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Indra (इन्द्रः) (view source)

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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 ===

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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>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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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>).

Brahmaṇḍapuraṇa (Uttarabhaga. Adhyaya 2, Slokas 27, 28)<ref>Brahmaṇḍapuraṇa ([https://sa.wikisource.org/wiki/%E0%A4%AC%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%B9%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AE%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%A3%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%A1%E0%A4%AA%E0%A5%81%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%A3%E0%A4%AE%E0%A5%8D/%E0%A4%89%E0%A4%A4%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%A4%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%AD%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%97%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 Uttarabhaga. Adhyaya 2], Slokas 27, 28)</ref> and Matsyapurana (Adhyaya 163.33<ref>Matsyapurana ([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%A7%E0%A5%AC%E0%A5%A9 Adhyaya 163.33])</ref>) gives the information about the location of Maruts in Antarikshaloka.

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=== वृत्रहा || Vrttraha ===

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

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

'''वृत्रासुरजननम् || Vrttrasura Jananam'''

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* 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 in killing वृत्रासुर '''||''' Vrttrasura.

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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" />

'''वृत्रासुरवध || Vrtrasura Vadha'''

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

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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 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 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, ~~Verses 14, 15~~. Santi Parva. Chap 281. Verses 13 -21)

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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.

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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 ===

==== Rig Veda ====

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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.

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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.

==== 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]].

=== Agastya Rushi and Indra: ===

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

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Once, Agastya rushi offered the havishya or oblation to Maruta which was meant for Indra.<ref name=":2" /> When Indra came to know, he became distressed, as given in the following mantras of Rig Veda <blockquote>न नूनमस्ति नो श्वः कस्तद् वेद यदद्भुतम् | अन्यस्य चित्तमभि संचरेण्यमुताधीतं वि नश्यति || (Rig Veda 1.170.1)</blockquote><blockquote>na nūnamasti nō śvaḥ kastad vēda yadadbhutam | anyasya cittamabhi saṁcarēṇyamutādhītaṁ vi naśyati || (Rig Veda 1.170.1)</blockquote>Summary : Indra says “Oh Agastya no one understands what happens in the present or future. Man’s mind is wavering. How can he understand wisdom with such mind? But you, who are man of wisdom and full of Vedic knowledge, if your intelligence gets disturbed what to speak of others?” <blockquote>किं न इन्द्र जिघांससि भ्रातरो मरुतस्तव | तेभिः कल्पस्व साधुया मा नः समरणे वधीः || (Rig Veda 1.170.2)</blockquote><blockquote>kiṁ na indra jighāṁsasi bhrātarō marutastava | tēbhiḥ kalpasva sādhuyā mā naḥ samaraṇē vadhīḥ || (Rig Veda 1.170.2)</blockquote>Summary : Agastya rushi requests, “hey Indra, are you not the brother of Marutas, if I offer to Marutas, does it not go to you? If we do not offer then it’s your responsibility to give all that bhoga, it’s your responsibility. Therefore we are not at fault, you please share the oblation with marutas, justly. Do not harm us just like you have power to harm demons.” <blockquote>किं नो भ्रातरगस्त्य सखा सन्नति मन्यसे | विद्मा हि ते यथा मनोऽस्मभ्यमिन्न दित्ससि || (Rig Veda 1.170.3)</blockquote><blockquote>kiṁ nō bhrātaragastya sakhā sannati manyasē | vidmā hi tē yathā manō'smabhyaminna ditsasi || (Rig Veda 1.170.3)</blockquote>Indra answers: “Oh my dear brother Agastya, you are my friend for long time. Why are you neglecting us? Your nature of mind is known. You do not have the desire to give oblation to us” <blockquote>अरं कर्ण्वन्तु वेदिं समग्निमिन्धतां पुरः | तत्रामृतस्य चेतनं यज्ञं ते तनवावहै || (Rig Veda 1.170.4)</blockquote><blockquote>araṁ karṇvantu vēdiṁ samagnimindhatāṁ puraḥ | tatrāmr̥tasya cētanaṁ yajñaṁ tē tanavāvahai || (Rig Veda 1.170.4)</blockquote>Agastya recognizes Indra’s piercing and touching answer and the altar to offer Yajna to Indra is prepared with समिधः samidha a special kind of wood. The blazing fire of Yajna indicates the nectar or in one sense which rekindles the knowledge. <blockquote>तवमीशिषे वसुपते वसूनां तवं मित्राणां मित्रपते धेष्ठः | इन्द्र त्वं मरुद्भिः सं वदस्वाध प्राशान ऋतुथा हवींषि || (Rig Veda 1.170.5)</blockquote><blockquote>tavamīśiṣē vasupatē vasūnāṁ tavaṁ mitrāṇāṁ mitrapatē dhēṣṭhaḥ | indra tvaṁ marudbhiḥ saṁ vadasvādha prāśāna r̥tuthā havīṁṣi || (Rig Veda 1.170.5)</blockquote>Summary : “Oh Indra! You are the master of wealth and treasures, you are the master of the Mitra and supporter of Mitra. Oh Indra please be kind to the Marut devathas and accept the havishya of those yajnas that are performed in different seasons and be satisfied."

==Indra in Mahabharata==

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

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Indra afraid of the fighting skills of Karna took the form of a bee and stung Karna's thigh in order to benefit his son Arjuna. With blood oozing from his wound, it was revealed to Parashurama that Karna was not a brahmana, and so cursed Karna that he would forget all the mantras required to wield the divine weapon Brahmaastra, at the moment of his greatest need. Later this incident saved the life of Indra's son Arjuna from certain death.

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

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Indra, king of the gods, asks in charity Karna’s natural armor 'Kavach and Kundal'. Karna donates this leaving himself vulnerable.<ref name=":1" /> (Maha. Aranyaparva. Chap 44, verse 9).

=== खाण्डववनदहनम् || Khandava Dahana ===

In Mahabharata (Adi Parva. Khandava daha parva Chap. 221 to 226), there is a legend about Agni who suffered from stomach ailments (due to the 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).

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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 ===

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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)

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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" />

=== हनुमान् || Hanuman ===

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| Indra Saavarni (Bhaumi) || Suchi

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== ~~Additional Information~~ ==

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== Verses And Meanings ==

The following Rig Veda mantras (2.12.1 to 15) describe the greatness of Indra.<ref name=":3" /><blockquote>यो जात एव प्रथमो मनस्वान् देवो देवान् क्रतुना पर्यभूषत् | यस्य शुष्माद् रोदसी अभ्यसेतां नृम्णस्य मह्ना स जनास इन्द्रः || 1</blockquote><blockquote>yō jāta ēva prathamō manasvān dēvō dēvān kratunā paryabhūṣat | yasya śuṣmād rōdasī abhyasētāṁ nr̥mṇasya mahnā sa janāsa indraḥ || 1</blockquote>Summary : As soon as he was born, who was decorated as the Chief of Devas, know that he is Indra.<blockquote>यः पर्थिवीं व्यथमानाम दृंहद् यः पर्वतान् प्रकुपिताँ अरम्णात् | यो अन्तरिक्षं विममे वरीयो यो दयामस्तभ्नात् स जनास इन्द्रः || 2</blockquote><blockquote>yaḥ parthivīṁ vyathamānāma dr̥ṁhad yaḥ parvatān prakupitām̐ aramṇāt | yō antarikṣaṁ vimamē varīyō yō dayāmastabhnāt sa janāsa indraḥ || 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.<blockquote>यो हत्वाहिमरिणात सप्त सिन्धून् यो गा उदाजदपधा वलस्य | यो अश्मनोरन्तरग्निं जजान संवृक् समत्सु स जनास इन्द्रः || 3</blockquote><blockquote>yō hatvāhimariṇāta sapta sindhūna yō gā udājadapadhā valasya | yō aśmanōrantaragniṁ jajāna saṁvr̥k samatsu sa janāsa indraḥ || 3</blockquote>Summary : He who killed the 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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