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

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

==Indra in Mahabharata==

==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.   

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.   

=== गोवर्धनः || Govardhana ===

=== गोवर्धनः || Govardhana ===

Shrimad Bhaagavatam illustrates the subjugation of Indra's pride as in the story of Govardhana hill where Bhagavan Shri Krishna carried the hill and protected his devotees when Indra, angered by gopalas not worshiping him, launched torrential rains over the village.  

Shrimad Bhagavata illustrates the subjugation of Indra's pride as in the story of Govardhana hill where Bhagavan Shri Krishna carried the hill and protected his devotees when Indra, angered by gopalas not worshiping him, launched torrential rains over the village.  

=== अर्जुनः || Arjuna ===

=== अर्जुनः || Arjuna ===

Kunti, Pandu's wife had received a mantra from Durvasa rushi for begetting sons through devatas. Invoking Indra, Kunti begets a son named Arjuna. (Maha. Adiparva. Chap. 123).

Kunti, Pandu's wife had received a mantra from Durvasa rishi for begetting sons through devatas. Invoking Indra, Kunti begets a son named Arjuna. (Maha. Adi parv. Chap. 123).

=== कर्णः || Karna ===

=== कर्णः || Karna ===

On a day towards the end of his training Karna (in the guise of a brahmana) offers Parashurama his lap to rest his head and nap. But while Parashurama was asleep, Indra in the form of a bee stung Karna's thigh and despite the pain, Karna did not move, so as not to disturb his guru's sleep.  

On a day towards the end of his training, Karna (in the guise of a brahmana) offers Parashurama his lap to rest his head and nap. But while Parashurama was asleep, Indra in the form of a bee stung Karna's thigh and despite the pain, Karna did not move, so as not to disturb his guru's sleep.  

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.

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 Brahmastra, at the moment of his greatest need. Later this incident saved the life of Indra's son Arjuna from certain death.

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).

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

=== खाण्डववनदहनम् || Khandava Vana Dahana ===

=== खाण्डववनदहनम् || Khandava Vana 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.  

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 Shvetaki 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.  

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" />

In this parva, Krishna and Arjuna, are requested by Agni (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 as a Position ==

== Indra as a Position ==

Devi Bhagavata 3rd, 5th and 9th Skandas describe the time period or kalamana of celestial beings such as Brahma, Vishnu and Maheshwara. As given in Puranic Encyclopedia (Page 326, 372) there are 14 मन्वन्तराः || Manvantaras during the life of Brahma, and each Manvantara will have its own Manu, Indra and Devatas. Thus 14 Manvantaras make a कल्पः || Kalpa  which corresponds to a day in the life of Brahma. Since in every Manvantara one Indra changes, 14 manvantaras will have 14 different Indras.   

Devi Bhagavata 3rd, 5th and 9th Skandas describe the time period or kalamana of celestial beings such as Brahma, Vishnu and Maheshwara. As given in Puranic Encyclopedia (Page 326, 372) there are 14 मन्वन्तराः || Manvantaras during the life of Brahma, and each Manvantara will have its own Manu, Indra and Devatas. Thus 14 Manvantaras make a कल्पः || Kalpa  which corresponds to a day in the life of Brahma. Since in every Manvantara one Indra changes, 14 manvantaras will have 14 different Indras.