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Line 66: − + − + − 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)<ref>Rig Veda ([http://vedicheritage.gov.in/samhitas/rigveda/shakala-samhita/rigveda-shakala-samhita-mandal-10-sukta-080/ Mandala 1 Sukta 80])</ref></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. + − + − इन्द्रः Indra is called as Marutvaan, meaning मरुतो देवाः पालनीयत्वेन (Shabdakalpadhruma) because he rules the Marut devatas. Maruts are 49 in number and they are the children of Diti, the mother of Daityas. At the loss of her children in the war between devatas and asuras, Diti prays to her husband Kashyapa to grant her a son who can slay Indra, the son of Aditi. <blockquote>अकृत्वा पादयो: शौचं दिति: शयनमाविशत् | निद्रां चाहारयामास तस्या: कुक्षिं प्रविश्य स: ||३७ (Vish. Pura. Chap 21. 37)</blockquote><blockquote>वज्रपाणिर्महागर्भं चिच्छेदाथ स सप्तधा | सम्पीड्यमानो वज्रेण स रुरोदातिदारुणम् ||३८ (Vish. Pura. Chap 21. 38)</blockquote><blockquote>मा रोदीरिति तं शक्र: पुन:पुनरभाषत | सोऽभवत्सप्तधा गर्भस्तमिंद्र: कुपित: पुन: || ३९ (Vish. Pura. Chap 21. 39)</blockquote><blockquote>मरुतो नाम देवास्ते बभूवुरतिवेगिनः । यदुक्तं वै मघवता तेनैव मरुतोऽभवन् । देवा एकोनपञ्चासत् सहाया वज्रपाणिनः ।। ४० ।। (Vish. Pura. Chap 21. 40)</blockquote>This famous legend given in Vishnupurana (Part 1, Chap 21, Slokas 30 to 41<ref>Vishnupuranam ([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%AA%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%A5%E0%A4%AE%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%A8%E0%A5%A7 Prathama Amsha, Adhyaya 21])</ref>) recounts how Indra, goes to serve Diti, when she was pregnant with a son who is capable of killing him. Her hundred years of penance gets disturbed when she falls asleep without washing her feet. Taking this impious opportunity, Indra enters her womb and cuts the embryo within into seven pieces, with his Vajrayudha. As the child is began to cry, Indra asked it not to cry by saying "Maa Ruda ". So repeatedly saying he cuts each of them onto seven pieces, thus generating 49 pieces. Upon Diti's request of making them subservient to him, Indra refrains from destroying them. Thus, they are 49 Marutgana, who became the assistants of Indra in the form of "vaayuskanda" of Indra. This legend is also referred in Valmiki Ramayana (Balakanda Sarga 66)<ref name=":5">Valmiki Ramayana ([http://valmikiramayan.net/utf8/baala/sarga47/bala_47_frame.htm Balakanda Sarga 66])</ref> Bhagavatapuraṇa (Skanda 6. Adhyaya 18 and 19)<ref>Shrimad Bhagavata Puranam ([https://sa.wikisource.org/wiki/%E0%A4%B6%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B0%E0%A5%80%E0%A4%AE%E0%A4%A6%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AD%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%97%E0%A4%B5%E0%A4%A4%E0%A4%AA%E0%A5%81%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%A3%E0%A4%AE%E0%A5%8D/%E0%A4%B8%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%95%E0%A4%A8%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%A7%E0%A4%83_%E0%A5%AC/%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%AE Skanda 6, Adhyaya 18])</ref> Matsyapuraṇa (Adhyaya 6. 47<ref>Matsya Puranam ([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%AC Adhyaya 6 Sloka 47])</ref>). + − Brahmaṇḍapuraṇa (Uttarabhaga. Adhyaya 2, Slokas 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 Matsyapurana (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. + − Rig Veda mantra 2.12.2<ref name=":3" /> explains that Indra rules over the worlds, including Antariksha and Vyoma 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 || (Rig. Veda. 2.12.2)</blockquote><blockquote>yaḥ parthivīṁ vyathamānāma dr̥ṁhad yaḥ parvatān prakupitām̐ aramṇāt | yō antarikṣaṁ vimamē varīyō yō dayāmastabhnāt sa janāsa indraḥ || (Rig. Veda. 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. + − + − + − + − + − + − +
→Role of Indra: Editing, formatting and hyperlinks added
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 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.
In the Vedas, Indra has a very significant position as a Protector of Yajnas (यज्ञ-s) and the chief recipient of havis (हविस् । 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 Soma yaga, and is the chief beneficiary of Soma rasa. There are more than 250 Rigveda 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 Shakra meaning, शक्नोति दैत्यान् नाशयितुम् । śaknoti daityān nāśayitum । (Shabdakalpadhruma) ie. 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 Parashara, of those Rakshasas that harm (हविर्मथिः) the one who offer havishya (by performing Yajnas), just like the परशु (axe) that destroys the forest is capable of smashing the earthen vessels.
Rigveda 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)<ref>Rig Veda ([http://vedicheritage.gov.in/samhitas/rigveda/shakala-samhita/rigveda-shakala-samhita-mandal-10-sukta-080/ Mandala 1 Sukta 80])</ref></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.
=== सोमपा || Somapa ===
=== सोमपा || Somapa ===
Indra is also called सोमपा || Somapa (One who delights in drinking soma rasa). Soma is a considered as a tender plant from which the juice is extracted by many scholars, however many different versions about Soma exist in a broader sense. All plants, medicinal herbs and food are called Soma, and the energy obtained by the digestion of this food is called Soma as in Shatapatha Brahmana अन्नं वै सोमः |<ref name=":4" />
Indra is also called Somapa (One who delights in drinking soma rasa). Soma is a considered as a tender plant from which the juice is extracted by many scholars. However, many different versions about Soma exist in a broader sense. All plants, medicinal herbs and food are called Soma, and the energy obtained by the digestion of this food is called Soma as in Shatapatha Brahmana (अन्नं वै सोमः | annaṃ vai somaḥ |)<ref name=":4" />
=== मरुत्वान् || Marutvan ===
=== मरुत्वान् || Marutvan ===
Indra is called as Marutvan, meaning, मरुतो देवाः पालनीयत्वेन | maruto devāḥ pālanīyatvena | (Shabdakalpadhruma) because he rules the Marut devatas. Maruts are 49 in number and they are the children of Diti, the mother of Daityas. At the loss of her children in the war between devatas and asuras, Diti prays to her husband Kashyapa to grant her a son who can slay Indra, the son of Aditi. <blockquote>अकृत्वा पादयो: शौचं दिति: शयनमाविशत् | निद्रां चाहारयामास तस्या: कुक्षिं प्रविश्य स: ||३७ (Vish. Pura. Chap 21. 37)</blockquote><blockquote>वज्रपाणिर्महागर्भं चिच्छेदाथ स सप्तधा | सम्पीड्यमानो वज्रेण स रुरोदातिदारुणम् ||३८ (Vish. Pura. Chap 21. 38)</blockquote><blockquote>मा रोदीरिति तं शक्र: पुन:पुनरभाषत | सोऽभवत्सप्तधा गर्भस्तमिंद्र: कुपित: पुन: || ३९ (Vish. Pura. Chap 21. 39)</blockquote><blockquote>मरुतो नाम देवास्ते बभूवुरतिवेगिनः । यदुक्तं वै मघवता तेनैव मरुतोऽभवन् । देवा एकोनपञ्चासत् सहाया वज्रपाणिनः ।। ४० ।। (Vish. Pura. Chap 21. 40)</blockquote><blockquote>akṛtvā pādayo: śaucaṃ diti: śayanamāviśat | nidrāṃ cāhārayāmāsa tasyā: kukṣiṃ praviśya sa: ||37 (Vish. Pura. Chap 21. 37)</blockquote><blockquote>vajrapāṇirmahāgarbhaṃ cicchedātha sa saptadhā | sampīḍyamāno vajreṇa sa rurodātidāruṇam ||38 (Vish. Pura. Chap 21. 38)</blockquote><blockquote>mā rodīriti taṃ śakra: puna:punarabhāṣata | so'bhavatsaptadhā garbhastamiṃdra: kupita: puna: || 39 (Vish. Pura. Chap 21. 39)</blockquote><blockquote>maruto nāma devāste babhūvurativeginaḥ । yaduktaṃ vai maghavatā tenaiva maruto'bhavan । devā ekonapañcāsat sahāyā vajrapāṇinaḥ ।। 40 ।। (Vish. Pura. Chap 21. 40)</blockquote>This famous legend given in Vishnupurana (Part 1, Chap 21, Slokas 30 to 41<ref>Vishnupuranam ([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%AA%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%A5%E0%A4%AE%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%A8%E0%A5%A7 Prathama Amsha, Adhyaya 21])</ref>) recounts how Indra, goes to serve Diti, when she was pregnant with a son who is capable of killing him. Her hundred years of penance gets disturbed when she falls asleep without washing her feet. Taking this impious opportunity, Indra enters her womb and cuts the embryo within into seven pieces, with his Vajrayudha (वज्रायुधः). As the child began to cry, Indra asked it not to cry by saying "Maa Ruda" (मा रुद). So repeatedly saying he cuts each of them onto seven pieces, thus generating 49 pieces. Upon Diti's request of making them subservient to him, Indra refrains from destroying them. Thus, they are 49 Marut ganas, who became the assistants of Indra in the form of "vayuskanda" (वायुस्कन्धः) of Indra. This legend is also referred in Valmiki Ramayana (Balakanda, Sarga 66)<ref name=":5">Valmiki Ramayana ([http://valmikiramayan.net/utf8/baala/sarga47/bala_47_frame.htm Balakanda Sarga 66])</ref> Bhagavata Puraṇa (Skanda 6, Adhyaya 18 and 19),<ref>Shrimad Bhagavata Puranam ([https://sa.wikisource.org/wiki/%E0%A4%B6%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B0%E0%A5%80%E0%A4%AE%E0%A4%A6%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AD%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%97%E0%A4%B5%E0%A4%A4%E0%A4%AA%E0%A5%81%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%A3%E0%A4%AE%E0%A5%8D/%E0%A4%B8%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%95%E0%A4%A8%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%A7%E0%A4%83_%E0%A5%AC/%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%AE Skanda 6, Adhyaya 18])</ref> Matsya Puraṇa (Adhyaya 6.47<ref>Matsya Puranam ([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%AC Adhyaya 6 Sloka 47])</ref>).
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 ===
=== लोकपालकः || Lokapalaka ===
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 || (Rig. Veda. 2.12.2)</blockquote><blockquote>yaḥ parthivīṁ vyathamānāma dr̥ṁhad yaḥ parvatān prakupitām̐ aramṇāt | yō antarikṣaṁ vimamē varīyō yō dayāmastabhnāt sa janāsa indraḥ || (Rig. Veda. 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 ===
=== 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<ref name=":2" />. Indra fights many asuras namely, Vritra, Namuchi, Sushnaha, 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 हिमरिणा 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.
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.
=== गोत्रभित् || Gotrabhit ===
=== गोत्रभित् || Gotrabhit ===
According to Shabdakalpadruma, गोत्रभित् - गोत्रं पर्व्वतं भिनत्तीति ।<ref>Gotrabhit ([https://sa.wikisource.org/wiki/%E0%A4%B6%E0%A4%AC%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%A6%E0%A4%95%E0%A4%B2%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AA%E0%A4%A6%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B0%E0%A5%81%E0%A4%AE%E0%A4%83/%E0%A4%97%E0%A5%8B%E0%A4%A1%E0%A4%83 Shabdakalpadruma])</ref> means "one who destroys his own brothers (born in the same lineage) or mountains". In this context two legends related to Indra are applicable as a "mountain-breaker" and in the birth of Marutganas.
According to Shabdakalpadruma, गोत्रभित् - गोत्रं पर्व्वतं भिनत्तीति । gotraṃ parvvataṃ bhinattīti ।<ref>Gotrabhit ([https://sa.wikisource.org/wiki/%E0%A4%B6%E0%A4%AC%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%A6%E0%A4%95%E0%A4%B2%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AA%E0%A4%A6%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B0%E0%A5%81%E0%A4%AE%E0%A4%83/%E0%A4%97%E0%A5%8B%E0%A4%A1%E0%A4%83 Shabdakalpadruma])</ref> means "one who destroys his own brothers (born in the same lineage) or mountains". In this context, two legends related to Indra are applicable as a "mountain-breaker" and in the birth of Marutganas.
* 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 by breaking through the mountains of Vala. <blockquote>इन्द्रस्याङगिरसां चेष्टौ विदत् सरमा तनयाय धासिम् | बृहस्पतिर्भिनदद्रिं विदद् गाः समुस्रियाभिर्वावशन्त नरः || (Rig Veda 1.62.3)<ref>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%A7.%E0%A5%AC%E0%A5%A8 Mandala 1, Sukta 62])</ref></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.
* Indra is glorified for protecting the cows from the Panis with the help of Angirasa and [[Sarama (सरमा)|Sarama]] (सरमा). Rigveda mantra 2.12.3 describes that Indra brought the cows out by breaking through the mountains of Vala. <blockquote>इन्द्रस्याङगिरसां चेष्टौ विदत् सरमा तनयाय धासिम् | बृहस्पतिर्भिनदद्रिं विदद् गाः समुस्रियाभिर्वावशन्त नरः || (Rig Veda 1.62.3)<ref>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%A7.%E0%A5%AC%E0%A5%A8 Mandala 1, Sukta 62])</ref></blockquote><blockquote>indrasyāṅagirasāṁ cēṣṭau vidat saramā tanayāya dhāsim | br̥haspatirbhinadadriṁ vidad gāḥ samusriyābhirvāvaśanta naraḥ || (Rig Veda 1.62.3)</blockquote>Meaning: Indra and Angirasa rishi provided for the offspring of Sarama as desired and Brihaspati broke open the mountain and Sarama found the cows, bringing delight to people.
The story of [[Sarama and Pani Samvaada (सरमापणिसम्वादः)|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 [[Sarama Pani Samvada (सरमापणिसंवादः)|Gograhana]] or the stealing of cows by Panis is given in the Rigveda mantras of Mandala 10 (10.108.1 to 22).
* The legend of Marutganas is symbolic of how Indra controls the rain causing winds by using his Vajrayudha. The story about the origin of मरुद्गणाः || Marutganas (Maruts are Vaayu devatas of Cosmic Air divisions) has been given in Vayupurana (Vayu. Pura. Utta. 6.111), Vamanapurana and Ramayana (Bala. Kand. 47.1 to 7) among other texts.
* The legend of Marutganas is symbolic of how Indra controls the rain causing winds by using his Vajrayudha. The story about the origin of Marutganas (Maruts are Vayu devatas of Cosmic Air divisions) has been given in Vayu Purana (Vayu. Pura. Utta. 6.111), Vamana Purana and Ramayana (Bala. Kand. 47.1 to 7) among other texts.
<blockquote>एवं पुरा स्वानपि सोदरान् स गर्भस्थितानुज्जरितुं भयार्तः। बिभेद वज्रेण ततः स गोत्रभित् ख्यातो...(Vama. Pura. 71.42)<ref>Vamana Purana ([https://sa.wikisource.org/wiki/%E0%A4%B5%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%AE%E0%A4%A8%E0%A4%AA%E0%A5%81%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%A3%E0%A4%AE%E0%A5%8D/%E0%A4%8F%E0%A4%95%E0%A4%B8%E0%A4%AA%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%A4%E0%A4%A4%E0%A4%BF%E0%A4%A4%E0%A4%AE%E0%A5%8B%E0%A4%BD%E0%A4%A7%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%83 Adhyaya 71])</ref></blockquote>Meaning : Once he (Indra) fearing his brothers, he resorted to killing them, by cutting them with his Vajra and thus got the name of Gotrabhit.
<blockquote>एवं पुरा स्वानपि सोदरान् स गर्भस्थितानुज्जरितुं भयार्तः। बिभेद वज्रेण ततः स गोत्रभित् ख्यातो...(Vama. Pura. 71.42)<ref>Vamana Purana ([https://sa.wikisource.org/wiki/%E0%A4%B5%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%AE%E0%A4%A8%E0%A4%AA%E0%A5%81%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%A3%E0%A4%AE%E0%A5%8D/%E0%A4%8F%E0%A4%95%E0%A4%B8%E0%A4%AA%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%A4%E0%A4%A4%E0%A4%BF%E0%A4%A4%E0%A4%AE%E0%A5%8B%E0%A4%BD%E0%A4%A7%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%83 Adhyaya 71])</ref></blockquote><blockquote>evaṃ purā svānapi sodarān sa garbhasthitānujjarituṃ bhayārtaḥ। bibheda vajreṇa tataḥ sa gotrabhit khyāto...(Vama. Pura. 71.42)</blockquote>Meaning : Once he (Indra) fearing his brothers, he resorted to killing them, by cutting them with his Vajra and thus, got the name of Gotrabhit.
== इन्द्रदेवतास्वरुपम् || Indra Devata Svaroopa ==
== इन्द्रदेवतास्वरुपम् || Indra Devata Svaroopa ==