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Line 112: − + − + − Rushis,who perform yagnas, understand that in the yajnas the havishya (oblations) are for Indra and this subject is explained in this sukta “sahasram sakamarchata parishtobhatha vimshaktihi shathaina manmano vaurindraya brahmodyatha marchyam nanu swarajyam”. − − Meaning: One who is dreadfully splendorous, while holding the thunderbolt which is powerful against the enemies and Indra’s power to control Dasyus who are thorns to society and has power to control enemies and has power to understand everything and full of energy. This is the one aspect of Indra. (to punish the wrongdoers). Those who understand him, the men of wisdom to be kind and to provide all kinds of protection to them with his power is another aspect of Indra. − − + − − + − − + − − + − + + + + + Line 194:
Line 207: − + − − The Rig-Veda frequently refers to him as '''Śakra''': the mighty-one. In the Vedic period, the number of gods was assumed to be thirty-three and Indra was their lord. (Some early post Rigvedic texts such as the Khilas and the late Vedic Brihad-Aranyaka Upanishad enumerates the gods as the eight Vasus, the eleven Rudras, the twelve Adityas, Indra, and Prajapati). As lord of the Vasus, Indra was also referred to as '''Vāsava'''. − − By the age of the Vedanta, Indra became the prototype for all lords and thus a king could be called ''Mānavēndra'' (Indra or lord of men) and Rama, the hero of the Ramayana, was referred to as Rāghavendra (Indra of the clan of Raghu). Hence the original Indra was also referred to as Devendra (Indra of the Devas). However, Sakra and Vasava were used exclusively for the original Indra. − Though modern texts usually adhere to the name Indra, the traditional Hindu texts (the Vedas, epics and Puranas) use Indra, Sakra and Vasava interchangeably and with the same frequency. − − "Of the Vedas I am the Sama Veda; of the demigods I am Indra, the king of heaven; of the senses I am the mind; and in living beings I am the living force [consciousness]." (Bhagavad Gita 10.22) − ===Status and function=== − In the Rigveda, Indra is the god of thunder and rain and a great warrior who battles with the water obstructing serpent Vritra and other enemies frequently referred to as Dasa. In the later Hinduism|Hindu religion he leads the Deva (Hinduism)|Deva (the gods who form and maintain Heaven) and the elements, such as the god of fire, Agni, the sun god Surya, and Vayu of the wind. He constantly wages war against the opponents of the gods, the demonized asuras. As the god of war, he is also regarded as one of the Guardians of the directions, representing the east. As the most popular god of the Vedic Indians, Indra has about 250 hymns dedicated to him in the Rigveda. − − In the RV 1.65 reads, "SAKRA, who is the purifier (of his worshipers), and well-skilled in horses, who is wonderful and golden-bodied." − − Other characteristics − − Indra's weapon, which he used to kill Vritra, is the (vajra), though he also uses a bow (weapon)|bow, a Indra's net|net, and a hook. The thunderbolt of Indra is called Bhaudhara. In the post-Vedic period, he rides a large, four-tusked white elephant called Airavata. − ===Indra's Bow=== − The rainbow is called Indra's bow and arrow|Bow (Sanskrit: ''indradhanusha'' {{IAST|इन्द्रधनुष}}). − ===Relations with other gods=== − In Hindu religion, he is married to Shachi or Indrani or Pulomaja. − − Indra and Shachi have daughters called Jayanti (Hinduism)|Jayanti and Devasena. Jayanti is the spouse of Shukracharya and the latter is the consort of the war-god Kartikeya. − In post-Vedic texts, Indra is described with more human characteristics and vices than any other Vedic deity. Modern Hindus tend to see Indra as minor deity in comparison to others in the Hindu pantheon, such as Shiva, Vishnu, or Devi. −
→Indra's Bow
In the Puranas, the significance of Indra is limited as the protector of Devaloka, whose activities are restricted to safeguarding his position as Indra. In the continuous battle between devathas and asuras, Indra stands as the leader of devathas. Indra fights many asuras namely, Vritra, Namuchi, Sushnaha, Sambhara, Thuni, Chumuri, Varchi.
In the Puranas, the significance of Indra is limited as the protector of Devaloka, whose activities are restricted to safeguarding his position as Indra. In the continuous battle between devathas and asuras, Indra stands as the leader of devathas. Indra fights many asuras namely, Vritra, Namuchi, Sushnaha, Sambhara, Thuni, Chumuri, Varchi.
The Rig Veda mantras (2.12.1 to 15 and 2.13.12) describe the greatness of Indra.
The following Rig Veda mantras (2.12.1 to 15) describe the greatness of Indra.
यो जात एव प्रथमो मनस्वान देवो देवान क्रतुना पर्यभूषत | यस्य शुष्माद् रोदसी अभ्यसेतां नृ न्णस्य मह्ना स जनास इन्द्रः || 1
यः पर्थिवीं व्यथमानाम दृंहद् यः पर्वतान प्रकुपिताँ अरम्णात् | यो अन्तरिक्षं विममे वरीयो यो दयामस्तभ्नात् स जनास इन्द्रः || 2
यो हत्वाहिमरिणात सप्त सिन्धून यो गा उदाजदपधा वलस्य | यो अश्मनोरन्तरग्निं जजान संव्र्क समत्सु स जनास इन्द्रः ||
येनेमा विश्वा चयवना कर्तानि यो दासं वर्णमधरंगुहाकः | शवघ्नीव यो जिगीवान लक्षमाददर्यः पुष्टानि स जनास इन्द्रः ||
यं समा पर्छन्ति कुह सेति घोरमुतेमाहुर्नैषो अस्तीत्येनम | सो अर्यः पुष्तीर्विज इवा मिनाति शरदस्मै धत्त स जनास इन्द्रः ||
यो रध्रस्य चोदिता यः कर्शस्य यो बरह्मणो नाधमानस्यकीरेः | युक्तग्राव्णो यो.अविता सुशिप्रः सुतसोमस्य स जनास इन्द्रः ||
यस्याश्वासः परदिशि यस्य गावो यस्य गरामा यस्य विश्वे रथासः | यः सूर्यं य उषसं जजान यो अपां नेता स जनास इन्द्रः ||
यं करन्दसी संयती विह्वयेते परे.अवर उभया अमित्राः | समानं चिद रथमातस्थिवांसा नाना हवेते स जनास इन्द्रः ||
यस्मान न रते विजयन्ते जनासो यं युध्यमाना अवसे हवन्ते | यो विश्वस्य परतिमानं बभूव यो अच्युतच्युत स जनास इन्द्रः ||
यः शश्वतो मह्येनो दधानानमन्यमानाञ्छर्वा जघान | यः शर्धते नानुददाति शर्ध्यां यो दस्योर्हन्ता स जनास इन्द्रः ||
यः शम्बरं पर्वतेषु कषियन्तं चत्वारिंश्यां शरद्यन्वविन्दत | ओजायमानं यो अहिं जघान दानुं शयानं स जनास इन्द्रः ||
यः सप्तरश्मिर्व्र्षभस्तुविष्मानवास्र्जत सर्तवे सप्तसिन्धून | यो रौहिणमस्फुरद वज्रबाहुर्द्यामारोहन्तं स जनास इन्द्रः ||
दयावा चिदस्मै पर्थिवी नमेते शुष्माच्चिदस्य पर्वता भयन्ते | यः सोमपा निचितो वज्रबाहुर्यो वज्रहस्तः स जनास इन्द्रः ||
यः सुन्वन्तमवति यः पचन्तं यः शंसन्तं यः शशमानमूती | यस्य बरह्म वर्धनं यस्य सोमो यस्येदं राधः स जनास इन्द्रः ||
यः सुन्वते पचते दुध्र आ चिद वाजं दर्दर्षि स किलासि सत्यः | वयं त इन्द्र विश्वह परियासः सुवीरासो विदथमा वदेम ||
=== शक्रः || Shakra ===
=== शक्रः || Shakra ===
Indra is called as शक्रः Shakra meaning शक्नोति दैत्यान् नाशयितुम् one who is capable of destroying the Daityas or Rakshasas.
Indra is called as शक्रः Shakra meaning शक्नोति दैत्यान् नाशयितुम् (Shabdakalpadhruma) one who is capable of destroying the Daityas or Rakshasas.
इन्द्रो यातूनामभवत्पराशरो हविर्मथीनामभ्या विवासताम् | अभीदु शक्रः परशुर्यथा वनं पात्रेव भिन्दन्त्सत एति रक्षसः || (Rig Veda 7.104.21)
इन्द्रो यातूनामभवत्पराशरो हविर्मथीनामभ्या विवासताम् | अभीदु शक्रः परशुर्यथा वनं पात्रेव भिन्दन्त्सत एति रक्षसः || (Rig Veda 7.104.21)
=== मरुत्वान् || Marutvaan ===
=== मरुत्वान् || Marutvaan ===
इन्द्रः Indra is called as Marutvaan, meaning मरुतो देवाः पालनीयत्वेन 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. This famous legend given in Vishnupurana (Part 1, Chap 21) 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 saying he cuts each of them onto seven pieces, thus generating 49 pieces. Upon Diti's request making them subservient to Indra, Indra refrains from destroying them. Thus, they are 49 Maruts, who are Vaayus which help Indra in causing rains.
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. This famous legend given in Vishnupurana (Part 1, Chap 21) 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 saying he cuts each of them onto seven pieces, thus generating 49 pieces. Upon Diti's request making them subservient to Indra, Indra refrains from destroying them. Thus, they are 49 Maruts, which help Indra in causing rains.
=== Yagnarakshaka or Protector of Yagnas : ===
=== Vritrasura Vadha: ===
There are more than 250 Rk Suktas that glorify Indra. He is the deva who shines as the light in the sky of the heart of all living entities. Rig Veda describes the strength and valor of Indra and the faith if Devatas in his might, in the following mantra
There are more than 250 Rk Suktas that glorify Indra. He is the deva who shines as the light in the sky of the heart of all living entities. Rig Veda describes the strength and valor of Indra and the faith of Devatas in his might, in the following mantra
नहि नु यादधीमसीन्द्रं को वीर्या परः | तस्मिन्नृम्णमुत क्रतुं देवा ओजांसि सं दधुरर्चन्ननु स्वराज्यम् || (Rig. Veda. 1.80.15)
नहि नु यादधीमसीन्द्रं को वीर्या परः | तस्मिन्नृम्णमुत क्रतुं देवा ओजांसि सं दधुरर्चन्ननु स्वराज्यम् || (Rig. Veda. 1.80.15)
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.
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.
The Rig Veda sukta 1.80.1-16 describe the war of Indra against Vrrtrasura. His power and strength in wielding the Vajrayudha is beautifully described in this mantra. One of the main activities of Indra is to hold the thunderbolt and use it to control those who are against yajnas.
The Rig Veda sukta 1.80.1-16 describes the war of Indra against Vrtrasura. His power and strength in wielding the Vajrayudha is beautifully described in this mantra. One of the main activities of Indra is to hold the thunderbolt and use it to control those who are against yajnas.
=== सुराधिपः ===
=== Devagana paripalaka or Leader of Devaganas ===
As a protector he also holds influence on the Maruthas, and other beings such as Gandharvaas, Apsaraas, devas, asuraas and rakshasas, He is the master of all these entities including nishadas.
As a protector he also holds influence on the Maruthas, and other beings such as Gandharvaas, Apsaraas, devas, asuraas and rakshasas, He is the master of all these entities including nishadas.
=== Indra and Mountains ===
=== Indra and Mountains ===
In Valmiki Ramayana, Sundarakanda, gives the story of Indra cutting off the wings of mountains with his Vajrayudha. Mainaka, is the mountain that stands at the entrance of Patalaloka (पाताळस्याप्रमेयस्य 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.
In Valmiki Ramayana, Sundarakanda, gives the story of Indra cutting off the wings of mountains with his Vajrayudha. Mainaka, is the mountain that stands at the entrance of Patalaloka (पाताळस्याप्रमेयस्य 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.
पूर्वं कृतयुगे तात पर्वताः पक्षिणोऽभवन् |
पूर्वं कृतयुगे तात पर्वताः पक्षिणोऽभवन् | ते हि जग्मुर्दिशः सर्वा गरुडानिलवेगिनः || (Valm. Rama. 5.1.123)
ते हि जग्मुर्दिशः सर्वा गरुडानिलवेगिनः || (Valm. Rama. 5.1.123)
Meaning : In the past, in Kritayuga, mountains, having wings, used to fly at great speeds, all over, like Garuda and Vaayu.
Meaning : In the past, in Kritayuga, mountains, having wings, used to fly at great speeds, all over, like Garuda and Vaayu.
ततस्तेषु प्रयातेषु देवसंघः सहर्षिभिः |
ततस्तेषु प्रयातेषु देवसंघः सहर्षिभिः | भूतानि च भयं जग्मुस्तेषां पतनशङ्कया || (Valm. Rama. 5.1.124)
भूतानि च भयं जग्मुस्तेषां पतनशङ्कया || (Valm. Rama. 5.1.124)
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.
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.
ततः क्रुद्धः सहस्राक्षः पर्वतानां शतक्रतुः |
ततः क्रुद्धः सहस्राक्षः पर्वतानां शतक्रतुः | पक्षान् चिच्छेद वज्रेण तत्र तत्र सहस्रशः || (Valm. Rama. 5.1.125)
पक्षान् चिच्छेद वज्रेण तत्र तत्र सहस्रशः || (Valm. Rama. 5.1.125)
Meaning : Angered by that, the thousand-eyed Indra chopped off wings of hundreds of mountains, then and there, using his Vajrayudha.
Meaning : Angered by that, the thousand-eyed Indra chopped off wings of hundreds of mountains, then and there, using his Vajrayudha.
=== Sishtajana paripalana or Protection of Dharmikas ===
=== रक्षकः ===
Just like in the Gita: “paritranaya sadhunam vinasa ya ca dushkirtam” this mantra teaches us about protecting the sadhus and destroying the demons. This is the bhagavat Karya or the activities of the bhagavantha. “sa vajra brudhasyuva bhima ugraha sahasra cheta shatanidha rudhva chamrishona chavasa panchajanyo marutvanyo bhavtindra utihi” Rk Samhita 1.100.912
Just like in the Gita: “paritranaya sadhunam vinasa ya ca dushkirtam” this mantra teaches us about protecting the sadhus and destroying the demons. This is the bhagavat Karya or the activities of the bhagavantha.
स वज्रभृद् दस्युहा भीम उग्रः सहस्रचेताः शतनीथ ऋभ्वा | चम्रीषो न शवसा पाञ्चजन्यो मरुत्वान् नो भवत्विन्द्र ऊती || (Rig. Veda. 1.100.12)
sa vajrabhr̥d dasyuhā bhīma ugraḥ sahasracētāḥ śatanītha r̥bhvā | camrīṣō na śavasā pāñcajanyō marutvān nō bhavatvindra ūtī || (Rig. Veda. 1.100.12)
=== Krodha of Indra ===
=== Krodha of Indra ===
Indra is always associated with the Marutganas and guided by rishis. Yet sometimes without understanding the greatness of Indra, they neglect him and worship the devathas who are lesser than him. This causes distress to Indra and this is expressed in one of the mantras. He is the Vishwapati, the master of entire universe. He is the inner dwelling soul of all the devathas and governs the fruits of all of our activities.
Indra is always associated with the Marutganas and guided by rishis. Yet sometimes without understanding the greatness of Indra, they neglect him and worship the devathas who are lesser than him. This causes distress to Indra and this is expressed in one of the mantras. He is the Vishwapati, the master of entire universe. He is the inner dwelling soul of all the devathas and governs the fruits of all of our activities.
'''Loka dharaka''': holder of all the planets. This is very significant. It is also explained that Indra offer words of kindness. let us all stay in (ruju marga)–the right path and be satisfied with his mercy. Such prayer has come in the last part of the Sukta. With such glorification, it is very clear to understand that he is not simply a devatha but antharyami.
'''Loka dharaka''': holder of all the planets. This is very significant. It is also explained that Indra offer words of kindness. let us all stay in (ruju marga)–the right path and be satisfied with his mercy. Such prayer has come in the last part of the Sukta. With such glorification, it is very clear to understand that he is not simply a devatha but antharyami.
Add: Vritrasura vadha, Indra in Puranas, Indra’s deficiencies, Indra as position.
Add: Vritrasura vadha, Indra’s deficiencies, Indra as position.
Indra is, with Varuna and Mitra, one of the Ādityas, the chief gods of the Rigveda (besides Agni and others such as the Ashvins). He delights in drinking soma and his central feat is his heroic defeat of Vritra|Vṛtrá, liberating the Rigvedic rivers|rivers, or alternatively, his smashing of the Vala (Vedic)|Vala cave, a stone enclosure where the Panis had imprisoned the cows. He is the God of war#Hinduism|god of war, smashing the stone fortresses of the dasa|Dasyu, but he is also invoked by combatants on both sides in the Battle of the Ten Kings.
Indra is, with Varuna and Mitra, one of the Ādityas, the chief gods of the Rigveda (besides Agni and others such as the Ashvins). He delights in drinking soma and his central feat is his heroic defeat of Vritra|Vṛtrá, liberating the Rigvedic rivers|rivers, or alternatively, his smashing of the Vala (Vedic)|Vala cave, a stone enclosure where the Panis had imprisoned the cows. He is the God of war#Hinduism|god of war, smashing the stone fortresses of the dasa|Dasyu, but he is also invoked by combatants on both sides in the Battle of the Ten Kings.
==In the Puranas==
==In the Puranas==
===Status and function===
===Status and function===
A Puranic story illustrating the subjugation of Indra's pride is illustrated in the story of Govardhan hill where Krishna, Avatar or incarnation of Vishnu carried the hill and protected his devotees when Indra, angered by non-worship of him, launched rains over the village.
A Puranic story illustrating the subjugation of Indra's pride is illustrated in the story of Govardhan hill where Krishna, Avatar or incarnation of Vishnu carried the hill and protected his devotees when Indra, angered by non-worship of him, launched rains over the village.