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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.   

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.   

पूर्वं कृतयुगे तात पर्वताः पक्षिणोऽभवन् | ते हि जग्मुर्दिशः सर्वा गरुडानिलवेगिनः || (Valm. Rama. 5.1.123)  

पूर्वं कृतयुगे तात पर्वताः पक्षिणोऽभवन् | ते हि जग्मुर्दिशः सर्वा गरुडानिलवेगिनः || (Valm. Rama. 5.1.123)  

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.  

=== Agastya Rushi and Indra: ===

=== Agastya Rushi and Indra: ===

Once, Agastya rushi offered the havishya or oblation to Maruta which was meant for Indra.  When Indra came to know, he became distressed and expressed in this mantra and this episode is quoted by Yaska in Niruktha 1.5 and Saunaka in Brhad devatha in 4.50. 

Once, Agastya rushi offered the havishya or oblation to Maruta which was meant for Indra.  When Indra came to know, he became distressed and expressed in this mantra and this episode is quoted by Yaska in Niruktha 1.5 and Saunaka in Brhaddevatha in 4.50. 

Meaning: Indra says “Oh Agastya no one understands what happens in the present or future. Man’s mind is wavering. How can he understand wisdom with such mind? But you, who are man of wisdom and full of Vedic knowledge even a person like you, if your intelligence gets disturbed what to speak of others?” 

Meaning: Indra says “Oh Agastya no one understands what happens in the present or future. Man’s mind is wavering. How can he understand wisdom with such mind? But you, who are man of wisdom and full of Vedic knowledge even a person like you, if your intelligence gets disturbed what to speak of others?”