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Rigveda glorifies Indra for the slaying of one mighty asura namely [[Vrtrasura (वृत्रासुरः)|Vrtrasura]], and hence, Indra is called Vrtraha.     

Rigveda glorifies Indra for the slaying of one mighty asura namely [[Vrtrasura (वृत्रासुरः)|Vrtrasura]], and hence, Indra is called Vrtraha.     

==== '''वृत्रासुरजननम् || Vrtrasura Janana''' ====

==== वृत्रासुरजननम् || Vrtrasura Janana ====

There are two versions about the birth of Vrtrasura as given in Puranic Encyclopedia (Page 883).<ref name=":1" />

There are two versions about the birth of Vrtrasura as given in Puranic Encyclopedia (Page 883).<ref name=":1" />

* According to Padma Purana (Bhumi Kanda, Chap 23), Hiranyakashipu, the son of Kashyapa Prajapati and his wife Danu, is killed by Mahavishnu for his wrong asuric deeds. Kashyapa grants her another powerful son Vala or Bala, whom Indra kills with his Vajrayudha for stealing the cows. Angered Kashyapa, plucked a hair and made a burnt offering of it, saying that a son would be born who will be the destroyer of Indra.       

* According to Padma Purana (Bhumi Kanda, Chap 23), Hiranyakashipu, the son of Kashyapa Prajapati and his wife Danu, is killed by Mahavishnu for his wrong asuric deeds. Kashyapa grants her another powerful son Vala or Bala, whom Indra kills with his Vajrayudha for stealing the cows. Angered Kashyapa, plucked a hair and made a burnt offering of it, saying that a son would be born who will be the destroyer of Indra.       

The [[Rtvik (ऋत्विक्)|ritvijs]] (ऋत्विज्-s) were to utter the mantra "इन्द्रशत्रुर्वर्धस्व" (indraśatrurvardhasva) with Anta Udatta or Udatta swara (अन्त-उदात्तः) in the end of the mantra (to mean Prosper Oh ! Enemy of Indra). Instead, they used the Adya Udatta swara (आद्य उदात्तः) 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 svara. So, instead of asking for the rise and prosperity of a son to take revenge on Indra, the ritvijas asked for the prosperity and glory of Indra who destroyed Asuras. Thus, Vrtrasura, the son of Tvastra was born, an enemy of Indra, but eventually Indra was rewarded with glory of killing Vrtrasura.<ref name=":2" />

The [[Rtvik (ऋत्विक्)|ritvijs]] (ऋत्विज्-s) were to utter the mantra "इन्द्रशत्रुर्वर्धस्व" (indraśatrurvardhasva) with Anta Udatta or Udatta swara (अन्त-उदात्तः) in the end of the mantra (to mean Prosper Oh ! Enemy of Indra). Instead, they used the Adya Udatta swara (आद्य उदात्तः) 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 svara. So, instead of asking for the rise and prosperity of a son to take revenge on Indra, the ritvijas asked for the prosperity and glory of Indra who destroyed Asuras. Thus, Vrtrasura, the son of Tvastra was born, an enemy of Indra, but eventually Indra was rewarded with glory of killing Vrtrasura.<ref name=":2" />

==== '''वृत्रासुरवधः || Vrtrasura Vadha''' ====

==== वृत्रासुरवधः || Vrtrasura Vadha ====

The Rigveda sukta 1.80.1-16 describes the war of Indra against Vrtrasura. Indra's power and strength in wielding the Vajrayudha is beautifully described in these mantras.    

The Rigveda sukta 1.80.1-16 describes the war of Indra against Vrtrasura. Indra's power and strength in wielding the Vajrayudha is beautifully described in these mantras.