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Indra (इन्द्रः) (view source)

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'''Indra''' (Samskrit: इन्द्रः) is the adhipati (leader) of the Devas and rules Svargaloka, also called as Amaravati. He is the presiding deity 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 in different puranas.

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'''Indra''' (Samskrit: इन्द्रः) is the adhipati (leader) of the Devas and rules Svargaloka, also called as Amaravati. He is the presiding deity 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 in different puranas.

Indra is also described as a position, which may be achieved by one who performs one hundred aswamedha yagnas.

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== 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.

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=== रक्षकः || Rakshaka ===

Shrimad Bhagavad Gita states “paritranaya sadhunam vinasa ya ca dushkirtam” about protecting the sadhus and destroying the demons. Similarly, Indra is glorified in many mantras of Rig Veda, for his might and strength to protect all from Dasyus, Asuras and Rakshasas. Indra fights many asuras namely, Vritra, Namuchi, Sushnaha, Sambhara, Thuni, Chumuri, Varchi. <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.

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=== गोरक्षकः || Gorakshaka''' ''' ===

Indra is glorified for protecting the cows from the Panis with the help of Angirasa and Sarama. Rig Veda mantra 2.12.3 describes that Indra brought the cows out of the mountains of Vala. <blockquote>इन्द्रस्याङगिरसां चेष्टौ विदत् सरमा तनयाय धासिम् | बृहस्पतिर्भिनदद्रिं विदद् गाः समुस्रियाभिर्वावशन्त नरः || (Rig Veda 1.62.3)</blockquote><blockquote>indrasyāṅagirasāṁ cēṣṭau vidat saramā tanayāya dhāsim | br̥haspatirbhinadadriṁ vidad gāḥ samusriyābhirvāvaśanta naraḥ || (Rig Veda 1.62.3)</blockquote>Meaning: Indra and Angirasa rushi provided for the offspring of Sarama as desired and Brihaspati broke open the mountain and Sarama found the cows, bringing delight to people.

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According to Padma purana (Bhumi Kaanda, Chap 23), Hiranyakasipu, 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.

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त्वष्टा॥ Tvastha angered by Indra's killing of his son विश्वरूप || Vishwaroopa, initiates an आभिचारिकं यागं || aabhaicharikam yagam (a yagam performed to cause harm to an intended person) to procure a son to kill Indra. The ऋत्विज || ritvijas were to utter the mantra "इन्द्रशत्रुर्वर्धस्व" with अन्त उदात्तः ॥ Anta Udaatta or Udaatta swara in the end of the mantra (to mean Prosper Oh ! Enemy of Indra) instead they used the आद्य उदात्तः ॥ Aadya Udaatta swara in the beginning of the mantra (meaning Oh! Indra, one who has enemies, Prosper). So instead of asking for the rise and prosperity of a son to take revenge on Indra, the ऋत्विज || ritvijas asked for the prosperity and glory of Indra who destroyed असुर || Asuras. Thus वृत्रासुर '''||''' ~~Vrittrasura~~ the son of त्वष्टा ॥ Tvastha was born, an enemy of Indra, but eventually Indra was rewarded with glory in killing वृत्रासुर '''||''' ~~Vrittrasura~~."

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त्वष्टा॥ Tvastha angered by Indra's killing of his son विश्वरूप || Vishwaroopa (also called Trisiras), he initiates an आभिचारिकं यागं || aabhaicharikam yagam (a yagam performed to cause harm to an intended person) to procure a son to kill Indra.

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The ऋत्विज || ritvijas were to utter the mantra "इन्द्रशत्रुर्वर्धस्व" with अन्त उदात्तः ॥ Anta Udaatta or Udaatta swara in the end of the mantra (to mean Prosper Oh ! Enemy of Indra) instead they used the आद्य उदात्तः ॥ Aadya Udaatta swara in the beginning of the mantra (meaning Oh! Indra, one who has enemies, Prosper). So instead of asking for the rise and prosperity of a son to take revenge on Indra, the ऋत्विज || ritvijas asked for the prosperity and glory of Indra who destroyed असुर || Asuras. Thus वृत्रासुर '''||''' Vrttrasura the son of त्वष्टा ॥ Tvastha was born, an enemy of Indra, but eventually Indra was rewarded with glory in killing वृत्रासुर '''||''' Vrttrasura.

Rig Veda describes the strength and valor of Indra and the faith of Devatas in his might, in the following mantra <blockquote>नहि नु यादधीमसीन्द्रं को वीर्या परः | तस्मिन्नृम्णमुत क्रतुं देवा ओजांसि सं दधुरर्चन्ननु स्वराज्यम् || (Rig. Veda. 1.80.15)</blockquote><blockquote>nahi nu yādadhīmasīndraṁ ko vīryā paraḥ | tasminnr̥mṇamuta kratuṁ devā ojāṁsi saṁ dadhurarcannanu svarājyam || (Rig. Veda. 1.80.15)</blockquote>Meaning : For the Devas know no other person in their knowledge, who have surpassed Indra, in strength. In him the deities have placed their courage, wisdom, valor and prowess.

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==Indra in Mahabharata==

Many anecdotes are described in Mahabharata about Indra involved in various events in this great epic. Mahabharata is the treasure of references of events that happened in the eons prior to Mahabharata.

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=== Govardhana ===

Shrimad Bhaagavatam illustrates the subjugation of Indra's pride as in the story of Govardhana hill where Bhagavan Shri Krishna carried the hill and protected his devotees when Indra, angered by gopalas not worshiping him, launched torrential rains over the village.

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=== Arjuna ===

Kunti, Pandu's wife had received a mantra from Durvasa rushi for begetting sons through devatas. Invoking Indra, Kunti begets a son named Arjuna. (Maha. Adiparva. Chap. 123).

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=== Karna ===

On a day towards the end of his training Karna (in the guise of a brahmana) offers Parashurama his lap to 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.

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Indra, king of the gods, asks in charity Karna’s natural armor 'Kavach and Kundal'. Karna donates this leaving himself vulnerable. (Maha. Aranyaparva. Chap 44, verse 9).

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=== Khandava Dahana ===

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 Yagnas of Svetaki 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 (who 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).

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== Indra in Ramayana ==

Although the legend of Ahalya and Indra happened in a different yuga, this anecdote is recounted by Viswamitra rushi to Shri Ramachandra and Lakshmana, in the Bala kanda, on his way to Mithila.

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=== Ahalya ===

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There are different versions of how Ahalya, the wife of Gautama rushi, was cursed to become a "stone" in different puranas. However, according to Valmiki Ramayana, Indra tricked Ahalya, when Gautama rushi went out for bath by taking his form. Gautama punished Indra with a curse of losing his manliness and Ahalya too was cursed of being invisible to the eyes of everyone, to take the form of a stone. He declared that her original form would return when Shri Ramachandra touched the stone. Indra's testicles were replaced by goat ~~testicles~~. (Val. Rama. Bala kanda)

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There are different versions of how Ahalya, the wife of Gautama rushi, was cursed to become a "stone" in different puranas. However, according to Valmiki Ramayana, Indra tricked Ahalya, when Gautama rushi went out for bath by taking his form. Gautama punished Indra with a curse of losing his manliness and Ahalya too was cursed of being invisible to the eyes of everyone, to take the form of a stone. He declared that her original form would return when Shri Ramachandra touched the stone. Indra's testicles were replaced with testicles of goat. (Val. Rama. Bala kanda)

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=== Indrajit ===

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Ravana asura conquered the world with Brahma's blessing. His son Meghanadha, defeated Indra in a fierce battle and took him to Lanka as a prisoner. Upon Brahma's intervention, he was released. Thus, Meghanadha got the title of Indrajit.

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Ravana asura conquered the world with Brahma's blessing. His son Meghanadha, defeated Indra in a fierce battle and took him to Lanka as a prisoner. Upon Brahma's intervention, he was released. Thus, Meghanadha got the title of Indrajit, one who gained victory over Indra (Uttara Ramayana).

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== Indra's term of Life ==

Devi Bhagavata 3rd, 5th and 9th Skandas describe the time period or kalamana of celestial beings such as Brahma, Vishnu and Maheshwara. As given in Puranic Encyclopedia (Page 326, 372) There are 14 Manvantaras during the life of Brahma, and each Manvantara will have its own Manu, Indra and Devatas. Thus 14 Manvantaras make a Kalpa 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 ~~Chap~~ 3, ~~Part~~ 1 ~~and 2~~, describes the Kalamana differently. According to it one thousand chaturyugas form one day of Brahma and it has 14 Manus.

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Vishnupurana Part 1. Adhyaya 3, Slokas 1 to , describes the Kalamana differently. According to it one thousand chaturyugas form one day of Brahma and it has 14 Manus.

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The following list of Manus and Indras of one Kalpa according to Vishnu Purana 3.~~1–2~~)

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The following list of Manus and Indras of one Kalpa according to Vishnu Purana 3.)

{| class="wikitable" style="margin:auto;"

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| Indra Saavarni (Bhaumi) || Suchi

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== Additional Information ==

The following Rig Veda mantras (2.12.1 to 15) describe the greatness of Indra.<blockquote>यो जात एव प्रथमो मनस्वान् देवो देवान् क्रतुना पर्यभूषत् | यस्य शुष्माद् रोदसी अभ्यसेतां नृम्णस्य मह्ना स जनास इन्द्रः || 1</blockquote><blockquote>yō jāta ēva prathamō manasvān dēvō dēvān kratunā paryabhūṣat | yasya śuṣmād rōdasī abhyasētāṁ nr̥mṇasya mahnā sa janāsa indraḥ || 1</blockquote>Summary : As soon as he was born, who was decorated as the Chief of Devas, know that he is Indra.<blockquote>यः पर्थिवीं व्यथमानाम दृंहद् यः पर्वतान् प्रकुपिताँ अरम्णात् | यो अन्तरिक्षं विममे वरीयो यो दयामस्तभ्नात् स जनास इन्द्रः || 2</blockquote><blockquote>yaḥ parthivīṁ vyathamānāma dr̥ṁhad yaḥ parvatān prakupitām̐ aramṇāt | yō antarikṣaṁ vimamē varīyō yō dayāmastabhnāt sa janāsa indraḥ || 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.<blockquote>यो हत्वाहिमरिणात सप्त सिन्धून् यो गा उदाजदपधा वलस्य | यो अश्मनोरन्तरग्निं जजान संवृक् समत्सु स जनास इन्द्रः || 3</blockquote><blockquote>yō hatvāhimariṇāta sapta sindhūna yō gā udājadapadhā valasya | yō aśmanōrantaragniṁ jajāna saṁvr̥k samatsu sa janāsa indraḥ || 3</blockquote>Summary : He who killed the himarina to free the sapta sindhu (seven rivers) and brought out the cows from the caves of Vala. He who brought forth Agni from two stones, know that he is Indra.

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येनेमा विश्वा च्यवना कृतानि यो दासं वर्णमधरंगुहाकः | श्वघ्नीव यो जिगीवाँ लक्षमाददर्यः पुष्टानि स जनास इन्द्रः || 4<blockquote>यं स्मा पृच्छन्ति कुह सेति घोरमुतेमाहुर्नैषो अस्तीत्येनम् | सो अर्यः पुष्तीर्विज इवा मिनाति श्रदस्मै धत्त स जनास इन्द्रः || 5</blockquote><blockquote>यो रध्रस्य चोदिता यः कृशस्य यो ब्रह्मणो नाधमानस्य कीरेः | युक्तग्राव्णो योऽविता सुशिप्रः सुतसोमस्य स जनास इन्द्रः || 6</blockquote><blockquote>यस्याश्वासः प्रदिशि यस्य गावो यस्य ग्रामा यस्य विश्वे रथासः | यः सूर्यं य उषसं जजान यो अपां नेता स जनास इन्द्रः || 7</blockquote>Summary : He under whose control the horses, cattle, villages, and chariots exist, He who brought out Surya and Ushas (dawn), who leads the waters, know that he is Indra.<blockquote>यं क्रन्दसी संयती विह्वयेते परेऽवर उभया अमित्राः | समानं चिद् रथमातस्थिवांसा नाना हवेते स जनास इन्द्रः || 8</blockquote><blockquote>यस्मान्न ऋते विजयन्ते जनासो यं युध्यमाना अवसे हवन्ते | यो विश्वस्य प्रतिमानं बभूव यो अच्युतच्युत् स जनास इन्द्रः || 9</blockquote><blockquote>यः शश्वतो मह्येनो दधानानमन्यमानाञ्छर्वा जघान | यः शर्धते नानुददाति शृध्यां यो दस्योर्हन्ता स जनास इन्द्रः || 10</blockquote><blockquote>यः शम्बरं पर्वतेषु क्षियन्तं चत्वारिंश्यां शरद्यन्वविन्दत् | ओजायमानं यो अहिं जघान दानुं शयानं स जनास इन्द्रः || 11</blockquote><blockquote>यः सप्तरश्मिर्वृषभस्तुविष्मानवासृजत् सर्तवे सप्तसिन्धून् | यो रौहिणमस्फुरद् वज्रबाहुर्द्यामारोहन्तं स जनास इन्द्रः || 12</blockquote><blockquote>दयावा चिदस्मै पृथवी नमेते शुष्माच्चिदस्य पर्वता भयन्ते | यः सोमपा निचितो वज्रबाहुर्यो वज्रहस्तः स जनास इन्द्रः || 13</blockquote><blockquote>यः सुन्वन्तमवति यः पचन्तं यः शंसन्तं यः शशमानमूती | यस्य ब्रह्म वर्धनं यस्य सोमो यस्येदं राधः स जनास इन्द्रः || 14</blockquote><blockquote>यः सुन्वते पचते दुध्र आ चिद वाजं दर्दर्षि स किलासि सत्यः | वयं त इन्द्र विश्वह परियासः सुवीरासो विदथमा वदेम || 15</blockquote>The following slokas from Vishnupurana (Part 1, ~~Chap~~ 21, Slokas 30 to 41) describe Indra's attempt to destroy the unborn child of Diti and thereby creation of Marutganas.<blockquote>दितिर्विनष्टपुत्रा वै तोषयामास काश्यपम् | तया चाराधित: सम्यक्काश्यस्तपतां वर: || ३०</blockquote><blockquote>वरेण च्छन्दयामास सा च वव्रे ततो वरम् | पुत्रमिन्द्रवधार्थाय समर्थममितौजसम् || ३१</blockquote><blockquote>स च तस्मै वरं प्रादाभ्दार्यायै मुनिसत्तम: | दत्वा च वरमत्युग्रं कश्यपस्तामुवाच ह || ३२</blockquote><blockquote>शक्रं पुत्रो निहन्ता ते यदि गर्भं शरच्छतम् |समाहितातिप्रयता शौचिनी धारयिष्यसि ||३३</blockquote><blockquote>इत्येवमुक्त्वा तां देवीं संगत: कश्यपो मुनि: | दधार सा च तं गर्भं सम्यक्छोचसमन्विता ||३४</blockquote><blockquote>गर्भमात्मवधार्थाय ज्ञात्वा तं मघवानपि | शुश्रूषुस्तामथागच्छद्विनयादमराधिप: ||३५</blockquote><blockquote>तस्याश्चैवान्तरप्रेप्सुरतिष्ठत्पाकशासन: | ऊने वर्षशते चास्या ददर्शान्तरमात्मना ||३६</blockquote><blockquote>अकृत्वा पादयो: शौचं दिति: शयनमाविशत् | निद्रां चाहारयामास तस्या: कुक्षिं प्रविश्य स: ||३७</blockquote><blockquote>वज्रपाणिर्महागर्भं चिच्छेदाथ स सप्तधा | सम्पीड्यमानो वज्रेण स रुरोदातिदारुणम् ||३८</blockquote><blockquote>मा रोदीरिति तं शक्र: पुन:पुनरभाषत | सोऽभवत्सप्तधा गर्भस्तमिंद्र: कुपित: पुन: || ३९</blockquote><blockquote>एकैकं सप्तधा चक्रे वज्रेणारिविदारिणा | मरुतो नाम देवास्ते बभूवुरतिवेगिन: ||४०</blockquote><blockquote>यदुक्तं वै भगवता तेनैव मरुतोऽभवन् | देवा एकोनपञचाशत्सहाया वज्रपाणिन: ||४१</blockquote>

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येनेमा विश्वा च्यवना कृतानि यो दासं वर्णमधरंगुहाकः | श्वघ्नीव यो जिगीवाँ लक्षमाददर्यः पुष्टानि स जनास इन्द्रः || 4<blockquote>यं स्मा पृच्छन्ति कुह सेति घोरमुतेमाहुर्नैषो अस्तीत्येनम् | सो अर्यः पुष्तीर्विज इवा मिनाति श्रदस्मै धत्त स जनास इन्द्रः || 5</blockquote><blockquote>यो रध्रस्य चोदिता यः कृशस्य यो ब्रह्मणो नाधमानस्य कीरेः | युक्तग्राव्णो योऽविता सुशिप्रः सुतसोमस्य स जनास इन्द्रः || 6</blockquote><blockquote>यस्याश्वासः प्रदिशि यस्य गावो यस्य ग्रामा यस्य विश्वे रथासः | यः सूर्यं य उषसं जजान यो अपां नेता स जनास इन्द्रः || 7</blockquote>Summary : He under whose control the horses, cattle, villages, and chariots exist, He who brought out Surya and Ushas (dawn), who leads the waters, know that he is Indra.<blockquote>यं क्रन्दसी संयती विह्वयेते परेऽवर उभया अमित्राः | समानं चिद् रथमातस्थिवांसा नाना हवेते स जनास इन्द्रः || 8</blockquote><blockquote>यस्मान्न ऋते विजयन्ते जनासो यं युध्यमाना अवसे हवन्ते | यो विश्वस्य प्रतिमानं बभूव यो अच्युतच्युत् स जनास इन्द्रः || 9</blockquote><blockquote>यः शश्वतो मह्येनो दधानानमन्यमानाञ्छर्वा जघान | यः शर्धते नानुददाति शृध्यां यो दस्योर्हन्ता स जनास इन्द्रः || 10</blockquote><blockquote>यः शम्बरं पर्वतेषु क्षियन्तं चत्वारिंश्यां शरद्यन्वविन्दत् | ओजायमानं यो अहिं जघान दानुं शयानं स जनास इन्द्रः || 11</blockquote><blockquote>यः सप्तरश्मिर्वृषभस्तुविष्मानवासृजत् सर्तवे सप्तसिन्धून् | यो रौहिणमस्फुरद् वज्रबाहुर्द्यामारोहन्तं स जनास इन्द्रः || 12</blockquote><blockquote>दयावा चिदस्मै पृथवी नमेते शुष्माच्चिदस्य पर्वता भयन्ते | यः सोमपा निचितो वज्रबाहुर्यो वज्रहस्तः स जनास इन्द्रः || 13</blockquote><blockquote>यः सुन्वन्तमवति यः पचन्तं यः शंसन्तं यः शशमानमूती | यस्य ब्रह्म वर्धनं यस्य सोमो यस्येदं राधः स जनास इन्द्रः || 14</blockquote><blockquote>यः सुन्वते पचते दुध्र आ चिद वाजं दर्दर्षि स किलासि सत्यः | वयं त इन्द्र विश्वह परियासः सुवीरासो विदथमा वदेम || 15</blockquote>The following slokas from Vishnupurana (Part 1, Adhyaya 21, Slokas 30 to 41) describe Indra's attempt to destroy the unborn child of Diti and thereby creation of Marutganas.<blockquote>दितिर्विनष्टपुत्रा वै तोषयामास काश्यपम् | तया चाराधित: सम्यक्काश्यस्तपतां वर: || ३०</blockquote><blockquote>वरेण च्छन्दयामास सा च वव्रे ततो वरम् | पुत्रमिन्द्रवधार्थाय समर्थममितौजसम् || ३१</blockquote><blockquote>स च तस्मै वरं प्रादाभ्दार्यायै मुनिसत्तम: | दत्वा च वरमत्युग्रं कश्यपस्तामुवाच ह || ३२</blockquote><blockquote>शक्रं पुत्रो निहन्ता ते यदि गर्भं शरच्छतम् |समाहितातिप्रयता शौचिनी धारयिष्यसि ||३३</blockquote><blockquote>इत्येवमुक्त्वा तां देवीं संगत: कश्यपो मुनि: | दधार सा च तं गर्भं सम्यक्छोचसमन्विता ||३४</blockquote><blockquote>गर्भमात्मवधार्थाय ज्ञात्वा तं मघवानपि | शुश्रूषुस्तामथागच्छद्विनयादमराधिप: ||३५</blockquote><blockquote>तस्याश्चैवान्तरप्रेप्सुरतिष्ठत्पाकशासन: | ऊने वर्षशते चास्या ददर्शान्तरमात्मना ||३६</blockquote><blockquote>अकृत्वा पादयो: शौचं दिति: शयनमाविशत् | निद्रां चाहारयामास तस्या: कुक्षिं प्रविश्य स: ||३७</blockquote><blockquote>वज्रपाणिर्महागर्भं चिच्छेदाथ स सप्तधा | सम्पीड्यमानो वज्रेण स रुरोदातिदारुणम् ||३८</blockquote><blockquote>मा रोदीरिति तं शक्र: पुन:पुनरभाषत | सोऽभवत्सप्तधा गर्भस्तमिंद्र: कुपित: पुन: || ३९</blockquote><blockquote>एकैकं सप्तधा चक्रे वज्रेणारिविदारिणा | मरुतो नाम देवास्ते बभूवुरतिवेगिन: ||४०</blockquote><blockquote>यदुक्तं वै भगवता तेनैव मरुतोऽभवन् | देवा एकोनपञचाशत्सहाया वज्रपाणिन: ||४१</blockquote>

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==References==

#Amarakosha Reference : <nowiki>http://www.sanskritebooks.org/2009/07/amara-kosa-the-sanskrit-thesaurus-with-notes-index/</nowiki> (Page no 9 and 10 )

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