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[[File:Indra.png|Courtesy: "Sarwang" Published by Adivasi Lok Kala Evam Boli Vikas Academy, Madhya Pradesh Sanskriti Parishad|thumb|400x400px]]

[[File:Indra.png|Courtesy: "Sarwang" Published by Adivasi Lok Kala Evam Boli Vikas Academy, Madhya Pradesh Sanskriti Parishad|thumb|400x400px]]

'''Indra''' (Samskrit: इन्द्रः) is the adhipati (अधिपतिः । 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 (आग्निः)|Agni]], worshiped in the [[Rigveda]] mantras. Innumerable anecdotes, legends and events are connected with Indra through different yugas (ages) in different puranas.

'''Indra''' (Samskrit: इन्द्रः) is the adhipati (अधिपतिः । 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 (अग्निः)|Agni]], worshiped in the [[Rigveda (ऋग्वेदः)|Rigveda]] mantras. Innumerable anecdotes, legends and events are connected with Indra through different yugas (ages) in different puranas.

Indra is also described as a position, which may be achieved by one who performs one hundred ashvamedha yajnas.

Indra is also described as a position, which may be achieved by one who performs one hundred ashvamedha yajnas.

Indra, is the most celebrated deity and worshiped since ages in [[Sanatana Dharma (सनातनधर्मः)|Sanatana Dharma]]. He is highly revered for his power as a slayer of rakshasas (demons) and asuras, and protector of rishis and dharma as seen in the Vedas.   

Indra, is the most celebrated deity and worshiped since ages in [[Sanatana Dharma (सनातनधर्मः)|Sanatana Dharma]]. He is highly revered for his power as a slayer of rakshasas (demons) and asuras, and protector of rishis and dharma as seen in the Vedas.   

In the [[Mahabharata]] and the [[Puranas (पुराणानि)|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>

In the [[Mahabharata (महाभारतम्)|Mahabharata]] and the [[Puranas (पुराणानि)|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.  

* '''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 (devatas) including Maruts and other beings such as Gandharvas, Apsaras, Asuras and Rakshasas. He is the master of all these entities including nishadas.     

* '''सुरपतिः ||''' '''Surapati''' : As a protector, Indra rules over the earth and heavens, suras (devatas) including Maruts and other beings such as Gandharvas, Apsaras, Asuras and Rakshasas. He is the master of all these entities including nishadas.