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

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'''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.

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'''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, who along with [[Agni (अग्निः)|Agni]], is greatly 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.

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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.

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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>

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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.

* '''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.

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Brahmanda Puraṇa (Uttarabhaga, Adhyaya 2, Shlokas 27, 28)<ref>Brahmaṇḍapuraṇa ([https://sa.wikisource.org/wiki/%E0%A4%AC%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%B9%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AE%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%A3%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%A1%E0%A4%AA%E0%A5%81%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%A3%E0%A4%AE%E0%A5%8D/%E0%A4%89%E0%A4%A4%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%A4%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%AD%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%97%E0%A4%83/%E0%A4%85%E0%A4%A7%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%83_%E0%A5%A8 Uttarabhaga. Adhyaya 2], Slokas 27, 28)</ref> and Matsya Purana (Adhyaya 163.33<ref>Matsyapurana ([https://sa.wikisource.org/wiki/%E0%A4%AE%E0%A4%A4%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B8%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%AA%E0%A5%81%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%A3%E0%A4%AE%E0%A5%8D/%E0%A4%85%E0%A4%A7%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%83_%E0%A5%A7%E0%A5%AC%E0%A5%A9 Adhyaya 163.33])</ref>) gives the information about the location of Maruts in Antarikshaloka (अन्तरीक्षलोकः).

=== लोकपालकः || Lokapalaka ===

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Rigveda mantra 2.12.2<ref name=":3" /> explains that Indra rules over the worlds, including Antariksha and Vyoma (व्योम) and without Indra there is no stability for any ~~planet~~. <blockquote>यः पृथवीं व्यथमानाम दृंहद् यः पर्वतान प्रकुपिताँ अरम्णात् | यो अन्तरिक्षं विममे वरीयो यो दयामस्तभ्नात् स जनास इन्द्रः || (Rigveda. 2.12.2)</blockquote><blockquote>yaḥ parthivīṁ vyathamānāma dr̥ṁhad yaḥ parvatān prakupitām̐ aramṇāt | yō antarikṣaṁ vimamē varīyō yō dayāmastabhnāt sa janāsa indraḥ || (Rigveda. 2.12.2)</blockquote>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.

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Rigveda mantra 2.12.2<ref name=":3" /> explains that Indra rules over the worlds, including Antariksha and Vyoma (व्योम) and without Indra there is no stability for any loka. <blockquote>यः पृथवीं व्यथमानाम दृंहद् यः पर्वतान प्रकुपिताँ अरम्णात् | यो अन्तरिक्षं विममे वरीयो यो दयामस्तभ्नात् स जनास इन्द्रः || (Rigveda. 2.12.2)</blockquote><blockquote>yaḥ parthivīṁ vyathamānāma dr̥ṁhad yaḥ parvatān prakupitām̐ aramṇāt | yō antarikṣaṁ vimamē varīyō yō dayāmastabhnāt sa janāsa indraḥ || (Rigveda. 2.12.2)</blockquote>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.

=== रक्षकः || Rakshaka ===

Shrimad Bhagavad Gita states “paritrāṇāya sādhūnāṃ vināśāya ca duṣkṛtām” (परित्राणाय साधूनां विनाशाय च दुष्कृताम्), about protecting the sadhus and destroying the demons. Similarly, Indra is glorified in many mantras of Rigveda, for his might and strength to protect all from Dasyus, Asuras and Rakshasas<ref name=":2" />. Indra fights many asuras namely, Vrtra, Namuchi, Shushna, Sambhara, Thuni, Chumuri, Varchi.<ref name=":1" /><blockquote>स वज्रभृद् दस्युहा भीम उग्रः सहस्रचेताः शतनीथ ऋभ्वा | चम्रीषो न शवसा पाञ्चजन्यो मरुत्वान् नो भवत्विन्द्र ऊती || (Rig. Veda. 1.100.12)</blockquote><blockquote>sa vajrabhr̥d dasyuhā bhīma ugraḥ sahasracētāḥ śatanītha r̥bhvā | camrīṣō na śavasā pāñcajanyō marutvān nō bhavatvindra ūtī || (Rig. Veda. 1.100.12)</blockquote>Summary: Mighty, fierce, destroyer of Dasyus (asuras) using his Vajra, boundless with knowledge and prayed for by many, May Indra protect us. <blockquote>यो हत्वाहिमरिणात सप्त सिन्धून् यो गा उदाजदपधा वलस्य | यो अश्मनोरन्तरग्निं जजान संवृक् समत्सु स जनास इन्द्रः || (Rig. Veda. 2.12.3)</blockquote><blockquote>yō hatvāhimariṇāta sapta sindhūna yō gā udājadapadhā valasya | yō aśmanōrantaragniṁ jajāna saṁvr̥k samatsu sa janāsa indraḥ || (Rig. Veda. 2.12.3)</blockquote>Summary : He who killed the himarina (हिमरिणा) to free the sapta sindhu (seven rivers) and brought out the cows from the caves of Vala (वलः). He who brought forth Agni from two stones, know that he is Indra.

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Under the leadership of Vrtrasura, his followers, the Kalakeyas (कालकेय-s) and other rakshasas besieged the Devatas. The battle raged for a long time between [[Indra and Vrtrasura (इन्द्रः वृत्रासुरः च)|Indra and Vrtrasura]] but Vrtra was invincible. Devatas along with Indra approach Mahavishnu for a solution to kill Vrtrasura. Mahavishnu informs them that Vrtra can be killed only with the bone of [[Dadhichi (दधीचिः)|Dadhichi]] rishi. Thereby, from the bones of Dadhichi rishi, Indra prepares his weapon called "Vajra", and with a fatal stroke of Vajra, Vrtra falls dead. Hence, Indra gets the name Vrtraha (वृत्रहा). (Mahabharata. Vana Parva. Chap 101 <ref>Pt. Ramnarayan. Mahabharat ([https://archive.org/stream/Mahabharata04SanskritHindiPanditRamnarayanGitaPress/Mahabharata%2002_%20Sanskrit-Hindi_Pandit%20Ramnarayan_Gita%20Press#page/n341/mode/2up VanaParva, Adhyaya 101]) Page No 343. Gorakhpur: Gita Press</ref>. Shanti Parva. Chap 281. Verses 13 -21)

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By killing Vrtrasura, Indra incurred the ~~sin~~ of Brahmahatya (ब्रह्महत्या). He goes to the Manasa sarovara to expiate for the ~~sin~~. It was at that time that King Nahusha, takes the place of Indra. Cursed by Agastya rishi, Nahusha becomes a serpent and goes back to earth, then the Devatas reinstate Indra as Loka palaka. (Mahabharata Udyoga parva Chap. 18). According to Valmiki Ramayana (Balakanda 24 Sarga), Devatas take Indra to Sharayu river for a holy bath to expiate the sin of Brahmahatya.<ref name=":1" />

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By killing Vrtrasura, Indra incurred the papa (पापम्) of Brahmahatya (ब्रह्महत्या). He goes to the Manasa sarovara to expiate for the papa. It was at that time that King Nahusha, takes the place of Indra. Cursed by Agastya rishi, Nahusha becomes a serpent and goes back to earth, then the Devatas reinstate Indra as Loka palaka. (Mahabharata Udyoga parva Chap. 18). According to Valmiki Ramayana (Balakanda 24 Sarga), Devatas take Indra to Sharayu river for a holy bath to expiate the sin of Brahmahatya.<ref name=":1" />

=== Indra and Mountains ===

==== ऋग्वेदः ॥ Rigveda ====

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Indra, king of the gods, asks in charity Karna’s natural armor 'Kavacha and Kundala'. Karna donates this leaving himself vulnerable.<ref name=":1" /> (Maha. Aranya parva. Chap 44, verse 9).

=== खाण्डववनदहनम् || Khandava Vana Dahana ===

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In Mahabharata (Adi Parva. Khandava daha parva Chap. 221 to 226), there is a legend about Agni who suffered from stomach ailments (due to the Yajnas of Shvetaki King) was advised to consume the Khandava forest which contains the medicinal herbs that can treat his condition. In the process, Indra protects Takshaka who resides in the same forest, thus, preventing Agni from consuming the medicinal plants.

In this parva, Krishna and Arjuna, are requested by Agni (in the guise of a Brahmana) to quench his hunger. Realizing his true form, they agree to prevent his obstacles (Indra from sending heavy rain) in consuming the forest. Thus, ensues a battle between Arjuna and Indra (father of Arjuna).<ref name=":1" />

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== Indra as a Position ==

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Devi Bhagavata 3rd, 5th and 9th Skandas describe the time period or kalamana (कालमानः) of celestial beings such as Brahma, Vishnu and Maheshwara. As given in Puranic Encyclopedia (Page 326, 372) there are 14 [[Manvantara (मन्वन्तराणि)]] during the life of Brahma, and each Manvantara will have its own Manu, Indra and Devatas. Thus, 14 Manvantaras make a Kalpa (कल्पः) which corresponds to a day in the life of Brahma. Since in every Manvantara one Indra changes, 14 manvantaras will have 14 different Indras.

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Devi Bhagavata 3rd, 5th and 9th Skandas describe the time period or kalamana (कालमानः) of celestial beings such as Brahma, Vishnu and Maheshwara. As given in Puranic Encyclopedia (Page 326, 372) there are 14 [[Manvantaras (मन्वन्तराणि)|Manvantara (मन्वन्तराणि)]] during the life of Brahma, and each Manvantara will have its own Manu, Indra and Devatas. Thus, 14 Manvantaras make a Kalpa (कल्पः) which corresponds to a day in the life of Brahma. Since in every Manvantara one Indra changes, 14 manvantaras will have 14 different Indras.

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Vishnupurana ~~Part 1. Adhyaya 3,~~ describes ~~the Kalamana differently. According to it,~~ one thousand chaturyugas (चतुर्युग-s) form one day of Brahma and it has 14 Manus.

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Like other Puranas, Vishnupurana also describes that one thousand chaturyugas (चतुर्युग-s) form one day of Brahma and it has 14 Manus.

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The following is the list of Manus and Indras of one Kalpa given in Vishnupurana (3.1)<ref>Vishnupurana ([https://sa.wikisource.org/wiki/%E0%A4%B6%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B0%E0%A5%80%E0%A4%B5%E0%A4%BF%E0%A4%B7%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%A3%E0%A5%81%E0%A4%AA%E0%A5%81%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%A3%E0%A4%AE%E0%A5%8D-%E0%A4%A4%E0%A5%83%E0%A4%A4%E0%A5%80%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%82%E0%A4%B6%E0%A4%83/%E0%A4%85%E0%A4%A7%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%83_%E0%A5%A7 Amsha 3 Adhyaya 1])</ref><blockquote>स्वायंभुवो मनुः पूर्वं परः स्वारोचिषस्तथा । उत्तमस्तामसश्चैव रैवतश्चाक्षुषस्तथा ॥ ३,१.६ ॥ (Vish. Pura. 3.1.6)</blockquote><blockquote>svāyaṁbhuvō manuḥ pūrvaṁ paraḥ svārōciṣastathā । uttamastāmasaścaiva raivataścākṣuṣastathā ॥ 3,1.6 ॥</blockquote><blockquote>षडेते मनवोतीताः सांप्रतं तु रवेः सुतः । वैवस्वतेयं यस्त्वेतत्मप्तमं वर्ततेन्तरम् ॥ ३,१.७ ॥ (Vish. Pura. 3.1.7)</blockquote><blockquote>ṣaḍētē manavōtītāḥ sāṁprataṁ tu ravēḥ sutaḥ । vaivasvatēyaṁ yastvētatmaptamaṁ vartatēntaram ॥ 3,1.7 ॥</blockquote>

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The following is the list of Manus and Indras of one Kalpa given in Vishnupurana (3.1)<ref>Vishnupurana ([https://sa.wikisource.org/wiki/%E0%A4%B6%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B0%E0%A5%80%E0%A4%B5%E0%A4%BF%E0%A4%B7%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%A3%E0%A5%81%E0%A4%AA%E0%A5%81%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%A3%E0%A4%AE%E0%A5%8D-%E0%A4%A4%E0%A5%83%E0%A4%A4%E0%A5%80%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%82%E0%A4%B6%E0%A4%83/%E0%A4%85%E0%A4%A7%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%83_%E0%A5%A7 Amsha 3 Adhyaya 1])</ref><blockquote>स्वायंभुवो मनुः पूर्वं परः स्वारोचिषस्तथा । उत्तमस्तामसश्चैव रैवतश्चाक्षुषस्तथा ॥ ३,१.६ ॥ (Vish. Pura. 3.1.6)</blockquote><blockquote>svāyaṁbhuvō manuḥ pūrvaṁ paraḥ svārōciṣastathā । uttamastāmasaścaiva raivataścākṣuṣastathā ॥ 3,1.6 ॥ (Vish. Pura. 3.1.6)</blockquote><blockquote>षडेते मनवोतीताः सांप्रतं तु रवेः सुतः । वैवस्वतेयं यस्त्वेतत्मप्तमं वर्ततेन्तरम् ॥ ३,१.७ ॥ (Vish. Pura. 3.1.7)</blockquote><blockquote>ṣaḍētē manavōtītāḥ sāṁprataṁ tu ravēḥ sutaḥ । vaivasvatēyaṁ yastvētatmaptamaṁ vartatēntaram ॥ 3,1.7 ॥ (Vish. Pura. 3.1.7)</blockquote>

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==References==

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~~[[Category:Vedas]]~~

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[[Category:Devatas]]

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