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| In Mahabharata and Puranas, numerous anecdotes of Indra describe his 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. | | In Mahabharata and Puranas, numerous anecdotes of Indra describe his 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. |
− | * '''Yagna paripalaka''' : As the Protector of Yagnas, he plays a significant role. 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. | + | * '''Yagna paripalaka''' : As the Protector of Yagnas, he plays a significant role. There are more than 250 Rk Suktas that glorify Indra. He is the devata who shines as the light in the sky of the heart of all living entities. |
| * '''Surapati''' : As a protector, Indra rules over the suras or devatas including Maruthas and other beings such as Gandharvaas, Apsaraas, Asuraas and Rakshasas, He is the master of all these entities including nishadas. | | * '''Surapati''' : As a protector, Indra rules over the suras or devatas including Maruthas and other beings such as Gandharvaas, Apsaraas, Asuraas and Rakshasas, He is the master of all these entities including nishadas. |
| * '''Svargaadhipati''' : He is engaged in a constant vigil to protect Svargaloka which is the home for all ratnas (gems or treasures) and nidhis (divine heavenly treasures) such as Kalpavriksha (wish-fulfilling tree studded with precious stones), Amrita (nectar), Kaamadhenu (divine wish-fulfilling cow), Airavata (divine elephant), Ucchaisravasa (divine horse), and Parijatavriksha (divine flowering tree with unfading flowers) among other things. | | * '''Svargaadhipati''' : He is engaged in a constant vigil to protect Svargaloka which is the home for all ratnas (gems or treasures) and nidhis (divine heavenly treasures) such as Kalpavriksha (wish-fulfilling tree studded with precious stones), Amrita (nectar), Kaamadhenu (divine wish-fulfilling cow), Airavata (divine elephant), Ucchaisravasa (divine horse), and Parijatavriksha (divine flowering tree with unfading flowers) among other things. |
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| wields a lightning thunderbolt known as ''vajra'' and rides on a white elephant known as Airavata. His horse's name is Uchchaihshravas|Uchchaihshrava. His home is situated on Mount Meru in the heavens. He is celebrated as a demiurge who pushes up the sky, releases Ushas (dawn) from the Vala (Vedic)|Vala cave, and slays Vritra|Vṛtra; both latter actions are central to the Soma sacrifice. | | wields a lightning thunderbolt known as ''vajra'' and rides on a white elephant known as Airavata. His horse's name is Uchchaihshravas|Uchchaihshrava. His home is situated on Mount Meru in the heavens. He is celebrated as a demiurge who pushes up the sky, releases Ushas (dawn) from the Vala (Vedic)|Vala cave, and slays Vritra|Vṛtra; both latter actions are central to the Soma sacrifice. |
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− | | + | Indu is personified Soma deva. In yajna bhumi he appears in the form of Soma rasa. Indra partakes Soma rasa and goes back to the battle field “induhu somavalli rasaha tadartham yaga bhumau dhravathi davathi it indraha” |
− | YaskaAcarya in Niruktha, explains “purvaktha poshana mukhena iran dharayati vinasaraityena stapayathi iti indraha”
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− | Indu is personified Soma deva. In yajna bhumi he appears in the form of Soma rasa. Indra partakes Soma rasa and goes back to the battle field “induhu somavalli rasaha tadartham yaga bhumau dhravathi davathi it indraha” | |
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| One who is happy by drinking soma rasa. “indau yadokthe some ramati kridethi it indra” | | One who is happy by drinking soma rasa. “indau yadokthe some ramati kridethi it indra” |