Changes

* '''गोरक्षकः ||''' '''Gorakshaka :''' He plays a chief role in the retrieval of the cows hidden by Panis in the mountains. Angirasa rishi the "padajna" helps him locate the cows and then he fights Panis to bring them back.<ref name=":2">Narayanacharya, K. S. (2011). ''Veda Samskrita Parichaya''. Hubli:​Sahitya Prakashana​.</ref>   

* '''गोरक्षकः ||''' '''Gorakshaka :''' He plays a chief role in the retrieval of the cows hidden by Panis in the mountains. Angirasa rishi the "padajna" helps him locate the cows and then he fights Panis to bring them back.<ref name=":2">Narayanacharya, K. S. (2011). ''Veda Samskrita Parichaya''. Hubli:​Sahitya Prakashana​.</ref>   

== व्युत्पत्तिः || Etymology ==

== व्युत्पत्तिः || Etymology ==

'''[[Amarakosha]]''' defines the following about Indra in स्वर्गवर्गः (Prathama kanda Slokas 41- 44)<ref>[http://www.sanskritebooks.org/2009/07/amara-kosa-the-sanskrit-thesaurus-with-notes-index/ Amarakosha] (Page No 9 and 10)</ref>

'''[[Amarakosha (अमरकोषः)|Amarakosha]]''' defines the following about Indra in स्वर्गवर्गः (Prathama kanda Shlokas 41- 44)<ref>[http://www.sanskritebooks.org/2009/07/amara-kosa-the-sanskrit-thesaurus-with-notes-index/ Amarakosha] (Page No 9 and 10)</ref><blockquote>"इन्द्रो मरुत्वान्मघवा बिडौजाः पाकशासनः । वृध्दश्रवाः सुनासीरः पुरुहूतः पुरंदरः ॥" (Amara 1. स्वर्ग. 41)</blockquote><blockquote>"जिष्णुर्लेखर्षभः शक्रः शतमन्युर्दिवस्पतिः। सुत्रामा गोत्रभिद्वज्री वासवो वृत्रहा वृषा॥" (Amara 1. स्वर्ग. 42)</blockquote><blockquote>"वास्तोष्पतिः सुरपतिर्बलारातिः शचीपतिः। जम्भभेदी हरिहयः स्वाराण्नमुचिसूदनः॥ " (Amara 1. स्वर्ग. 43)</blockquote><blockquote>संक्रन्दनो दुश्च्यवनस्तुराषाण्मेघवाहनः। आखण्डलः सहस्राक्ष ऋभुक्षाः ------- ॥ " (Amara 1. स्वर्ग. 44)</blockquote><blockquote>"indro marutvānmaghavā biḍaujāḥ pākaśāsanaḥ । vṛdhdaśravāḥ sunāsīraḥ puruhūtaḥ puraṃdaraḥ ॥" (Amara 1. svarga. 41) <br>

"इन्द्रो मरुत्वान्मघवा बिडौजाः पाकशासनः । वृध्दश्रवाः सुनासीरः पुरुहूतः पुरंदरः ॥" (Amara 1. स्वर्ग. 41)

According to Shabdakalpadruma, Indra is derived from the dhatu (root) "इन्द" meaning "परमैश्वर्य " parama aishwarya (wealthy).  

[[Nirukta]] : Maharshi Yaska in his Nirukta (10.8)<ref>[http://vedicreserve.mum.edu/nirukta/nirukta.pdf Nirukta]</ref><ref>Nirukta ([https://sa.wikisource.org/wiki/%E0%A4%A8%E0%A4%BF%E0%A4%B0%E0%A5%81%E0%A4%95%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%A4%E0%A4%B6%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%B8%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%A4%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%AE%E0%A5%8D/%E0%A4%A6%E0%A4%B6%E0%A4%AE%E0%A5%8B%E0%A4%A7%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%83 Adhyaya 10])</ref> explains the meaning of Indra as follows

 

 

 

 

 

[[Nirukti]] : Maharshi Yaska in his Nirukti (10.8)<ref>[http://vedicreserve.mum.edu/nirukta/nirukta.pdf Nirukta]</ref><ref>Nirukta ([https://sa.wikisource.org/wiki/%E0%A4%A8%E0%A4%BF%E0%A4%B0%E0%A5%81%E0%A4%95%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%A4%E0%A4%B6%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%B8%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%A4%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%AE%E0%A5%8D/%E0%A4%A6%E0%A4%B6%E0%A4%AE%E0%A5%8B%E0%A4%A7%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%83 Adhyaya 10])</ref> explains the meaning of Indra as follows

1. इरां दृणातीति वा ॥ irāṁ dr̥ṇātīti vā ॥     

1. इरां दृणातीति वा ॥ irāṁ dr̥ṇātīti vā ॥     

13. इन्दञ्छत्रूणां दारयिता वा द्रावयिता वा अादरयिता च यज्वनाम् ॥ indañchatrūṇāṁ dārayitā vā drāvayitā vā aādarayitā ca yajvanām ॥  

13. इन्दञ्छत्रूणां दारयिता वा द्रावयिता वा अादरयिता च यज्वनाम् ॥ indañchatrūṇāṁ dārayitā vā drāvayitā vā aādarayitā ca yajvanām ॥  

According to Shabdakalpadhruma इरा has different meanings; two of the relevant ones here are Prithvi or Bhumi (earth) and Jalam (water).  

According to Shabdakalpadhruma, इरा has different meanings; two of the relevant ones here, are Prithvi or Bhumi (earth) and Jala (water).  

 

Meaning of Indra is thus, one who is दारयति (दारयति ज्ञातिबन्धूनिति as per Shabdakalpadhruma) closely related to water (Indra is related to clouds which give water), who bears water (rain bearing clouds), who ददाति gives water (clouds give rains), who holds (clouds hold water), one who pierces the clouds and supplies water for the growth of plants. In another sense one who makes prithvi (earth) pierce and make crops grow thus providing grains.<ref name=":2" />

 

Megha (clouds), Indu (Moon) and Maruts (winds) are all interrelated and are the fundamental cause for nourishment of all tree and plant species including medicinal plants. Thus Indra is the power which can cut through the clouds and provide rain for the sake of loka kalyana, for the loka sangraha. 

धा Dha root word means धारणे to bear and पुष्टौ to supply or nourish. Because Indra showers rain water, and धारयति nourishes the plants and thus he provides food or fuel for living beings (इन्धे भूतानीति वा). Indra also one rejoices or shines in presence of Chandra (moon) as meant in इन्दौ रमत.  

* one who is closely related to water (दारयति ज्ञातिबन्धूनिति | dārayati jñātibandhūniti | Indra is related to clouds which give water)

* one who bears water (rain bearing clouds)

* one who gives water (ददाति) (clouds give rains)  

* one who holds water (clouds hold water)  

इन्द्रियम् इन्द्रलिंगम् इन्द्रदृष्टमिन्द्रऋष्टमिन्द्रौष्टमिन्द्रात्तं इति वा । ५.२.९३ (Ashtadhyayi 5.2.93)<ref>Ashtadhyayi ([https://sa.wikisource.org/wiki/%E0%A4%85%E0%A4%B7%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%9F%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%A7%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%AF%E0%A5%80_%E0%A5%AB#%E0%A4%AD%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%97_%E0%A5%AB.%E0%A5%A8 Adhyaya 5])</ref>

* In another sense, one who makes prithvi (earth) pierce and makes crops grow thus, providing grains.<ref name=":2" />

Megha (clouds), Indu (Moon) and Maruts (winds) are all interrelated and are the fundamental cause for nourishment of all tree and plant species including medicinal plants. Thus, Indra is the power which can cut through the clouds and provide rain for the sake of loka kalyana, for loka sangraha. 

According to Panini, the name Indriya (sense organs) is fulfilled as they are empowered through the power of the Atma form of Indra.<ref name=":4">Bhagavatdatta's Book Titled : [https://ia601604.us.archive.org/33/items/in.ernet.dli.2015.308632/2015.308632.Uru-Jyoti.pdf Uru Jyoti] </ref>

Dha (धा) root word means 'to bear' (धारणे) and 'to supply or nourish' (पुष्टौ). Because Indra showers rain water, and nourishes (धारयति) the plants and thus, he provides food or fuel for living beings (इन्धे भूतानीति वा). Indra also one rejoices or shines in presence of Chandra (moon) as meant in इन्दौ रमत.  <blockquote>इन्द्रियम् इन्द्रलिंगम् इन्द्रदृष्टमिन्द्रऋष्टमिन्द्रौष्टमिन्द्रात्तं इति वा । ५.२.९३ (Ashtadhyayi 5.2.93)<ref>Ashtadhyayi ([https://sa.wikisource.org/wiki/%E0%A4%85%E0%A4%B7%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%9F%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%A7%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%AF%E0%A5%80_%E0%A5%AB#%E0%A4%AD%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%97_%E0%A5%AB.%E0%A5%A8 Adhyaya 5])</ref></blockquote><blockquote>indriyam indraliṃgam indradṛṣṭamindraṛṣṭamindrauṣṭamindrāttaṃ iti vā । 5.2.93 (Ashtadhyayi 5.2.93)</blockquote>According to Panini, the name Indriya (sense organs) is fulfilled as they are empowered through the power of the Atma form of Indra.<ref name=":4">Bhagavatdatta's Book Titled : [https://ia601604.us.archive.org/33/items/in.ernet.dli.2015.308632/2015.308632.Uru-Jyoti.pdf Uru Jyoti] </ref>

For seeds to grow in the form of plants, the earth has to be very favorable, when bhudevi becomes coarse and hard, agriculture is not possible. A farmer tills the land with the plough piercing the land, Indra establishes the dharma “iram utpadayatum karshaka mukhe kena bhumi vidarayati iti indrayaha”.<ref name=":2" />

For seeds to grow in the form of plants, the earth has to be very favorable, when bhudevi becomes coarse and hard, agriculture is not possible. A farmer tills the land with the plough piercing the land, Indra establishes the dharma “iram utpadayatum karshaka mukhe kena bhumi vidarayati iti indrayaha”.<ref name=":2" />

== Role of Indra ==

== Role of Indra ==

In the Vedas, Indra has a very significant position as a Protector of Yajnas and the chief recipient of havish or Yajna offerings. He is also the most feared destroyer of Panis, Dasyus and Asuras like Vrttra, who obstructed the performance of Yajnas.  He is also the chief deity in Somayaga, and is the chief beneficiary of Somarasa. There are more than 250 Rig veda suktas that glorify Indra.   

In the Vedas, Indra has a very significant position as a Protector of Yajnas and the chief recipient of havish or Yajna offerings. He is also the most feared destroyer of Panis, Dasyus and Asuras like Vrtra, who obstructed the performance of Yajnas.  He is also the chief deity in Somayaga, and is the chief beneficiary of Somarasa. There are more than 250 Rig veda suktas that glorify Indra.   

=== 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.<blockquote>इन्द्रो यातूनामभवत्पराशरो हविर्मथीनामभ्या विवासताम् | अभीदु शक्रः परशुर्यथा वनं पात्रेव भिन्दन्त्सत एति रक्षसः || (Rig Veda 7.104.21)<ref>Rig Veda ([http://vedicheritage.gov.in/samhitas/rigveda/shakala-samhita-2/mandal-07/rigveda-shakala-samhita-mandal-07-sukta-104/ Mandala 7 Sukta 104])</ref></blockquote><blockquote>indrō yātūnāmabhavatparāśarō havirmathīnāmabhyā vivāsatām | abhīdu śakraḥ paraśuryathā vanaṁ pātrēva bhindantsata ēti rakṣasaḥ || (Rig Veda 7.104.21)</blockquote>Meaning : Indra is the destroyer, like the Paraashara, of those Rakshasas that harm the हविर्मथीनाम् who offer havishya (by performing Yajnas), just like the परशु (axe) that destroys the forest is capable of smashing the earthen vessels.  

Indra is called as शक्रः Shakra meaning शक्नोति दैत्यान् नाशयितुम् (Shabdakalpadhruma) one who is capable of destroying the Daityas or Rakshasas.<blockquote>इन्द्रो यातूनामभवत्पराशरो हविर्मथीनामभ्या विवासताम् | अभीदु शक्रः परशुर्यथा वनं पात्रेव भिन्दन्त्सत एति रक्षसः || (Rig Veda 7.104.21)<ref>Rig Veda ([http://vedicheritage.gov.in/samhitas/rigveda/shakala-samhita-2/mandal-07/rigveda-shakala-samhita-mandal-07-sukta-104/ Mandala 7 Sukta 104])</ref></blockquote><blockquote>indrō yātūnāmabhavatparāśarō havirmathīnāmabhyā vivāsatām | abhīdu śakraḥ paraśuryathā vanaṁ pātrēva bhindantsata ēti rakṣasaḥ || (Rig Veda 7.104.21)</blockquote>Meaning : Indra is the destroyer, like the Paraashara, of those Rakshasas that harm the हविर्मथीनाम् who offer havishya (by performing Yajnas), just like the परशु (axe) that destroys the forest is capable of smashing the earthen vessels.  

==== ऋग्वेदः ॥ Rigveda ====

==== ऋग्वेदः ॥ Rigveda ====

The following Rig Veda mantras (2.12.1 to 15) proclaim and extol the greatness of Indra as the chief of devatas, the protector of earth and cows, as one who cut the wings of the mountains as the slayer of Vala and Vrttrasura.  <blockquote>यो जात एव प्रथमो मनस्वान् देवो देवान् क्रतुना पर्यभूषत् | यस्य शुष्माद् रोदसी अभ्यसेतां नृम्णस्य मह्ना स जनास इन्द्रः || (Rig. Veda. 2.12.1)<ref name=":3">Rig Veda ([https://sa.wikisource.org/wiki/%E0%A4%8B%E0%A4%97%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B5%E0%A5%87%E0%A4%A6%E0%A4%83_%E0%A4%B8%E0%A5%82%E0%A4%95%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%A4%E0%A4%82_%E0%A5%A8.%E0%A5%A7%E0%A5%A8 Mandala 2, Sukta 12])</ref></blockquote><blockquote>yō jāta ēva prathamō manasvān dēvō dēvān kratunā paryabhūṣat | yasya śuṣmād rōdasī abhyasētāṁ nr̥mṇasya mahnā sa janāsa indraḥ || (Rig. Veda. 2.12.1)</blockquote>Summary : As soon as he was born, who was decorated as the Chief of Devas, know that he is Indra.

The following Rig Veda mantras (2.12.1 to 15) proclaim and extol the greatness of Indra as the chief of devatas, the protector of earth and cows, as one who cut the wings of the mountains as the slayer of Vala and Vrtrasura.  <blockquote>यो जात एव प्रथमो मनस्वान् देवो देवान् क्रतुना पर्यभूषत् | यस्य शुष्माद् रोदसी अभ्यसेतां नृम्णस्य मह्ना स जनास इन्द्रः || (Rig. Veda. 2.12.1)<ref name=":3">Rig Veda ([https://sa.wikisource.org/wiki/%E0%A4%8B%E0%A4%97%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B5%E0%A5%87%E0%A4%A6%E0%A4%83_%E0%A4%B8%E0%A5%82%E0%A4%95%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%A4%E0%A4%82_%E0%A5%A8.%E0%A5%A7%E0%A5%A8 Mandala 2, Sukta 12])</ref></blockquote><blockquote>yō jāta ēva prathamō manasvān dēvō dēvān kratunā paryabhūṣat | yasya śuṣmād rōdasī abhyasētāṁ nr̥mṇasya mahnā sa janāsa indraḥ || (Rig. Veda. 2.12.1)</blockquote>Summary : As soon as he was born, who was decorated as the Chief of Devas, know that he is Indra.

According to Pt. Bhagavatdatt, Indriyas or sense organs of the body are the representatives of devatas. They gain their strength from Indra and hence are called Indriyas. Indra is Atma who rules over the devatas, and they reside uninterruptedly in the body.<ref name=":4" />

According to Pt. Bhagavatdatt, Indriyas or sense organs of the body are the representatives of devatas. They gain their strength from Indra and hence are called Indriyas. Indra is Atma who rules over the devatas, and they reside uninterruptedly in the body.<ref name=":4" />

==== तैत्तिरीयब्राह्मणम् ॥ Taitiriya Brahmana ====

==== तैत्तिरीयब्राह्मणम् ॥ Taitiriya Brahmana ====

The legend of Indra's crowning as the Devadhipati is explained in Taittiriya Brahmana as given below<ref name=":0">Ganapati Sastry. Uppuluri. (2000) ''Vedasaara Ratnavali, Part 2'' Hyderabad : Amba Communications </ref>. <blockquote>प्रजापतिरिन्द्र मसृजतानुजावरं देवानाम् । तं प्राहिणोत् । परेहि । एतेषां देवानामधिपतिरेधीति । तं देवा अब्रुवन् । कस्त्वमसि । वयं वै त्वच्छ्रेयाँ सः स्म इति । सोऽब्रवीत् । कस्त्वमसि वयं वै त्वच्छ्रेयाँ सः स्म इति मा देवा अवोचन्निति । (Tait. Brah. 2.2.10.1.60)  को ह वै नाम प्रजापतिः । य एवं वेद (Tait. Brah. 2.2.10.1.61) विदुरेनं नाम्ना । तदस्मै रुक्मं कृत्वा प्रत्यमुञ्चत् । ततो वा इन्द्रो देवानामधिपतिरभवत् । य एवं वेद । (Tait. Brah. 2.2.10.1.62) <ref>[https://sa.wikisource.org/wiki/%E0%A4%A4%E0%A5%88%E0%A4%A4%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%A4%E0%A4%BF%E0%A4%B0%E0%A5%80%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%AC%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%B9%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AE%E0%A4%A3%E0%A4%AE%E0%A5%8D_(%E0%A4%B5%E0%A4%BF%E0%A4%B8%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B5%E0%A4 Taittriya Brahmana] </ref><ref name=":0" /></blockquote><blockquote>prajāpatirindra masr̥jatānujāvaraṁ dēvānām । taṁ prāhiṇōt । parēhi । ētēṣāṁ dēvānāmadhipatirēdhīti । taṁ dēvā abruvan । kastvamasi । vayaṁ vai tvacchrēyām̐ saḥ sma iti । sō'bravīt । kastvamasi vayaṁ vai tvacchrēyām̐ saḥ sma iti mā dēvā avōcanniti । (Tait. Brah. 2.2.10.1.60) kō ha vai nāma prajāpatiḥ । ya ēvaṁ vēda (Tait. Brah. 2.2.10.1.61) vidurēnaṁ nāmnā । tadasmai rukmaṁ kr̥tvā pratyamuñcat । tatō vā indrō dēvānāmadhipatirabhavat । ya ēvaṁ vēda । (Tait. Brah. 2.2.10.1.62)</blockquote>Summary : Prajaapati created Indra as the youngest of the devatas. He then instructs Indra to go to Svargaloka and rule over the devatas whom he created. Indra on reaching Svargaloka informs the devatas that he would be incharge of their welfare. Hearing thus, the devatas refuse to accept him. Indra returns to Prajaapati and asks him for the Tejas by which he would control the devatas. Prajapati asks him " what will I become if I give you my tejas". Later, Prajapati creates a crown out of his tejas to decorate it on the forehead of Indra, proclaiming him as the leader of devatas.   

The legend of Indra's crowning as the Devadhipati is explained in Taittiriya Brahmana as given below<ref name=":0">Ganapati Sastry. Uppuluri. (2000) ''Vedasaara Ratnavali, Part 2'' Hyderabad : Amba Communications </ref>. <blockquote>प्रजापतिरिन्द्र मसृजतानुजावरं देवानाम् । तं प्राहिणोत् । परेहि । एतेषां देवानामधिपतिरेधीति । तं देवा अब्रुवन् । कस्त्वमसि । वयं वै त्वच्छ्रेयाँ सः स्म इति । सोऽब्रवीत् । कस्त्वमसि वयं वै त्वच्छ्रेयाँ सः स्म इति मा देवा अवोचन्निति । (Tait. Brah. 2.2.10.1.60)  को ह वै नाम प्रजापतिः । य एवं वेद (Tait. Brah. 2.2.10.1.61) विदुरेनं नाम्ना । तदस्मै रुक्मं कृत्वा प्रत्यमुञ्चत् । ततो वा इन्द्रो देवानामधिपतिरभवत् । य एवं वेद । (Tait. Brah. 2.2.10.1.62) <ref>[https://sa.wikisource.org/wiki/%E0%A4%A4%E0%A5%88%E0%A4%A4%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%A4%E0%A4%BF%E0%A4%B0%E0%A5%80%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%AC%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%B9%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AE%E0%A4%A3%E0%A4%AE%E0%A5%8D_(%E0%A4%B5%E0%A4%BF%E0%A4%B8%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B5%E0%A4 Taittriya Brahmana] </ref><ref name=":0" /></blockquote><blockquote>prajāpatirindra masr̥jatānujāvaraṁ dēvānām । taṁ prāhiṇōt । parēhi । ētēṣāṁ dēvānāmadhipatirēdhīti । taṁ dēvā abruvan । kastvamasi । vayaṁ vai tvacchrēyām̐ saḥ sma iti । sō'bravīt । kastvamasi vayaṁ vai tvacchrēyām̐ saḥ sma iti mā dēvā avōcanniti । (Tait. Brah. 2.2.10.1.60) kō ha vai nāma prajāpatiḥ । ya ēvaṁ vēda (Tait. Brah. 2.2.10.1.61) vidurēnaṁ nāmnā । tadasmai rukmaṁ kr̥tvā pratyamuñcat । tatō vā indrō dēvānāmadhipatirabhavat । ya ēvaṁ vēda । (Tait. Brah. 2.2.10.1.62)</blockquote>Summary : Prajaapati created Indra as the youngest of the devatas. He then instructs Indra to go to Svargaloka and rule over the devatas whom he created. Indra on reaching Svargaloka informs the devatas that he would be incharge of their welfare. Hearing thus, the devatas refuse to accept him. Indra returns to Prajaapati and asks him for the Tejas by which he would control the devatas. Prajapati asks him " what will I become if I give you my tejas". Later, Prajapati creates a crown out of his tejas to decorate it on the forehead of Indra, proclaiming him as the leader of devatas.   

=== वृत्रहा || Vrttraha ===

=== वृत्रहा || Vrtraha ===

Rig veda glorifies Indra for the slaying of one mighty asura namely [[Vritrasura (वृत्रासुर)|Vrttrasura]], and hence Indra is called Vrttraha.     

Rig veda glorifies Indra for the slaying of one mighty asura namely [[Vritrasura (वृत्रासुर)|Vrtrasura]], and hence Indra is called Vrtraha.     

==== '''वृत्रासुरजननम् || Vrttrasura Janana''' ====

==== '''वृत्रासुरजननम् || Vrtrasura Janana''' ====

There are two versions about the birth of Vrtraasura as given in Puranic Encyclopedia (Page 883).<ref name=":1" />

There are two versions about the birth of Vrtrasura as given in Puranic Encyclopedia (Page 883).<ref name=":1" />

* 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 Vajraayudha for stealing the cows. Angered Kashyapa plucked a hair and made a burnt offering of it, saying that a son would be born who will be the destroyer of Indra.       

* 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 Vajraayudha for stealing the cows. Angered Kashyapa plucked a hair and made a burnt offering of it, saying that a son would be born who will be the destroyer of Indra.       

* According to Devi Bhagavata (Skanda 6)  त्वष्ट्रा ॥ Tvasthra angered by Indra's killing of his son विश्वरूप || Vishwaroopa (also called Trisiras), 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 Devi Bhagavata (Skanda 6)  त्वष्ट्रा ॥ Tvasthra angered by Indra's killing of his son विश्वरूप || Vishwaroopa (also called Trisiras), 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). The meaning of the mantra changed with the improper utterance of the swara. 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 त्वष्ट्रा ॥ Tvasthra was born, an enemy of Indra, but eventually Indra was rewarded with glory of killing वृत्रासुर '''||''' Vrttrasura.<ref name=":2" />

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). The meaning of the mantra changed with the improper utterance of the swara. 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 '''||''' Vrtrasura the son of त्वष्ट्रा ॥ Tvasthra was born, an enemy of Indra, but eventually Indra was rewarded with glory of killing वृत्रासुर '''||''' Vrtrasura.<ref name=":2" />

==== '''वृत्रासुरवधः || Vrttrasura Vadha''' ====

==== '''वृत्रासुरवधः || Vrtrasura Vadha''' ====

The Rig Veda sukta 1.80.1-16 describes the war of Indra against [[Vritrasura (वृत्रासुर)|Vrttrasura]]. Indra's power and strength in wielding the Vajraayudha is beautifully described in these mantras.    

The Rig Veda sukta 1.80.1-16 describes the war of Indra against [[Vritrasura (वृत्रासुर)|Vrtrasura]]. Indra's power and strength in wielding the Vajraayudha is beautifully described in these mantras.    

Under the leadership of Vrttrasura, his followers the Kaalakeyas and other rakshasas besieged the Devatas. The battle raged for a long time between [[Indra and Vritrasura (इन्द्र और वृत्रासुर)|Indra and Vrttrasura]] but Vrttra was invincible. Devatas along with Indra approach Mahavishnu for a solution to kill Vrttraasura. Mahavishnu informs them that Vrttra can be killed only with the bone of [[Dadhichi Rishi (दधीचि ऋषि)|Dadhichi]] rushi. Thereby from the bones of Dadichi rushi, Indra prepares his weapon called "Vajra", and with a fatal stroke of Vajra, Vrttra falls dead. Hence Indra gets the name वृत्रहा || Vrttraha. (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>. Santi Parva. Chap 281. Verses 13 -21)    

Under the leadership of Vrtrasura, his followers the Kaalakeyas and other rakshasas besieged the Devatas. The battle raged for a long time between [[Indra and Vritrasura (इन्द्र और वृत्रासुर)|Indra and Vrtrasura]] but Vrtra was invincible. Devatas along with Indra approach Mahavishnu for a solution to kill Vrtraasura. Mahavishnu informs them that Vrtra can be killed only with the bone of [[Dadhichi Rishi (दधीचि ऋषि)|Dadhichi]] rushi. Thereby from the bones of Dadichi rushi, Indra prepares his weapon called "Vajra", and with a fatal stroke of Vajra, Vrtra falls dead. Hence Indra gets the name वृत्रहा || Vrtraha. (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>. Santi Parva. Chap 281. Verses 13 -21)    

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

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

=== Indra and Mountains ===

=== Indra and Mountains ===

==== ऋग्वेदः ॥ Rigveda ====

==== ऋग्वेदः ॥ Rigveda ====