== रक्षकः || Rakshaka ===

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Shrimad Bhagavad Gita states “paritranaya sadhunam vinasa ya ca dushkirtam” about protecting the sadhus and destroying the demons. Similarly, Indra is glorified in many mantras of Rig Veda, for his might and strength to protect all from Dasyus, Asuras and Rakshasas<ref name=":2" />. Indra fights many asuras namely, Vritra, Namuchi, Sushnaha, Sambhara, Thuni, Chumuri, Varchi.<ref name=":1" /> <blockquote>स वज्रभृद् दस्युहा भीम उग्रः सहस्रचेताः शतनीथ ऋभ्वा | चम्रीषो न शवसा पाञ्चजन्यो मरुत्वान् नो भवत्विन्द्र ऊती || (Rig. Veda. 1.100.12)</blockquote><blockquote>sa vajrabhr̥d dasyuhā bhīma ugraḥ sahasracētāḥ śatanītha r̥bhvā | camrīṣō na śavasā pāñcajanyō marutvān nō bhavatvindra ūtī || (Rig. Veda. 1.100.12)</blockquote>Summary: Mighty, fierce, destroyer of Dasyus (asuras) using his Vajra, boundless with knowledge and prayed for by many, May Indra protect us. <blockquote>यो हत्वाहिमरिणात सप्त सिन्धून् यो गा उदाजदपधा वलस्य | यो अश्मनोरन्तरग्निं जजान संवृक् समत्सु स जनास इन्द्रः || (Rig. Veda. 2.12.3)</blockquote><blockquote>yō hatvāhimariṇāta sapta sindhūna yō gā udājadapadhā valasya | yō aśmanōrantaragniṁ jajāna saṁvr̥k samatsu sa janāsa indraḥ || (Rig. Veda. 2.12.3)</blockquote>Summary : He who killed the हिमरिणा himarina to free the sapta sindhu (seven rivers) and brought out the cows from the caves of Vala. He who brought forth Agni from two stones, know that he is Indra.

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Shrimad Bhagavad Gita states “paritranaya sadhunam vinasa ya ca dushkirtam” about protecting the sadhus and destroying the demons. Similarly, Indra is glorified in many mantras of Rig Veda, for his might and strength to protect all from Dasyus, Asuras and Rakshasas<ref name=":2" />. Indra fights many asuras namely, Vritra, Namuchi, Sushnaha, Sambhara, Thuni, Chumuri, Varchi.<ref name=":1" /><blockquote>स वज्रभृद् दस्युहा भीम उग्रः सहस्रचेताः शतनीथ ऋभ्वा | चम्रीषो न शवसा पाञ्चजन्यो मरुत्वान् नो भवत्विन्द्र ऊती || (Rig. Veda. 1.100.12)</blockquote><blockquote>sa vajrabhr̥d dasyuhā bhīma ugraḥ sahasracētāḥ śatanītha r̥bhvā | camrīṣō na śavasā pāñcajanyō marutvān nō bhavatvindra ūtī || (Rig. Veda. 1.100.12)</blockquote>Summary: Mighty, fierce, destroyer of Dasyus (asuras) using his Vajra, boundless with knowledge and prayed for by many, May Indra protect us. <blockquote>यो हत्वाहिमरिणात सप्त सिन्धून् यो गा उदाजदपधा वलस्य | यो अश्मनोरन्तरग्निं जजान संवृक् समत्सु स जनास इन्द्रः || (Rig. Veda. 2.12.3)</blockquote><blockquote>yō hatvāhimariṇāta sapta sindhūna yō gā udājadapadhā valasya | yō aśmanōrantaragniṁ jajāna saṁvr̥k samatsu sa janāsa indraḥ || (Rig. Veda. 2.12.3)</blockquote>Summary : He who killed the हिमरिणा himarina to free the sapta sindhu (seven rivers) and brought out the cows from the caves of Vala. He who brought forth Agni from two stones, know that he is Indra.

=== गोत्रभित् || Gotrabhit ===

Indra is glorified for protecting the cows from the Panis with the help of Angirasa and Sarama. Rig Veda mantra 2.12.3 describes that Indra brought the cows out of the mountains of Vala. <blockquote>इन्द्रस्याङगिरसां चेष्टौ विदत् सरमा तनयाय धासिम् | बृहस्पतिर्भिनदद्रिं विदद् गाः समुस्रियाभिर्वावशन्त नरः || (Rig Veda 1.62.3)<ref>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%A7.%E0%A5%AC%E0%A5%A8 Mandala 1, Sukta 62])</ref></blockquote><blockquote>indrasyāṅagirasāṁ cēṣṭau vidat saramā tanayāya dhāsim | br̥haspatirbhinadadriṁ vidad gāḥ samusriyābhirvāvaśanta naraḥ || (Rig Veda 1.62.3)</blockquote>Meaning: Indra and Angirasa rushi provided for the offspring of Sarama as desired and Brihaspati broke open the mountain and Sarama found the cows, bringing delight to people.

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* Indra wields a lightning thunderbolt known as [[Vajraayudha]]. He rides on a white elephant known as Airavata. His horse's name is Uchchaihshravas|Uchchaihshrava.

* Sachi or Indrani, Pulomaja is the consort of Indra, Jayanta is the son and Devasena is the daughter of Indra. Devasena is the wife of Subrahmanya, son of Maheshwara.

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=== देवताधिपत्यम् || Devadhipati ===

In the Puranas, the significance of Indra is limited to as the protector of Devaloka, whose activities are restricted to safeguarding his position as Indra.

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==== Taittriya Brahmana ====

The legend of Indra's crowning as the Devadhipati is explained in Taittiriya Brahmana as given below<ref name=":0">Ganapati Sastry. Uppuluri. (2000) ''Vedasaara Ratnavali, Part 2'' Hyderabad : Amba Communications </ref>. <blockquote>प्रजापतिरिन्द्र मसृजतानुजावरं देवानाम् । तं प्राहिणोत् । परेहि । एतेषां देवानामधिपतिरेधीति । तं देवा अब्रुवन् । कस्त्वमसि । वयं वै त्वच्छ्रेयाँ सः स्म इति । सोऽब्रवीत् । कस्त्वमसि वयं वै त्वच्छ्रेयाँ सः स्म इति मा देवा अवोचन्निति । (Tait. Brah. 2.2.10.1.60) को ह वै नाम प्रजापतिः । य एवं वेद (Tait. Brah. 2.2.10.1.61) विदुरेनं नाम्ना । तदस्मै रुक्मं कृत्वा प्रत्यमुञ्चत् । ततो वा इन्द्रो देवानामधिपतिरभवत् । य एवं वेद । (Tait. Brah. 2.2.10.1.62) <ref>[https://sa.wikisource.org/wiki/%E0%A4%A4%E0%A5%88%E0%A4%A4%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%A4%E0%A4%BF%E0%A4%B0%E0%A5%80%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%AC%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%B9%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AE%E0%A4%A3%E0%A4%AE%E0%A5%8D_(%E0%A4%B5%E0%A4%BF%E0%A4%B8%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B5%E0%A4 Taittriya Brahmana] </ref><ref name=":0" /></blockquote><blockquote>prajāpatirindra masr̥jatānujāvaraṁ dēvānām । taṁ prāhiṇōt । parēhi । ētēṣāṁ dēvānāmadhipatirēdhīti । taṁ dēvā abruvan । kastvamasi । vayaṁ vai tvacchrēyām̐ saḥ sma iti । sō'bravīt । kastvamasi vayaṁ vai tvacchrēyām̐ saḥ sma iti mā dēvā avōcanniti । (Tait. Brah. 2.2.10.1.60) kō ha vai nāma prajāpatiḥ । ya ēvaṁ vēda (Tait. Brah. 2.2.10.1.61) vidurēnaṁ nāmnā । tadasmai rukmaṁ kr̥tvā pratyamuñcat । tatō vā indrō dēvānāmadhipatirabhavat । ya ēvaṁ vēda । (Tait. Brah. 2.2.10.1.62)</blockquote>Summary : Prajaapati created Indra as the youngest of the devatas. He then instructs Indra to go to Svargaloka and rule over the devatas whom he created. Indra on reaching Svargaloka informs the devatas that he would be incharge of their welfare. Hearing thus, the devatas refuse to accept him. Indra returns to Prajaapati and asks him for the Tejas by which he would control the devatas. Prajapati asks him " what will I become if I give you my tejas". Later, Prajapati creates a crown out of his tejas to decorate it on the forehead of Indra, proclaiming him as the leader of devatas.

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==== 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)<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.

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According to Pt. Bhagavatdatt, Indriyas or sense organs of the body are the representatives of devatas. They gain their strength from Indra and hence are called Indriyas. Indra is Atma who rules over the devatas, and they reside uninterruptedly in the body.<ref name=":4" />

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According to Pt. Bhagavatdatt, Indriyas or sense organs of the body are the representatives of devatas. They gain their strength from Indra and hence are called Indriyas. Indra is Atma who rules over the devatas, and they reside uninterruptedly in the body.<ref name=":4" />

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==== Aitreya Brahmana ====

देवा ऊचुरिन्द्रो वै देवानामोजिष्ठो बलिष्ठः सहिष्ठः सत्तमः पारयिष्णुतमस्तं | (Aitr. Brah. 7.16) <ref>Aitreya Brahmana ([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%AC%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%B9%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AE%E0%A4%A3%E0%A4%AE%E0%A5%8D 7.16])</ref>

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Meaning : Among all devatas Indra is energetic, strong and courageous, he is the one who lead one a long way.<ref name=":4" />

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Meaning : Among all devatas Indra is energetic, strong and courageous, he is the one who lead one a long way.<ref name=":4" />

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=== वृत्रहा || Vrttraha ===

Rig veda glorifies Indra for the slaying of one mighty asura namely [[Vritrasura (वृत्रासुर)|Vrttrasura]], and hence Indra is called Vrttraha.

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'''वृत्रासुरजननम् || Vrttrasura Jananam'''

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'''वृत्रासुरजननम् || Vrttrasura Jananam'''

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

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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 Devi Bhagavata (Skanda 6) त्वष्ट्रा ॥ Tvasthra angered by Indra's killing of his son विश्वरूप || Vishwaroopa (also called Trisiras), initiates an आभिचारिकं यागं || aabhaicharikam yagam (a yagam performed to cause harm to an intended person) to procure a son to kill Indra.

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The ऋत्विज || ritvijas were to utter the mantra "इन्द्रशत्रुर्वर्धस्व" with अन्त उदात्तः ॥ Anta Udaatta or Udaatta swara in the end of the mantra (to mean Prosper Oh ! Enemy of Indra) instead they used the आद्य उदात्तः ॥ Aadya Udaatta swara in the beginning of the mantra (meaning Oh! Indra, one who has enemies, Prosper). The meaning of the mantra changed with the improper utterance of the swara. So instead of asking for the rise and prosperity of a son to take revenge on Indra, the ऋत्विज || ritvijas asked for the prosperity and glory of Indra who destroyed असुर || Asuras. Thus वृत्रासुर '''||''' Vrttrasura the son of त्वष्ट्रा ॥ Tvasthra was born, an enemy of Indra, but eventually Indra was rewarded with glory of killing वृत्रासुर '''||''' Vrttrasura.<ref name=":2" />

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The ऋत्विज || ritvijas were to utter the mantra "इन्द्रशत्रुर्वर्धस्व" with अन्त उदात्तः ॥ Anta Udaatta or Udaatta swara in the end of the mantra (to mean Prosper Oh ! Enemy of Indra) instead they used the आद्य उदात्तः ॥ Aadya Udaatta swara in the beginning of the mantra (meaning Oh! Indra, one who has enemies, Prosper). The meaning of the mantra changed with the improper utterance of the swara. So instead of asking for the rise and prosperity of a son to take revenge on Indra, the ऋत्विज || ritvijas asked for the prosperity and glory of Indra who destroyed असुर || Asuras. Thus वृत्रासुर '''||''' Vrttrasura the son of त्वष्ट्रा ॥ Tvasthra was born, an enemy of Indra, but eventually Indra was rewarded with glory of killing वृत्रासुर '''||''' Vrttrasura.<ref name=":2" />

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'''वृत्रासुरवध || Vrtrasura Vadha'''

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'''वृत्रासुरवध || Vrtrasura Vadha'''

The Rig Veda sukta 1.80.1-16 describes the war of Indra against [[Vritrasura (वृत्रासुर)|Vrttrasura]]. Indra's power and strength in wielding the Vajraayudha is beautifully described in these mantras.

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Under the leadership of Vrttrasura, his followers the Kaalakeyas and other rakshasas besieged the Devatas. The battle raged for a long time between [[Indra and Vritrasura (इन्द्र और वृत्रासुर)|Indra and Vrttrasura]] but Vrttra was invincible. Devatas along with Indra approach Mahavishnu for a solution to kill Vrttraasura. Mahavishnu informs them that Vrttra can be killed only with the bone of [[Dadhichi Rishi (दधीचि ऋषि)|Dadhichi]] rushi. Thereby from the bones of Dadichi rushi, Indra prepares his weapon called "Vajra", and with a fatal stroke of Vajra, Vrttra falls dead. Hence Indra gets the name वृत्रहा || Vrttraha. (Mahabharata. Vana Parva. Chap 101 <ref>Pt. Ramnarayan. Mahabharat ([https://archive.org/stream/Mahabharata04SanskritHindiPanditRamnarayanGitaPress/Mahabharata%2002_%20Sanskrit-Hindi_Pandit%20Ramnarayan_Gita%20Press#page/n341/mode/2up VanaParva, Adhyaya 101]) Page No 343. Gorakhpur: Gita Press</ref>. Santi Parva. Chap 281. Verses 13 -21)

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By killing Vrttrasura, Indra incurred the sin of Brahmahatya. He goes to the Maanasasarovara to expiate for the sin. It was at that time that King Nahusha, takes the place of Indra. Cursed by Agastya rushi, Nahusha becomes a serpent and goes back to earth, then the Devatas reinstate Indra as Lokapalaka. (Mahabharata Udyoga parva Chap. 18). According to Valmiki Ramayana (Balakanda 24 Sarga), Devatas take Indra to Sarayu river for a holy bath to expiate the sin of Brahmahatya.<ref name=":1" />

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By killing Vrttrasura, Indra incurred the sin of Brahmahatya. He goes to the Maanasasarovara to expiate for the sin. It was at that time that King Nahusha, takes the place of Indra. Cursed by Agastya rushi, Nahusha becomes a serpent and goes back to earth, then the Devatas reinstate Indra as Lokapalaka. (Mahabharata Udyoga parva Chap. 18). According to Valmiki Ramayana (Balakanda 24 Sarga), Devatas take Indra to Sarayu river for a holy bath to expiate the sin of Brahmahatya.<ref name=":1" />

=== Indra and Mountains ===

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==== Rig Veda ====

Rig veda talks about Indra as one who protects the earth from the distress of flying mountains by chopping off their wings.<ref name=":1" /><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.

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==== Ramayana ====

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<ref>Valmiki Ramayana ([http://valmikiramayan.net/utf8/sundara/sarga1/sundara_1_frame.htm Sundara Kanda, Sarga 1])</ref>) 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]].

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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.

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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).<ref name=":1" />

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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).<ref name=":1" />

== Indra in Ramayana ==

Although the legend of Ahalya and Indra happened in a different yuga, this anecdote is recounted by Viswamitra rushi to Shri Ramachandra and Lakshmana, in the Bala kanda, on his way to Mithila.

=== अहल्य || Ahalya ===

There are different versions of how Ahalya, the wife of Gautama rushi, was cursed to become a "stone" in different puranas. However, according to Valmiki Ramayana, Indra tricked Ahalya, when Gautama rushi went out for bath by taking his form. Gautama punished Indra with a curse of losing his manliness and Ahalya too was cursed of being invisible to the eyes of everyone, to take the form of a stone. He declared that her original form would return when Shri Ramachandra touched the stone. Indra's testicles were replaced with testicles of goat. (Val. Rama. Bala kanda)<ref name=":5" />

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=== हनुमान् || Hanuman ===

Vaayuputra, commanly called as Hanuman, in his younger days sprang up to Surya, mistaking it for a fruit to eat. Ascending towards the Devaloka he sees Airavata, the vahana of Indra and goes towards it to swallow it. Seeing the tussle between Maruti and Airavata. feeling threatened Indra uses his weapon Vajraayudha to cut the " hanu" (jaw bones) of Maruti and he falls dead on earth. Vaayu, grieving the loss of his son, takes him to Patalaloka, where Brahma and other devatas console him and revive Maruti. As the "hanu" was cut by Indra's vajra, Maruti gets the name of "Hanuman". Indra also blesses him to be a chiranjeeva and would die only when he wished so. (Valmiki Ramayana, Kishkindha Kanda, 66th Sarga)<ref>Valmiki Ramayana ([http://valmikiramayan.net/utf8/kish/sarga66/kishkindha_66_frame.htm Kishkindha Kanda, Sarga 66])</ref>.

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=== इन्द्रजित् || Indrajit ===

Ravana asura conquered the world with Brahma's blessing. His son Meghanadha, defeated Indra in a fierce battle and took him to Lanka as a prisoner. Upon Brahma's intervention, he was released. Thus, Meghanadha got the title of Indrajit, one who gained victory over Indra (Uttara Ramayana).

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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==

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