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== परिचयः || Introduction ==
 
== परिचयः || Introduction ==
 
The most important work of Indra is to stop those energies and powers which are against the flow of life or creation. The Vedas describe a continuous battle between  Asuras (demons) and suras (devas). Every moments result of the battle decides whether there will be flow of life or a regression. There are varieties in the asuric powers or asuric energy. Amongst them [[Vrtrasura (वृत्रासुरः)|Vrtra]] is the most important<ref name=":0">Narayanacharya, K. S. (2011). ''Veda Samskrita Parichaya. Part 1''. Hubli:​Sahitya Prakashana​.</ref>. Extensive mention of Vrtra and Indra's story is seen in vedas and vedic literature.
 
The most important work of Indra is to stop those energies and powers which are against the flow of life or creation. The Vedas describe a continuous battle between  Asuras (demons) and suras (devas). Every moments result of the battle decides whether there will be flow of life or a regression. There are varieties in the asuric powers or asuric energy. Amongst them [[Vrtrasura (वृत्रासुरः)|Vrtra]] is the most important<ref name=":0">Narayanacharya, K. S. (2011). ''Veda Samskrita Parichaya. Part 1''. Hubli:​Sahitya Prakashana​.</ref>. Extensive mention of Vrtra and Indra's story is seen in vedas and vedic literature.
# Rig veda
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# Rigveda
 
# Taittriya samhita
 
# Taittriya samhita
# Atharva veda अथर्ववेदः/काण्डं ६
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# Atharvaveda (अथर्ववेदः/काण्डं ६)
# Kaushitaki Brahmana कौषीतकिब्राह्मणम्/अध्यायः १५  
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# Kaushitaki Brahmana (कौषीतकिब्राह्मणम्/अध्यायः १५)
# Devipuranam (Skanda 6, Adhyaya 1 to 6) देवीभागवतपुराणम्/स्कन्धः ०६/अध्यायः ०६
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# Devipurana (Skanda 6, Adhyaya 1 to 6) (देवीभागवतपुराणम्/स्कन्धः ०६/अध्यायः ०६)
# Padmapuranam पद्मपुराणम्/खण्डः २ (भूमिखण्डः)/अध्यायः ०२४
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# Padmapurana (पद्मपुराणम्/खण्डः २ (भूमिखण्डः)/अध्यायः ०२४)
# Brahmapuranam ब्रह्मपुराणम्/अध्यायः १७३
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# Brahmapurana (ब्रह्मपुराणम्/अध्यायः १७३)
# Brahmandapuranam ब्रह्माण्डपुराणम्/मध्यभागः/अध्यायः ६
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# Brahmandapurana (ब्रह्माण्डपुराणम्/मध्यभागः/अध्यायः ६)
# Skandapuranam स्कन्दपुराणम्/खण्डः १ (माहेश्वरखण्डः)/केदारखण्डः/अध्यायः १७
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# Skandapurana (स्कन्दपुराणम्/खण्डः १ (माहेश्वरखण्डः)/केदारखण्डः/अध्यायः १७)
# Shrimad Bhagavatapuranam श्रीमद्भागवतपुराणम्/स्कन्धः ६/अध्यायः १७
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# Shrimad Bhagavatapurana (श्रीमद्भागवतपुराणम्/स्कन्धः ६/अध्यायः १७)
 
# Mahabharata
 
# Mahabharata
== Vrtrasura and Indra's Enmity॥शत्रुत्वम् ==
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== शत्रुत्वम् ॥ Vrtrasura and Indra's Enmity ==
=== वृत्रासुरजननम् || Vrtrasura Jananam ===
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=== वृत्रासुरजननम् || Vrtrasura Janana ===
 
In '''Taittriya Samhita''' the legend is mentioned in this way: Tvashtra prajapathi had a son named Vishwarupa.<blockquote>विश्वरूपो वै त्वाष्ट्रः पुरोहितो देवानामासीत्स्वस्रीयोऽसुराणां तस्य त्रीणि शीर्षाण्यासन्त्सोमपानद्ग सुरापानमन्नादनद्ग स प्रत्यक्षं देवेभ्यो भागमवदत्परोऽक्षमसुरभ्य: सर्वस्मै वै प्रत्यक्षम्भा॒गं वदन्ति यस्मा एव परोऽक्षं वदन्ति तस्य भाग उदितस्तस्मादिन्द्रोऽबिभेदीदृङ्वै राष्ट्रं वि पर्यावर्तयतीति तस्य वज्रमादाय शीर्षाण्यच्छिनद्यत्सोमपानमा (Arsheya System 1.2.22.1 and Saraswat system 1.2.5.1.1) (Tait. Samh. 2.5.1)<ref name=":1">Krishna Yajurveda Samhita (Taittiriya Samhita): http://parankusa.org/KrYajurBrowse.aspx and http://sanskritlibrary.org/download/krishna_yajur_ved.html</ref></blockquote><blockquote>viśvarūpo vai tvāṣṭraḥ purohito devānāmāsītsvasrīyo'surāṇāṁ tasya trīṇi śīrṣāṇyāsantsomapānadga surāpānamannādanadga sa pratyakṣaṁ devebhyo bhāgamavadatparo'kṣamasurabhya: sarvasmai vai pratyakṣambhā̱gaṁ vadanti yasmā eva paro'kṣaṁ vadanti tasya bhāga uditastasmādindro'bibhedīdr̥ṅvai rāṣṭraṁ vi paryāvartayatīti tasya vajramādāya śīrṣāṇyacchinadyatsomapānamā (Arsheya System 1.2.22.1 and Saraswat system 1.2.5.1.1) (Tait. Samh. 2.5.1)</blockquote>
 
In '''Taittriya Samhita''' the legend is mentioned in this way: Tvashtra prajapathi had a son named Vishwarupa.<blockquote>विश्वरूपो वै त्वाष्ट्रः पुरोहितो देवानामासीत्स्वस्रीयोऽसुराणां तस्य त्रीणि शीर्षाण्यासन्त्सोमपानद्ग सुरापानमन्नादनद्ग स प्रत्यक्षं देवेभ्यो भागमवदत्परोऽक्षमसुरभ्य: सर्वस्मै वै प्रत्यक्षम्भा॒गं वदन्ति यस्मा एव परोऽक्षं वदन्ति तस्य भाग उदितस्तस्मादिन्द्रोऽबिभेदीदृङ्वै राष्ट्रं वि पर्यावर्तयतीति तस्य वज्रमादाय शीर्षाण्यच्छिनद्यत्सोमपानमा (Arsheya System 1.2.22.1 and Saraswat system 1.2.5.1.1) (Tait. Samh. 2.5.1)<ref name=":1">Krishna Yajurveda Samhita (Taittiriya Samhita): http://parankusa.org/KrYajurBrowse.aspx and http://sanskritlibrary.org/download/krishna_yajur_ved.html</ref></blockquote><blockquote>viśvarūpo vai tvāṣṭraḥ purohito devānāmāsītsvasrīyo'surāṇāṁ tasya trīṇi śīrṣāṇyāsantsomapānadga surāpānamannādanadga sa pratyakṣaṁ devebhyo bhāgamavadatparo'kṣamasurabhya: sarvasmai vai pratyakṣambhā̱gaṁ vadanti yasmā eva paro'kṣaṁ vadanti tasya bhāga uditastasmādindro'bibhedīdr̥ṅvai rāṣṭraṁ vi paryāvartayatīti tasya vajramādāya śīrṣāṇyacchinadyatsomapānamā (Arsheya System 1.2.22.1 and Saraswat system 1.2.5.1.1) (Tait. Samh. 2.5.1)</blockquote>
 
{|
 
{|
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=== वज्रायुधम् || Vajrayudha ===
 
=== वज्रायुधम् || Vajrayudha ===
 
<blockquote>स यावदूर्ध्वः पराविध्यति तावति स्वयमेव व्यरमत यदि वा तावत्प्रवणमासीत्यदि वा तावदध्यग्नेरासीत्स सम्भवन्नग्नीषोमावभि समभवत्स इषुमात्रमिषुमात्रं विष्वङ्ङवर्धत स इमाँल्लोकानवृणोद्यदिमाँल्लोकानवृणोत्तद्वृत्रस्य वृत्रत्वं तस्मादिन्द्रोऽबिभेदपि त्वष्टा तस्मै त्वष्टा वज्रमसिञ्चत्तपो वै स वज्र आसीत्तमुद्यन्तुं नाशक्नोदथ वै तर्हि विष्णुरन्या (Arsheya system 4.5.36.2 and Saraswat System 1.2.4.12.2 in Parankusa.org) (Tait. Samh. 2.5.12)<ref name=":1" /></blockquote><blockquote>sa yāvadūrdhvaḥ parāvidhyati tāvati svayamēva vyaramata yadi vā tāvatpravaṇamāsītyadi vā tāvadadhyagnērāsītsa sambhavannagnīṣōmāvabhi samabhavatsa iṣumātramiṣumātraṁ viṣvaṅṅavardhata sa imām̐llōkānavr̥ṇōdyadimām̐llōkānavr̥ṇōttadvr̥trasya vr̥tratvaṁ tasmādindrō'bibhēdapi tvaṣṭā tasmai tvaṣṭā vajramasiñcattapō vai sa vajra āsīttamudyantuṁ nāśaknōdatha vai tarhi viṣṇuranyā (Arsheya system 4.5.36.2 and Saraswat System 1.2.4.12.2 in Parankusa.org) (Tait. Samh. 2.5.12)</blockquote>Vrtra means one who grows or goes in circles and though Indra did not fear him he was not able to control him. Meanwhile Vrtra’s father, Tvashtra offered a special thunderbolt to Indra. Here Vajrayudha is described as "tapo vy sa vajra asit" meaning "tapasaya" itself is Vajrayudha (thunderbolt)". As Indra could not lift the [[Vajraayudha|Vajrayudha]]''',''' he prayed to Sri MahaVishnu.<blockquote>विष्णुरन्या देवतासीत्सोऽब्रवीद्विष्णवेहीदमा हरिष्यावो येनायमिदमिति स विष्णुस्त्रेधात्मानं वि न्यधत्त पृथिव्यां तृतीयमन्तरिक्षे तृतीयं दिवि तृतीयमभिपर्यावर्ताद्ध्यबिभेद्यत्पृथिव्यां तृतीयमासीत्तेनेन्द्रो वज्रमुदयच्छद्विष्ण्वनुस्थितः सोऽब्रवीतन्मा मे प्र हारस्ति वा इदं (Arsheya system 4.5.36.3 and Saraswat system 1.2.4.12.3) (Tait. Samh. 2.5.12) <ref name=":1" /></blockquote><blockquote>viṣṇuranyā dēvatāsītsō'bravīdviṣṇavēhīdamā hariṣyāvō yēnāyamidamiti sa viṣṇustrēdhātmānaṁ vi nyadhatta pr̥thivyāṁ tr̥tīyamantarikṣē tr̥tīyaṁ divi tr̥tīyamabhiparyāvartāddhyabibhēdyatpr̥thivyāṁ tr̥tī̍yamāsīttēnēndrō vajramudayacchadviṣṇvanusthitaḥ sō'bravītanmā mē pra hārasti vā idaṁ (Arsheya system 4.5.36.3 and Saraswat system 1.2.4.12.3) (Tait. Samh. 2.5.12)</blockquote>Mahavisnu pleased with Indra's prayers and that of other devatas, divided himself into 3 parts "विष्णुस्त्रेधात्मानं viṣṇustrēdhātmānaṁ" . It indicates His '''Trivikrama tattva.''' One third part of Vishnu's energy was placed in the earth, another one third in devaloka and the last third was placed in the Antariksha or Space.<ref name=":0" /><blockquote>मयि वीर्यं तत्ते प्र दास्यामीति तदस्मै प्रायच्छत्तत्प्रत्यगृह्णादधा मेति तद्विष्णवेति प्रायच्छत्तद्विष्णुः प्रत्यगृह्णादस्मास्विन्द्र इन्द्रियं दधात्विति यदन्तरिक्षे तृती॑यमासीत्तेनेन्द्रो वज्रमुदयच्छद्विष्ण्वनुस्थितः सोऽब्रवीन्मा मे प्र हारस्ति वा इदं (Arsheya system 4.5.36.4 and Saraswat System 1.2.4.12.4) (Tait. Samh. 2.5.12) <ref name=":1" /></blockquote><blockquote>mayi vīryaṁ tattē pra dāsyāmīti tadasmai prāyacchattatpratyagr̥hṇādadhā mēti tadviṣṇavēti prāyacchattadviṣṇuḥ pratyagr̥hṇādasmāsvindra indriyaṁ dadhātviti yadantarikṣē tr̥tī̍yamāsīttēnēndrō vajramudayacchadviṣṇvanusthitaḥ sō'bravīnmā mē pra hārasti vā idaṁ (Arsheya system 4.5.36.4 and Saraswat System 1.2.4.12.4)(Tait. Samh. 2.5.12)</blockquote>Indra then merged himself with Visnu's energy of prithvi and with that strength was able to lift the vajrayudha. Seeing this Vrtra removed himself from the earth and continued the battle in space and in heavenly planets. Indra with the blessing of Mahavishnu then defeated him who entered into a truce with indra.  
 
<blockquote>स यावदूर्ध्वः पराविध्यति तावति स्वयमेव व्यरमत यदि वा तावत्प्रवणमासीत्यदि वा तावदध्यग्नेरासीत्स सम्भवन्नग्नीषोमावभि समभवत्स इषुमात्रमिषुमात्रं विष्वङ्ङवर्धत स इमाँल्लोकानवृणोद्यदिमाँल्लोकानवृणोत्तद्वृत्रस्य वृत्रत्वं तस्मादिन्द्रोऽबिभेदपि त्वष्टा तस्मै त्वष्टा वज्रमसिञ्चत्तपो वै स वज्र आसीत्तमुद्यन्तुं नाशक्नोदथ वै तर्हि विष्णुरन्या (Arsheya system 4.5.36.2 and Saraswat System 1.2.4.12.2 in Parankusa.org) (Tait. Samh. 2.5.12)<ref name=":1" /></blockquote><blockquote>sa yāvadūrdhvaḥ parāvidhyati tāvati svayamēva vyaramata yadi vā tāvatpravaṇamāsītyadi vā tāvadadhyagnērāsītsa sambhavannagnīṣōmāvabhi samabhavatsa iṣumātramiṣumātraṁ viṣvaṅṅavardhata sa imām̐llōkānavr̥ṇōdyadimām̐llōkānavr̥ṇōttadvr̥trasya vr̥tratvaṁ tasmādindrō'bibhēdapi tvaṣṭā tasmai tvaṣṭā vajramasiñcattapō vai sa vajra āsīttamudyantuṁ nāśaknōdatha vai tarhi viṣṇuranyā (Arsheya system 4.5.36.2 and Saraswat System 1.2.4.12.2 in Parankusa.org) (Tait. Samh. 2.5.12)</blockquote>Vrtra means one who grows or goes in circles and though Indra did not fear him he was not able to control him. Meanwhile Vrtra’s father, Tvashtra offered a special thunderbolt to Indra. Here Vajrayudha is described as "tapo vy sa vajra asit" meaning "tapasaya" itself is Vajrayudha (thunderbolt)". As Indra could not lift the [[Vajraayudha|Vajrayudha]]''',''' he prayed to Sri MahaVishnu.<blockquote>विष्णुरन्या देवतासीत्सोऽब्रवीद्विष्णवेहीदमा हरिष्यावो येनायमिदमिति स विष्णुस्त्रेधात्मानं वि न्यधत्त पृथिव्यां तृतीयमन्तरिक्षे तृतीयं दिवि तृतीयमभिपर्यावर्ताद्ध्यबिभेद्यत्पृथिव्यां तृतीयमासीत्तेनेन्द्रो वज्रमुदयच्छद्विष्ण्वनुस्थितः सोऽब्रवीतन्मा मे प्र हारस्ति वा इदं (Arsheya system 4.5.36.3 and Saraswat system 1.2.4.12.3) (Tait. Samh. 2.5.12) <ref name=":1" /></blockquote><blockquote>viṣṇuranyā dēvatāsītsō'bravīdviṣṇavēhīdamā hariṣyāvō yēnāyamidamiti sa viṣṇustrēdhātmānaṁ vi nyadhatta pr̥thivyāṁ tr̥tīyamantarikṣē tr̥tīyaṁ divi tr̥tīyamabhiparyāvartāddhyabibhēdyatpr̥thivyāṁ tr̥tī̍yamāsīttēnēndrō vajramudayacchadviṣṇvanusthitaḥ sō'bravītanmā mē pra hārasti vā idaṁ (Arsheya system 4.5.36.3 and Saraswat system 1.2.4.12.3) (Tait. Samh. 2.5.12)</blockquote>Mahavisnu pleased with Indra's prayers and that of other devatas, divided himself into 3 parts "विष्णुस्त्रेधात्मानं viṣṇustrēdhātmānaṁ" . It indicates His '''Trivikrama tattva.''' One third part of Vishnu's energy was placed in the earth, another one third in devaloka and the last third was placed in the Antariksha or Space.<ref name=":0" /><blockquote>मयि वीर्यं तत्ते प्र दास्यामीति तदस्मै प्रायच्छत्तत्प्रत्यगृह्णादधा मेति तद्विष्णवेति प्रायच्छत्तद्विष्णुः प्रत्यगृह्णादस्मास्विन्द्र इन्द्रियं दधात्विति यदन्तरिक्षे तृती॑यमासीत्तेनेन्द्रो वज्रमुदयच्छद्विष्ण्वनुस्थितः सोऽब्रवीन्मा मे प्र हारस्ति वा इदं (Arsheya system 4.5.36.4 and Saraswat System 1.2.4.12.4) (Tait. Samh. 2.5.12) <ref name=":1" /></blockquote><blockquote>mayi vīryaṁ tattē pra dāsyāmīti tadasmai prāyacchattatpratyagr̥hṇādadhā mēti tadviṣṇavēti prāyacchattadviṣṇuḥ pratyagr̥hṇādasmāsvindra indriyaṁ dadhātviti yadantarikṣē tr̥tī̍yamāsīttēnēndrō vajramudayacchadviṣṇvanusthitaḥ sō'bravīnmā mē pra hārasti vā idaṁ (Arsheya system 4.5.36.4 and Saraswat System 1.2.4.12.4)(Tait. Samh. 2.5.12)</blockquote>Indra then merged himself with Visnu's energy of prithvi and with that strength was able to lift the vajrayudha. Seeing this Vrtra removed himself from the earth and continued the battle in space and in heavenly planets. Indra with the blessing of Mahavishnu then defeated him who entered into a truce with indra.  
=== वृत्रासुरवध ।। Vrtrasura Vadha ===
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=== वृत्रासुरवधः ।। Vrtrasura Vadha ===
 
In Taittriya Samhita and Shatapata Brahamana the details of the battle between Indra and Vrtra, the cause and consequences, have been described.     
 
In Taittriya Samhita and Shatapata Brahamana the details of the battle between Indra and Vrtra, the cause and consequences, have been described.     
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Similarly, hunger is not just limited to physical hunger but is connected to insatiable wants and desires. Lust and anger are insatiable hunger<ref name=":0" />.   
 
Similarly, hunger is not just limited to physical hunger but is connected to insatiable wants and desires. Lust and anger are insatiable hunger<ref name=":0" />.   
   −
'''क्षुद्रोगौ कामक्रोधौ || Kaama and Krodha'''
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'''क्षुद्रोगौ कामक्रोधौ || Kama and Krodha'''
    
Shrimad Bhagavad Gita<ref>https://sanskritdocuments.org/doc_giitaa/bhagvadnew.html?lang=sa</ref> explains  <blockquote>काम एष क्रोध एष रजोगुणसमुद्भवः । महाशनो महापाप्मा विद्ध्येनमिह वैरिणम् ॥ (Bhag. Gita. 3.37)</blockquote><blockquote>kāma ēṣa krōdha ēṣa rajōguṇasamudbhavaḥ । mahāśanō mahāpāpmā viddhyēnamiha vairiṇam ॥ (Bhag. Gita. 3.37)</blockquote>Meaning : Bhagavan explains 'Kaama (Desire) and Krodha (wrath or anger) arise from Rajoguna. They are all-consuming, all-polluting, know that they are one's greatest enemy.' Here Bhagavan explains about the sins and delusions.
 
Shrimad Bhagavad Gita<ref>https://sanskritdocuments.org/doc_giitaa/bhagvadnew.html?lang=sa</ref> explains  <blockquote>काम एष क्रोध एष रजोगुणसमुद्भवः । महाशनो महापाप्मा विद्ध्येनमिह वैरिणम् ॥ (Bhag. Gita. 3.37)</blockquote><blockquote>kāma ēṣa krōdha ēṣa rajōguṇasamudbhavaḥ । mahāśanō mahāpāpmā viddhyēnamiha vairiṇam ॥ (Bhag. Gita. 3.37)</blockquote>Meaning : Bhagavan explains 'Kaama (Desire) and Krodha (wrath or anger) arise from Rajoguna. They are all-consuming, all-polluting, know that they are one's greatest enemy.' Here Bhagavan explains about the sins and delusions.
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काम ॥ Kaama (desire) is thus compared to the inexhaustible fire. Those afflicted with the hunger of Kama and Krodha are said to be afflicted by the ghost of Vrtra, constantly inhabiting the mind and soul of the human being. Vrtra is the eternal enemy (with kama, krodha) and personification of sins<ref name=":0" />.
 
काम ॥ Kaama (desire) is thus compared to the inexhaustible fire. Those afflicted with the hunger of Kama and Krodha are said to be afflicted by the ghost of Vrtra, constantly inhabiting the mind and soul of the human being. Vrtra is the eternal enemy (with kama, krodha) and personification of sins<ref name=":0" />.
=== प्रकृति प्रतीतिविचारः || Natural Phenomenon  ===
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=== प्रकृतिप्रतीतिविचारः || Natural Phenomenon  ===
 
Many definitions as per Nirukta (10.8) <ref>Nirukta ([https://sa.wikisource.org/wiki/%E0%A4%A8%E0%A4%BF%E0%A4%B0%E0%A5%81%E0%A4%95%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%A4%E0%A4%B6%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%B8%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%A4%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%AE%E0%A5%8D/%E0%A4%A6%E0%A4%B6%E0%A4%AE%E0%A5%8B%E0%A4%A7%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%83 Adhyaya 10])</ref> for example : इरां ददातीति वा ॥ irāṁ dadātīti vā,  indicate Indra's association with water, clouds and winds. Through the study of the water cycle, one can understand the formation of rain and the inter-relativity of sun, clouds and water precipitation. From the following mantras of Rig Veda, it can be understood that the natural phenomenon of clouds, lighting and rains have been minutely studied and water cycle was well established during the vedic period. Astrologically also the correlation of nakshtra constellations with the formation of clouds and rains have been identified. Nirukta also mentions thus   
 
Many definitions as per Nirukta (10.8) <ref>Nirukta ([https://sa.wikisource.org/wiki/%E0%A4%A8%E0%A4%BF%E0%A4%B0%E0%A5%81%E0%A4%95%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%A4%E0%A4%B6%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%B8%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%A4%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%AE%E0%A5%8D/%E0%A4%A6%E0%A4%B6%E0%A4%AE%E0%A5%8B%E0%A4%A7%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%83 Adhyaya 10])</ref> for example : इरां ददातीति वा ॥ irāṁ dadātīti vā,  indicate Indra's association with water, clouds and winds. Through the study of the water cycle, one can understand the formation of rain and the inter-relativity of sun, clouds and water precipitation. From the following mantras of Rig Veda, it can be understood that the natural phenomenon of clouds, lighting and rains have been minutely studied and water cycle was well established during the vedic period. Astrologically also the correlation of nakshtra constellations with the formation of clouds and rains have been identified. Nirukta also mentions thus   
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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 Vrtrasura yudda (as mentioned in Rig veda mantras) and the story Maruts (as given in Ramayana and Vishnu Purana) that clearly refers to the natural phenomenon of rains and cyclones. The concept is extended to how lightning (Vajrayudha the lighting bolt) can be used to pierce through the strong circling winds (Vrtra) 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 Vrtrasura yudda (as mentioned in Rig veda mantras) and the story Maruts (as given in Ramayana and Vishnu Purana) that clearly refers to the natural phenomenon of rains and cyclones. The concept is extended to how lightning (Vajrayudha the lighting bolt) can be used to pierce through the strong circling winds (Vrtra) and clouds (Indra's strength) and control cyclones.       
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'''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 Vrtra by the fatal blows of his Vajrayudha (lightning strike). Just like how an axe is used to cut down the branches of a tree which falls down to the ground.  
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'''Rigveda (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 Vrtra by the fatal blows of his Vajrayudha (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 Vajrayudha to break down Vrtrasura, there by releasing waters. Symbolically the whirling winds (Vrtra) 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 Vajrayudha to break down Vrtrasura, there by releasing waters. Symbolically the whirling winds (Vrtra) 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.   
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Interpretation of Vedic texts by Indologists have distorted the Indra & Vrtra episode by giving it a caste and race colour. Using the fake Aryan-Dravidian invasion theory, Vrtra is said to be in charge of the tribes who were the mulnivasis before the 'fair' Aryans invaded. The fight between Vrtra and Indra (portrayed as the God of the Aryans) is interpreted through race theories concluding that Indra is a historical person.  
 
Interpretation of Vedic texts by Indologists have distorted the Indra & Vrtra episode by giving it a caste and race colour. Using the fake Aryan-Dravidian invasion theory, Vrtra is said to be in charge of the tribes who were the mulnivasis before the 'fair' Aryans invaded. The fight between Vrtra and Indra (portrayed as the God of the Aryans) is interpreted through race theories concluding that Indra is a historical person.  
 
== Verses and Meanings ==
 
== Verses and Meanings ==
Rig veda mantras of 1st Mandala - 32 Sukta<ref name=":2" />
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Rigveda mantras of 1st Mandala - 32 Sukta<ref name=":2" />
    
इन्द्र॑स्य॒ नु वी॒र्या॑णि॒ प्र वो॑चं॒ यानि॑ च॒कार॑ प्रथ॒मानि॑ व॒ज्री । अह॒न्नहि॒मन्व॒पस्त॑तर्द॒ प्र व॒क्षणा॑ अभिन॒त् पर्व॑तानाम् ॥१  
 
इन्द्र॑स्य॒ नु वी॒र्या॑णि॒ प्र वो॑चं॒ यानि॑ च॒कार॑ प्रथ॒मानि॑ व॒ज्री । अह॒न्नहि॒मन्व॒पस्त॑तर्द॒ प्र व॒क्षणा॑ अभिन॒त् पर्व॑तानाम् ॥१  

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