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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 by performance of yagnas and offering of Soma rasa for him, he is the chief receiver to be pleased at any yagna.  

* '''यज्ञपालकः || Yagnapalaka''' : As the Protector of Yagnas, he plays a significant role. There are more than 250 Rk Suktas that glorify Indra by performance of yagnas and offering of Soma rasa for him, he is the chief receiver to be pleased at any yagna.  

* '''Surapati''' : As a protector, Indra rules over the earth and heavens, 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.     

* '''सुरपतिः ||''' '''Surapati''' : As a protector, Indra rules over the earth and heavens, 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.     

* '''स्वर्गाधिपतिः || 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.     

* '''Marutavaan''' : As the presiding devata for clouds and rain, He also controls thunder, lightning, and his discord is often seen as heavy downpour and thunderstorms. In Shrimad Bhagavatam, Bhagavan Srikrishna protects the residents of Vrindavan from the wrath of Indra who impounds them with incessant heavy rain for refusing to worship Him.  Similarly, in Mahabharata, Khandavavana dahana, Indra protects his friend, Takshaka from Agni, who wants to burn the forest.   

* '''मरुतवान् ||''' '''Marutavaan''' : As the presiding devata for clouds and rain, He also controls thunder, lightning, and his discord is often seen as heavy downpour and thunderstorms. In Shrimad Bhagavatam, Bhagavan Srikrishna protects the residents of Vrindavan from the wrath of Indra who impounds them with incessant heavy rain for refusing to worship Him.  Similarly, in Mahabharata, Khandavavana dahana, Indra protects his friend, Takshaka from Agni, who wants to burn the forest.   

* '''Gorakshaka :''' He plays a chief role in the retrieval of the cows hidden by Panis in the mountains. Angirasa rushi the "padajna" helps him locate the cows and then he fights Panis to bring them back.   

* '''गोरक्षकः ||''' '''Gorakshaka :''' He plays a chief role in the retrieval of the cows hidden by Panis in the mountains. Angirasa rushi the "padajna" helps him locate the cows and then he fights Panis to bring them back.   

== व्युत्पत्तिः || Etymology ==

== व्युत्पत्तिः || Etymology ==

'''[[Amarakosha]]''' defines the following about Indra in स्वर्गवर्गः (Prathama kanda Slokas 41- 44)  

'''[[Amarakosha]]''' defines the following about Indra in स्वर्गवर्गः (Prathama kanda Slokas 41- 44)  

Like many other deities, Indra is also called by many names - मरुत्वान् ॥ Marutvaan, Maghavaan, Paakashasana, Vriddhasravaaha, Sunaaseera, Puroohuta, Purandara, शक्र Shakra, Shatamanyu, Sutrama, Vritraha, मेघवाहन Meghavaahana, Vajri, Gotrabhit, Namuchisudhana, Surapati, Sachipati and others.  

Like many other deities, Indra is also called by many names - मरुत्वान् ॥ Marutvaan, Maghavaan, Paakashasana, Vriddhasravaaha, Sunaaseera, Puroohuta, Purandara, शक्र Shakra, Shatamanyu, Sutrama, Vritraha, मेघवाहन Meghavaahana, Vajri, Gotrabhit, Namuchisudhana, Surapati, Sachipati and others.  

Indra is derived from the dhatu (root) "इन्द" meaning "परमैश्वर्य्ये " (wealthy).   

Indra is derived from the dhatu (root) "इन्द" meaning "परमैश्वर्य्ये " parama aishwarya (wealthy).   

[[Nirukti]] : Maharshi Yaska in his Nirukti (10.8) explains the meaning of Indra as follows

[[Nirukti]] : Maharshi Yaska in his Nirukti (10.8) explains the meaning of Indra as follows

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”

 

== Role of Indra ==

== Role of Indra ==

In the Vedas, Indra has a very significant position as a Protector of Yagnas and the chief recipient of havish or yagna offerings. He is also the most feared destroyer of Panis, Dasyus and Asuras like Vritra, who obstructed the performance of yagnas.  He is also the chief deity in Somayaga, and is the chief beneficiary of Somarasa.  

In the Vedas, Indra has a very significant position as a Protector of Yagnas and the chief recipient of havish or yagna offerings. He is also the most feared destroyer of Panis, Dasyus and Asuras like Vritra, who obstructed the performance of yagnas.  He is also the chief deity in Somayaga, and is the chief beneficiary of Somarasa.  

The story of [[Story of Stealing the Cows (गोग्रहणम्)|Gograhana]] or the stealing of cows by Panis is given in the Rig Veda mantras of Mandala 10 (10.108.1 to 22).  

The story of [[Story of Stealing the Cows (गोग्रहणम्)|Gograhana]] or the stealing of cows by Panis is given in the Rig Veda mantras of Mandala 10 (10.108.1 to 22).  

== Indra Devata Swaroopam ==

== इन्द्रदेवतास्वरुपम् || Indra Devata Swaroopam ==

=== Birth and Family ===

=== Birth and Family ===

Indra descended from Mahavishnu in the following order according to Puranic Encyclopedia : Vishnu - Brahma - Marichi - Kaasyapa - Indra.

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 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.   

* 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.  

* 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.  

=== Vrtrasura Vadha: ===

=== '''वृत्रासुरवध ||''' Vrtrasura Vadha ===

There are more than 250 Rig veda suktas that glorify Indra. He is the deva who shines as the light in the sky of the heart of all living entities.  

There are more than 250 Rig veda suktas that glorify Indra. Indra as the protector of his position and as the protector of devas, rishis, yagnas and cattle, is constantly engaged in battles with various asuras who throw obstacles in the performance of yagnas.    

'''वृत्रासुर जननम् || Vrttrasura Jananam''' : There are two versions about the birth of Vrtraasura as given in Puranic Encyclopedia (Page 883).   

'''वृत्रासुर जननम् || Vrttrasura Jananam''' : There are two versions about the birth of Vrtraasura as given in Puranic Encyclopedia (Page 883).   

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.     

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.     

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.  

According to 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.  

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. 

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.   

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.   

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 mantras. 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 mantras.   

=== Indra and Mountains ===

=== Indra and Mountains ===

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.