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Line 79: − Sloka Summary : As soon as he was born, who was decorated as the Chief of Devas, know that he is Indra. + Line 86:
Line 85: − + + + − यो हत्वाहिमरिणात सप्त सिन्धून यो गा उदाजदपधा वलस्य | यो अश्मनोरन्तरग्निं जजान संवृक् समत्सु स जनास इन्द्रः || 3 + Line 113:
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Line 159: − === सुराधिपः ===+ − As a protector he also holds influence on the Maruthas, and other beings such as Gandharvaas, Apsaraas, devas, asuraas and rakshasas, He is the master of all these entities including nishadas. Line 155:
Line 174: − − === रक्षकः === − Just like in the Gita: “paritranaya sadhunam vinasa ya ca dushkirtam” this mantra teaches us about protecting the sadhus and destroying the demons. This is the bhagavat Karya or the activities of the bhagavantha. − − स वज्रभृद् दस्युहा भीम उग्रः सहस्रचेताः शतनीथ ऋभ्वा | चम्रीषो न शवसा पाञ्चजन्यो मरुत्वान् नो भवत्विन्द्र ऊती || (Rig. Veda. 1.100.12) − sa vajrabhr̥d dasyuhā bhīma ugraḥ sahasracētāḥ śatanītha r̥bhvā | camrīṣō na śavasā pāñcajanyō marutvān nō bhavatvindra ūtī || (Rig. Veda. 1.100.12) Line 170:
Line 183: − − in this way the lord himself has expressed his distress. So therefore, Kula Sekhara expresses: “NATHE NA PURUSHOTTAME TRI-JAGATAM EKADHIPE CETASA SEVYE SVASYA PADASYA DATARI SURE NARAYANE TISHTHATI YAM KANCIT PURUSHADHAMAM KATIPAYA-GRAMESAM ALPARTHA-DAM SEVAYAI MRGHAYAMAHE NARAMAHO MUKA VARAKA VAYAM”. − − Mukunda mala stotra 28. Line 196:
Line 205: − == Indra Devata Swaroopam == − === Birth and Family === − Indra descended from Mahavishnu in the following order according to Puranic Encyclopedia : Vishnu - Brahma - Marichi - Kaasyapa - Indra. − * Indra is the son of Kashyapa rishi ( son of Mariichi, the eldest of Brahma's manasaputras) and Aditi, the eldest daughter of Daksha. Aditi had 12 sons (Dvadasa Adityas) and another 21 sons the eldest of whom is Indra. Thus, devatas who originated from Aditi are 33 in number. − * Indra wields a lightning thunderbolt known as Vajraayudha. He rides on a white elephant known as Airavata. His horse's name is Uchchaihshravas|Uchchaihshrava. − * Sachi or Indrani is the consort of Indra, Jayanta is the son and Devasena is the daughter of Indra. Devasena is the wife of Subrahmanya, son of Maheshwara. − − '''Yagna jyestha:''' supreme lord be satisfied with our yajna. Not only this, Agastya prayed Indra stora in a very relevant way. Indra is the best of the devathas. It is mentioned in Rg veda 2.16.1: “satam jeshta tamaya” − − Sayana explains: “satam mahataam devanam jeshta tamathisha yena shreshtaya indraya” the rushi for this sukta is Gritha Sama in the Taitreya Brahma 2.8.3.21 and 22 − − '''Agradevata :''' Indra is addressed as “Ayagam Raja charshaninam sa eka rajo jagathaha paraspaha athaika rajo abhavath jananam indro devanam abhavath purogaha yaha sapta lokan akrano dusasca” − − Sayana Bhashya Meaning : Indra is the king of moving and non-moving things in the worlds. There is no raja or king greater than him. He is the king of kings. He is the head of the devathas, he is the holder of the 7 oceans and the bhumi or the earth planet. He created sapta lokas or the 7 planets and 10 directions. This Indra is not only the devata Indra, but he is paramatma or bhagavantha. Such Indra is inexhaustible. He is the one who counts everyone’s life span. He is nitya yuvaka: means ever youthful. All these are the descriptions ascribed to the characteristics of Visnu. This is very significant that Rk Sukta uses this. − − '''Brihatswaroopa:''' In the next mantras very clearly, Gristama Rishi glorifies Indra. He performed Indra sthuthi, He said, “If in case indra did not appear in the cosmos, then nothing would existing, the moving and non moving things and the world. He is the brihath svarupa or the personification of greatness. He is the possessor of all power and valor. Soma who is brahamananda svarupa(personification Brahaman), he resides in Indira’s belly. Indra possesses unlimited teja(splendor) in his personality, full with power, holds thunderbolt, intellectual and scientific power in his brain. He is extra ordinary. Here lord’s universal form is depicted. − − In other place in Rk Samhita 9.69.6 it is explained “na indradrathe pavathe dhama kincana” it is explained in the Sruthi, without Indra there is no stability for any planet. Many commentators extoll these points. Bhagavantha is full of attributes with wisdom: jnana, shakti (power), veerya (courage), bala (strength), and aishwarya (prosperity or teja). He is empowered with of shad aishwaryas, (six opulences). This is the heart of the veda. − − A Rk mantra, revealed to Kusta Anigirasa, explains: “tvam deveshu prathaman hava mahe” we are calling you as the best of the devathas over yajna (Ruk 1.102.9). − − Indra’s greatness is depicted as if the 7 rivers are displaying or revealing fear of him. “ashrashavo nadyaha sapta bibrathi” the Dyava the land of light, prithvi the earth, antharikshas, sky— this is to make one understand, that his body is illuminated “dyavakasama prithvi darshatam vapuhu” just so that human beings on earth planet perceive everything as it is. To acquire senses, to develop faith in this world and in life, He has placed surya, sun and Chandra, moon in their respective positions. “asmai surye chandramasau abhi chaksu sraddekamindra charotho vitarturam” − − '''Gorakshaka :''' Indra is glorified for protecting the cows from the demons and making them safe “gochitabaho” − − '''Jnani :''' he is also glorified as having unlimited knowledge “amita kratuhu”, best seemaha. − − '''Yagnarakshaka''' : In the yajnas he is the protector “karman karman shata murti” he is also depicted as having full independence and not ruled by anybody “akalpaha”. − − '''Indrashakti''' : The analogy that Sruthi gives for Indra’s power is most wonderful. Just like a strong rope is made of 3 subparts similarly Indra possesses 3 planetary systems: agni, Vidyutya, Aditya – composed of these he is very powerful and since his birth he has no enemies. − − sukta. “trivishta dhatu pratimanam ojasaha tisro bhumihinripathe trini rochana ityadi” − − Indra is called “sakala antaryami” the inner soul. − − '''Loka dharaka''': holder of all the planets. This is very significant. It is also explained that Indra offer words of kindness. let us all stay in (ruju marga)–the right path and be satisfied with his mercy. Such prayer has come in the last part of the Sukta. With such glorification, it is very clear to understand that he is not simply a devatha but antharyami. − + − ===Status and function===+ + + + + +
no edit summary
'''Indra''' (Samskrit: इन्द्रः) is the adhipati (leader) of the Devas and rules Svargaloka, also called as Amaravati. He is the deva of rain and thunderstorms. Indra is the most important deity worshiped in the Rig veda mantras, and innumerable, anecdotes, legends and events are connected with Him, through different yugas or ages. Indra is also described as a position, which may be achieved by one who performs one hundred aswamedha yagnas.
'''Indra''' (Samskrit: इन्द्रः) is the adhipati (leader) of the Devas and rules Svargaloka, also called as Amaravati. He is the deva of rain and thunderstorms. Indra is the most important deity worshiped in the Rig veda mantras, and innumerable, anecdotes, legends and events are connected with Him, through different yugas or ages. Indra is also described as a position, which may be achieved by one who performs one hundred aswamedha yagnas.
== परिचय || Introduction ==
== परिचय || Introduction ==
Indra, is the most celebrated deity and worshiped since ages in Sanatana Dharma. He is highly revered for his power as a slayer of rakshasas or 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. He is highly revered for his power as a slayer of rakshasas or demons and asuras and protector of rishis and dharma as seen in the Vedas.
yō jāta ēva prathamō manasvān dēvō dēvān kratunā paryabhūṣat | yasya śuṣmād rōdasī abhyasētāṁ nr̥mṇasya mahnā sa janāsa indraḥ || 1
yō jāta ēva prathamō manasvān dēvō dēvān kratunā paryabhūṣat | yasya śuṣmād rōdasī abhyasētāṁ nr̥mṇasya mahnā sa janāsa indraḥ || 1
Summary : As soon as he was born, who was decorated as the Chief of Devas, know that he is Indra.
यः पर्थिवीं व्यथमानाम दृंहद् यः पर्वतान् प्रकुपिताँ अरम्णात् | यो अन्तरिक्षं विममे वरीयो यो दयामस्तभ्नात् स जनास इन्द्रः || 2
यः पर्थिवीं व्यथमानाम दृंहद् यः पर्वतान् प्रकुपिताँ अरम्णात् | यो अन्तरिक्षं विममे वरीयो यो दयामस्तभ्नात् स जनास इन्द्रः || 2
yaḥ parthivīṁ vyathamānāma dr̥ṁhad yaḥ parvatān prakupitām̐ aramṇāt | yō antarikṣaṁ vimamē varīyō yō dayāmastabhnāt sa janāsa indraḥ || 2
yaḥ parthivīṁ vyathamānāma dr̥ṁhad yaḥ parvatān prakupitām̐ aramṇāt | yō antarikṣaṁ vimamē varīyō yō dayāmastabhnāt sa janāsa indraḥ || 2
Summary : He who gave relief to the earth, one who laid at rest the mountains (from flying), who supported the heavens, know that he is Indra.
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.
यो हत्वाहिमरिणात सप्त सिन्धून् यो गा उदाजदपधा वलस्य | यो अश्मनोरन्तरग्निं जजान संवृक् समत्सु स जनास इन्द्रः || 3
yō hatvāhimariṇāta sapta sindhūna yō gā udājadapadhā valasya | yō aśmanōrantaragniṁ jajāna saṁvr̥k samatsu sa janāsa indraḥ || 3
येनेमा विश्वा च्यवना कृतानि यो दासं वर्णमधरंगुहाकः | श्वघ्नीव यो जिगीवाँ लक्षमाददर्यः पुष्टानि स जनास इन्द्रः || 4
येनेमा विश्वा च्यवना कृतानि यो दासं वर्णमधरंगुहाकः | श्वघ्नीव यो जिगीवाँ लक्षमाददर्यः पुष्टानि स जनास इन्द्रः || 4
यः सुन्वते पचते दुध्र आ चिद वाजं दर्दर्षि स किलासि सत्यः | वयं त इन्द्र विश्वह परियासः सुवीरासो विदथमा वदेम || 15
यः सुन्वते पचते दुध्र आ चिद वाजं दर्दर्षि स किलासि सत्यः | वयं त इन्द्र विश्वह परियासः सुवीरासो विदथमा वदेम || 15
=== शक्रः || Shakra ===
=== शक्रः || Shakra ===
Indra is called as शक्रः Shakra meaning शक्नोति दैत्यान् नाशयितुम् (Shabdakalpadhruma) one who is capable of destroying the Daityas or Rakshasas.
Indra is called as शक्रः Shakra meaning शक्नोति दैत्यान् नाशयितुम् (Shabdakalpadhruma) one who is capable of destroying the Daityas or Rakshasas.
Meaning : Indra is the destroyer, like the Paraashara, of those Rakshasas that harm the हविर्मथीनाम् who offer havishya (by performing yagnas), just like the परशु (axe) that destroys the forest is capable of smashing the earthen vessels.
Meaning : Indra is the destroyer, like the Paraashara, of those Rakshasas that harm the हविर्मथीनाम् who offer havishya (by performing yagnas), just like the परशु (axe) that destroys the forest is capable of smashing the earthen vessels.
=== मरुत्वान् || Marutvaan ===
=== मरुत्वान् || Marutvaan ===
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.
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.
'''To be typed by Gajanan'''
'''To be typed by Gajanan'''
This famous legend given in Vishnupurana (Part 1, Chap 21, Slokas 30 to 41) 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 saying he cuts each of them onto seven pieces, thus generating 49 pieces. Upon Diti's request making them subservient to Indra, Indra refrains from destroying them. Thus, they are 49 Marutgana, who became the assistants of Indra in thr form of vaayuskanda of Indra. (Also referred in Bhāgavata-purāṇa VI. 18. 19, 23-77: VIII. 13. 4: Brahmāṇḍa-purāṇa III. 5. 79, 90, 99, 104: Matsya-purāṇa 6. 47; 163. 22-3).
This famous legend given in Vishnupurana (Part 1, Chap 21, Slokas 30 to 41) 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 saying he cuts each of them onto seven pieces, thus generating 49 pieces. Upon Diti's request making them subservient to Indra, Indra refrains from destroying them. Thus, they are 49 Marutgana, who became the assistants of Indra in thr form of vaayuskanda of Indra. (Also referred in Bhāgavata-purāṇa VI. 18. 19, 23-77: VIII. 13. 4: Brahmāṇḍa-purāṇa III. 5. 79, 90, 99, 104: Matsya-purāṇa 6. 47; 163. 22-3).
=== सुराधिपः ===
As a protector he also holds influence on the Maruthas, and other beings such as Gandharvaas, Apsaraas, devas, asuraas and rakshasas, He is the master of all these entities including nishadas.
'''Lokapalaka''' : In other place in Rk Samhita 9.69.6 it is explained “na indradrathe pavathe dhama kincana” it is explained in the Sruthi, without Indra there is no stability for any planet. Many commentators extoll these points. Bhagavantha is full of attributes with wisdom: jnana, shakti (power), veerya (courage), bala (strength), and aishwarya (prosperity or teja). He is empowered with of shad aishwaryas, (six opulences). This is the heart of the veda.
=== रक्षकः ===
Just like in the Gita: “paritranaya sadhunam vinasa ya ca dushkirtam” this mantra teaches us about protecting the sadhus and destroying the demons. This is the bhagavat Karya or the activities of the bhagavantha.
स वज्रभृद् दस्युहा भीम उग्रः सहस्रचेताः शतनीथ ऋभ्वा | चम्रीषो न शवसा पाञ्चजन्यो मरुत्वान् नो भवत्विन्द्र ऊती || (Rig. Veda. 1.100.12)
sa vajrabhr̥d dasyuhā bhīma ugraḥ sahasracētāḥ śatanītha r̥bhvā | camrīṣō na śavasā pāñcajanyō marutvān nō bhavatvindra ūtī || (Rig. Veda. 1.100.12)
Meaning :
'''Gorakshaka :''' Indra is glorified for protecting the cows from the demons and making them safe “gochitabaho”
== Indra Devata Swaroopam ==
=== Birth and Family ===
Indra descended from Mahavishnu in the following order according to Puranic Encyclopedia : Vishnu - Brahma - Marichi - Kaasyapa - Indra.
* Indra is the son of Kashyapa rishi ( son of Mariichi, the eldest of Brahma's manasaputras) and Aditi, the eldest daughter of Daksha. Aditi had 12 sons (Dvadasa Adityas) and another 21 sons the eldest of whom is Indra. Thus, devatas who originated from Aditi are 33 in number.
* Indra wields a lightning thunderbolt known as Vajraayudha. He rides on a white elephant known as Airavata. His horse's name is Uchchaihshravas|Uchchaihshrava.
* Sachi or Indrani, Pulomaja is the consort of Indra, Jayanta is the son and Devasena is the daughter of Indra. Devasena is the wife of Subrahmanya, son of Maheshwara.
=== Vritrasura Vadha: ===
=== Vritrasura Vadha: ===
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. Rig Veda describes the strength and valor of Indra and the faith of Devatas in his might, in the following mantra
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. Rig Veda describes the strength and valor of Indra and the faith of Devatas in his might, in the following mantra
The Rig Veda sukta 1.80.1-16 describes the war of Indra against Vrtrasura. His power and strength in wielding the Vajrayudha is beautifully described in this mantra. One of the main activities of Indra is to hold the thunderbolt and use it to control those who are against yajnas.
The Rig Veda sukta 1.80.1-16 describes the war of Indra against Vrtrasura. His power and strength in wielding the Vajrayudha is beautifully described in this mantra. One of the main activities of Indra is to hold the thunderbolt and use it to control those who are against yajnas.
=== Indra and Mountains ===
=== Indra and Mountains ===
In Valmiki Ramayana, Sundarakanda, gives the story of Indra cutting off the wings of mountains with his Vajrayudha. Mainaka, is the mountain that stands at the entrance of Patalaloka (पाताळस्याप्रमेयस्य द्वारमावृत्य तिष्ठसि | Valm. Rama. 5.1.93) 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.
In Valmiki Ramayana, Sundarakanda, gives the story of Indra cutting off the wings of mountains with his Vajrayudha. Mainaka, is the mountain that stands at the entrance of Patalaloka (पाताळस्याप्रमेयस्य द्वारमावृत्य तिष्ठसि | Valm. Rama. 5.1.93) 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.
Meaning : Angered by that, the thousand-eyed Indra chopped off wings of hundreds of mountains, then and there, using his Vajrayudha.
Meaning : Angered by that, the thousand-eyed Indra chopped off wings of hundreds of mountains, then and there, using his Vajrayudha.
=== Krodha of Indra ===
=== Krodha of Indra ===
Indra is always associated with the Marutganas and guided by rishis. Yet sometimes without understanding the greatness of Indra, they neglect him and worship the devathas who are lesser than him. This causes distress to Indra and this is expressed in one of the mantras. He is the Vishwapati, the master of entire universe. He is the inner dwelling soul of all the devathas and governs the fruits of all of our activities.
Indra is always associated with the Marutganas and guided by rishis. Yet sometimes without understanding the greatness of Indra, they neglect him and worship the devathas who are lesser than him. This causes distress to Indra and this is expressed in one of the mantras. He is the Vishwapati, the master of entire universe. He is the inner dwelling soul of all the devathas and governs the fruits of all of our activities.
“mam tu vedena kaschana” 7.26
“mam tu vedena kaschana” 7.26
He is expressing his distress, being the master of the devathas, master of all planetary systems and who is supposed to be worshipped but unfortunately the purushadhamas the lowest of human beings, they worship other devas or the ordinary men of this world. In this way Indra himself who is the personification or one aspect of the Supreme lord he himself is expressing his distress in one of the Veda mantras “nunamasti noshvaha kastad vedaya tadbhutam anyas chittamabhi sancharanya uddatitam vinashyati” Rk Samhita 1.170.1
He is expressing his distress, being the master of the devathas, master of all planetary systems and who is supposed to be worshipped but unfortunately the purushadhamas the lowest of human beings, they worship other devas or the ordinary men of this world. In this way Indra himself who is the personification or one aspect of the Supreme lord he himself is expressing his distress in one of the Veda mantras “nunamasti noshvaha kastad vedaya tadbhutam anyas chittamabhi sancharanya uddatitam vinashyati” Rk Samhita 1.170.1
“Oh Indra! You are the master or the lord of everything that is connected to yajna (or the master of the ashta vasus) similarly you are the master of the mitras, you are our(mitras) sustainer. Please bestow your blessings upon us -- you and Marut devathas together bestow your mercy so that our yajnas can be completed. Please accept the oblations of those yajnas that are performed in different seasons and be satisfied.”
“Oh Indra! You are the master or the lord of everything that is connected to yajna (or the master of the ashta vasus) similarly you are the master of the mitras, you are our(mitras) sustainer. Please bestow your blessings upon us -- you and Marut devathas together bestow your mercy so that our yajnas can be completed. Please accept the oblations of those yajnas that are performed in different seasons and be satisfied.”
Add: Vritrasura vadha, Indra’s deficiencies, Indra as position.
Add: Vritrasura vadha, Indra’s deficiencies, Indra as position.
Indra is, with Varuna and Mitra, one of the Ādityas, the chief gods of the Rigveda (besides Agni and others such as the Ashvins). He delights in drinking soma and his central feat is his heroic defeat of Vritra|Vṛtrá, liberating the Rigvedic rivers|rivers, or alternatively, his smashing of the Vala (Vedic)|Vala cave, a stone enclosure where the Panis had imprisoned the cows. He is the God of war#Hinduism|god of war, smashing the stone fortresses of the dasa|Dasyu, but he is also invoked by combatants on both sides in the Battle of the Ten Kings.
Indra is, with Varuna and Mitra, one of the Ādityas, the chief gods of the Rigveda (besides Agni and others such as the Ashvins). He delights in drinking soma and his central feat is his heroic defeat of Vritra|Vṛtrá, liberating the Rigvedic rivers|rivers, or alternatively, his smashing of the Vala (Vedic)|Vala cave, a stone enclosure where the Panis had imprisoned the cows. He is the God of war#Hinduism|god of war, smashing the stone fortresses of the dasa|Dasyu, but he is also invoked by combatants on both sides in the Battle of the Ten Kings.
==In the Puranas==
==Indra in Mahabharata==
Govardhana
A Puranic story illustrating the subjugation of Indra's pride is illustrated in the story of Govardhan hill where Krishna, Avatar or incarnation of Vishnu carried the hill and protected his devotees when Indra, angered by non-worship of him, launched rains over the village.
A Puranic story illustrating the subjugation of Indra's pride is illustrated in the story of Govardhan hill where Krishna, Avatar or incarnation of Vishnu carried the hill and protected his devotees when Indra, angered by non-worship of him, launched rains over the village.
Indraputra Arjuna
In Mahabhrata, Lord Indra became afraid of the fighting prowess of Karna and he himself took the form of a bee and stung Karna's thigh in order to benefit his son Arjuna. On a day towards the end of his training Karna happened to offer Parashurama his lap so his guru could 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.With blood oozing from his wound and making him impure, Parashurama woke up and laid curse upon Karna that he would forget all the knowledge required to wield the divine weapon Brahmanda astra, at the moment of his greatest need.Later this incident saved the life of Indra's son Arjuna from certain death.
In Mahabhrata, Lord Indra became afraid of the fighting prowess of Karna and he himself took the form of a bee and stung Karna's thigh in order to benefit his son Arjuna. On a day towards the end of his training Karna happened to offer Parashurama his lap so his guru could 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.With blood oozing from his wound and making him impure, Parashurama woke up and laid curse upon Karna that he would forget all the knowledge required to wield the divine weapon Brahmanda astra, at the moment of his greatest need.Later this incident saved the life of Indra's son Arjuna from certain death.
Karnakavacha daana
In another Mahabharata story, Karna tries to earn merit and fame by becoming the lord of charity, a ‘daan-veer’. Krishna takes advantage of this charitable nature and gets Indra, king of the gods, to ask as charity Karna’s natural armor 'Kavach and Kundal'. Karna donates this leaving himself vulnerable. Impressed by Karna’s unwavering commitment to charity, Indra gives Karna a spear that never misses its mark but can be used only once. Indra is also believed to have composed a treatise on modern philosophy named ''Bahudantaka''.
In another Mahabharata story, Karna tries to earn merit and fame by becoming the lord of charity, a ‘daan-veer’. Krishna takes advantage of this charitable nature and gets Indra, king of the gods, to ask as charity Karna’s natural armor 'Kavach and Kundal'. Karna donates this leaving himself vulnerable. Impressed by Karna’s unwavering commitment to charity, Indra gives Karna a spear that never misses its mark but can be used only once. Indra is also believed to have composed a treatise on modern philosophy named ''Bahudantaka''.