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Vrttrasura (Samskrit : वृत्रासुरः) the son of Tvastr Prajapati, is an important asuric force about whom mantras are mentioned extensively in the Rig Veda.  Indra, slays Vrttra with his Vajraayudha and is greatly praised for his valor and deeds in many suktas of Rig Veda. Indra as a lokapalaka and devaloka rakshaka plays a very important role in protection of Dharma and its followers such as other devatas, rishis and pious people. It is to be noted here that Vrttra came into being with the sole aim of killing Indra.  

Vrttrasura (Samskrit : वृत्रासुरः) the son of Tvastr Prajapati, is an important asuric force about whom mantras are mentioned extensively in the Rig Veda.  Indra, slays Vrttra with his Vajraayudha and is greatly praised for his valor and deeds in many suktas of Rig Veda. Indra as a lokapalaka and devaloka rakshaka plays a very important role in protection of Dharma and its followers such as other devatas, rishis and pious people. It is to be noted here that Vrttra came into being with the sole aim of killing Indra.  

== Introduction ==

== Introduction ==

The most important work of Indra is to stop those energies and powers which are against the flow of life or creation. There is no other personality who is given more importance than Vrttra in the Vedas and there is no other symbolic story as is Vrttraasura vadha or killing of Vrttra.

The most important work of Indra is to stop those energies and powers which are against the flow of life or creation. There is no other personality who is given more importance than Vrttra in the Vedas and there is no other symbolic story as is Vrttraasura vadha or killing of Vrttra.

Vedas describe a continuous battle between  Asuras (demons) and suras (devas).  Every moments result of the battle decides whether there will be flow of life or a regression. There are varieties in the asuric powers or asuric energy. Amongst them Vritra is most important.  

Vedas describe a continuous battle between  Asuras (demons) and suras (devas).  Every moments result of the battle decides whether there will be flow of life or a regression. There are varieties in the asuric powers or asuric energy. Amongst them Vritra is most important.  

== Etymology ==

== Etymology ==

Vritra has been defined by Yaska as follows  <blockquote>तत्को वृत्रः। मेघ इति नैरुक्ताः । त्वाष्ट्रोऽसुर इत्यैतिहासिकाः । अपां च ज्योतिषश्च मिश्रीभावकर्मणो वर्षकर्म जायते । तत्रोपमार्थेन युद्धवर्णा भवन्ति । (Nirukta 2.16)</blockquote><blockquote>tatkō vr̥traḥ। mēgha iti nairuktāḥ । tvāṣṭrō'sura ityaitihāsikāḥ । apāṁ ca jyōtiṣaśca miśrībhāvakarmaṇō varṣakarma jāyatē । tatrōpamārthēna yuddhavarṇā bhavanti । (Nirukta 2.16)</blockquote>Meaning : Nirukta defines Vrttra as the cloud, which is a water body. From the historical perspective Vrttra is Tvaashtra (the son of Tvashtra). A combination of water and lightning (electricity) gives rise to the process of rain and this process is used as a simili to describe a war.  

Vritra has been defined by Yaska as follows  <blockquote>तत्को वृत्रः। मेघ इति नैरुक्ताः । त्वाष्ट्रोऽसुर इत्यैतिहासिकाः । अपां च ज्योतिषश्च मिश्रीभावकर्मणो वर्षकर्म जायते । तत्रोपमार्थेन युद्धवर्णा भवन्ति । (Nirukta 2.16)</blockquote><blockquote>tatkō vr̥traḥ। mēgha iti nairuktāḥ । tvāṣṭrō'sura ityaitihāsikāḥ । apāṁ ca jyōtiṣaśca miśrībhāvakarmaṇō varṣakarma jāyatē । tatrōpamārthēna yuddhavarṇā bhavanti । (Nirukta 2.16)</blockquote>Meaning : Nirukta defines Vrttra as the cloud, which is a water body. From the historical perspective Vrttra is Tvaashtra (the son of Tvashtra). A combination of water and lightning (electricity) gives rise to the process of rain and this process is used as a simili to describe a war.  

== Symbolism of Vrttra and Indra Battle ==

== Symbolism of Vrttra and Indra Battle ==

In Taitreya Samhita and Satapata Brahamana the fight between Indra and Vritra and the cause and the consequences of the have been described.   

In Taitreya Samhita and Satapata Brahamana the fight between Indra and Vritra and the cause and the consequences of the have been described.   

Indra is most amazing power and energy assuming different kinds of forms for the sake of well-being of the universe, is an aspect mentioned in many places of the Vedas. Therefore the battle between Indra and Vritra is symbolically very significant and has to be seen from this perspective and not a historic view.

Indra is most amazing power and energy assuming different kinds of forms for the sake of well-being of the universe, is an aspect mentioned in many places of the Vedas. Therefore the battle between Indra and Vritra is symbolically very significant and has to be seen from this perspective and not a historic view.

== Vrttrasura Vadha as in Taitreya Samhita ==

== Vrttrasura Vadha as in Taitreya Samhita ==

In '''Taitreya Samhita 2.4.1 (cant find the same description in this reference)'''  the story is mentioned in this way: Trashtra prajapathi had a son named Vishwarupa. Once the purohit of the devathas: Brihaspati, being angry, he left his priestly work and so the devathas invited Vishwarupa as their priest and Vishwarupa had some inclination towards the demons. Therefore without the devathas noticing, he would offer some of the oblations to the asuras, which was arranged by, devas.  

In '''Taitreya Samhita 2.4.1 (cant find the same description in this reference)'''  the story is mentioned in this way: Trashtra prajapathi had a son named Vishwarupa. Once the purohit of the devathas: Brihaspati, being angry, he left his priestly work and so the devathas invited Vishwarupa as their priest and Vishwarupa had some inclination towards the demons. Therefore without the devathas noticing, he would offer some of the oblations to the asuras, which was arranged by, devas.  

Instantly, Vritra was born. Indra by knowing that-- if the Yajna gets complete and if he stays there and devathas would be defeated by Vritra forever, Indra he disappeared from that place meanwhile Vritra started growing like the bow or the as the arrow leaves, he started growing to such an extent and started covering the entire universe. ishumatra mishumatra avardhatha sa vishwajana iman lokan avranoth lokan yadiman avranoth tadvra trasya vritratvam that means Vrithra means one who getows or in circles. This meaning has come in Vedas.  

Instantly, Vritra was born. Indra by knowing that-- if the Yajna gets complete and if he stays there and devathas would be defeated by Vritra forever, Indra he disappeared from that place meanwhile Vritra started growing like the bow or the as the arrow leaves, he started growing to such an extent and started covering the entire universe. ishumatra mishumatra avardhatha sa vishwajana iman lokan avranoth lokan yadiman avranoth tadvra trasya vritratvam that means Vrithra means one who getows or in circles. This meaning has come in Vedas.  

Indra seeing this got afraid. He was finding some means and ways to control Vritra. Meanwhile Vritra’s father, Trashtra became repentant and became fearful and he gave a special thunderbolt and made it powerful by invoking certain mantras and offered it to Indra. 

Indra seeing this got afraid. He was finding some means and ways to control Vritra. Meanwhile Vritra’s father, Trashtra became repentant and became fearful and he gave a special thunderbolt and made it powerful by invoking certain mantras and offered it to Indra. 

Vedas describe Vajrayudha as "tapovysa vajra asit" meaning "tapasaya itself is the Vajrayudha (thunderbolt).  

Vedas describe Vajrayudha as "tapovysa vajra asit" meaning "tapasaya itself is the Vajrayudha (thunderbolt).  

Indra could not lift Vajrayudha and prayed to Visnu. Mahavisnu pleased with Indra's prayer, divided himself into 3 parts: Vishnu tridha atmaanam. It indicates the trivikrama tattva of the lord. One third part of Vishnu's energy was placed in the earth,  another one third in devaloka and the last third was placed in the Antariksha or Space. Indra then merged himself with Visnu's energy of prithvi and with that strength was able to lift the vajrayudha. 

Indra could not lift Vajrayudha and prayed to Visnu.  

 

 

Mahavisnu pleased with Indra's prayer, divided himself into 3 parts:Vishnu tridha atmaanam. It indicates the trivikrama tattva of the lord. One third part of Vishnu's energy was placed in the earth,  another one third in devaloka and the last third was placed in the Antariksha or Space.  

 

 

 

Indra then merged himself with Visnu's energy of prithvi and with that strength was able to lift the vajrayudha. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

yanma pravishya kim ma bhunja itya bravith   

Seeing this Vrttra removed himself from the earth and continued the battle in space and in heavenly planets. Indra with the blessing of Mahavishnu then defeated Vritra who entered into a truce with indra, Vritrasura said allow me to enter into your body. tvame va pravishami Indra asked him what will you do with me? Will you eat me? yanma pravishya kim ma bhunja itya bravith that time Vritra said, not like that, I’ll become the fire in our belly jataragni and I’ll be favorable to you and for your pleasure to help you digest grain and will continue to render service to you  

that time Vritra said, not like that, I’ll become the fire in our belly jataragni and I’ll be favorable to you and for your pleasure to help you digest grain and will continue to render service to you  

In this way when Vritra entered into the body of Indra he extended himself and stayed in the bodies of all living entities and he stays in the form of hunger and keeps on troubling them and in this way because Vritra is staying in the belly of human being, and that hunger itself is Vritraha. He is called: brathravya and those who understand this, they will conquer hunger certainly. That’s what Vedas offer benefits.  

In this way when Vritra entered into the body of Indra he extended himself and stayed in the bodies of all living entities and he stays in the form of hunger and keeps on troubling them and in this way because Vritra is staying in the belly of human being, and that hunger itself is Vritraha. He is called: brathravya and those who understand this, they will conquer hunger certainly. That’s what Vedas offer benefits.  

वा आ॑र॒ण्यमि॑न्द्रि॒यमे॒वाऽऽत्मन् ध॑त्ते॒ यदनाश्वानुप॒वसे॒त् क्षोधु॑कः स्या॒द्यद॑श्ञी॒याद्रु॒द्रोऽस्य प॒शून॒भिम॑न्येता॒पोऽश्ञाति॒ तन्नेवा॑शि॒तं नेवान॑शितं॒ न क्षोधु॑को॒ भव॑ति॒ नास्य॑ रु॒द्रः प॒शून॒भि म॑न्यते॒ वज्रो॒ वै य॒ज्ञः क्षुत्खलु॒ वै म॑नु॒ष्य॑स्य॒ भ्रातृ॑व्यो॒ यदनाश्वानुप॒वस॑ति॒ वज्रे॑णै॒व सा॒क्षात्क्षुधं॒ भ्रातृ॑व्यँ् हन्ति ।। (Taittriya Samhita 1.4.1.4 (Arsheya System) Kandam 1 (Prajapatya) , Vishya 4 (Yajamana Brahmanam), Anuvaka 1, Panchati 4)  

ए॒वं वेद॒ हन्ति॒ ख्षुध॒म्भ्रातृ॑व्य॒न्तद॑स्मै॒ प्राय॑च्छ॒त्तत्प्रत्य॑गृह्णा॒त्त्रिर्मा॑धा॒ इति॒ तद्विष्ण॒वेति॒ [42] (Arsheya system 4.5.36.7 and Saraswat System 1.2.4.12.7)  

vritraha pravishath udaram vy vritaha shuth khalu vai manushyasya brathravyo ya ya evam vedahanthi kshudam brathavyam  

ya evam vedahanthi kshudam brathavyam  

In this way because accepting 3 times, the valor of Vritra through Indra, Vsnu is called Tridatu.  

In this way because accepting 3 times, the valor of Vritra through Indra, Vsnu is called Tridatu.  

indrasya yajna yajja satha In the Vsnu Sukta, part of Rk Samhita Sri Sayana Acarya he gives Taitreya Samhita as the example: the Rk Bhaga is 1.22.19 

indrasya yajna yajja satha In the Vsnu Sukta, part of Rk Samhita Sri Sayana Acarya he gives Taitreya Samhita as the example: the Rk Bhaga is 1.22.19 

== Some Explanation or Esoteric Meaning ==

== Some Explanation or Esoteric Meaning ==

There are many points here to be observed Vritra was not killed here but he was given a place in every living entity: hunger. There is an important and a very interesting understanding here. There is a concept of eternal reality here. Therefore the disturbance to the living entity is an eternal experience in this world, symbolically, hunger is the sign of dissatisfaction. Gita explains Kama esa krodha esa rajo guna samudbava mahasano mahapapma viddhy enam iha vairinam 3.37

There are many points here to be observed Vritra was not killed here but he was given a place in every living entity: hunger. There is an important and a very interesting understanding here. There is a concept of eternal reality here. Therefore the disturbance to the living entity is an eternal experience in this world, symbolically, hunger is the sign of dissatisfaction. Gita explains Kama esa krodha esa rajo guna samudbava mahasano mahapapma viddhy enam iha vairinam 3.37

== The hunger which is in the form of kama and krodha ==

== The hunger which is in the form of kama and krodha ==

Lust and anger is insatiable hunger. In the 16th chapter of Bhagavad Gita it is explained: Kamam asritha duspuram and duspurena analenaca repeatedly the kama is compared to the inexhaustible fire. Those who are very much hungry it is said that there is a ghost sitting in them. It’s a village way of saying. Here Vritra is such ghost who is in the belly  . Such ghost had affected Indra. This is explained in the Ramayana shudda chaiva sahasrakham brahma hatya samavishat Bala Kanda 14.15.  

Lust and anger is insatiable hunger. In the 16th chapter of Bhagavad Gita it is explained: Kamam asritha duspuram and duspurena analenaca repeatedly the kama is compared to the inexhaustible fire. Those who are very much hungry it is said that there is a ghost sitting in them. It’s a village way of saying. Here Vritra is such ghost who is in the belly  . Such ghost had affected Indra. This is explained in the Ramayana shudda chaiva sahasrakham brahma hatya samavishat Bala Kanda 14.15.  

In this way Vritra is called vranothervan vartathervan, vardadervan on who walks by creating circles, who is always existing, who always grows. In that sense, he is the eternal enemy: kama, krodha and personification of sins. That is how Vedas define. But those who still doubt, can read the verse from Srimad Bhagavatham 6.9.18 yenāvṛtā ime lokās tapasā tvāṣṭra-mūrtinā sa vai vṛtra iti proktaḥ pāpaḥ parama-dāruṇaḥone who is in dark form or form of ignorance, darkness, from that Trastra covers the 3 planets, personification of sin, the most destructive power is called Vritraha.

In this way Vritra is called vranothervan vartathervan, vardadervan on who walks by creating circles, who is always existing, who always grows. In that sense, he is the eternal enemy: kama, krodha and personification of sins. That is how Vedas define. But those who still doubt, can read the verse from Srimad Bhagavatham 6.9.18 yenāvṛtā ime lokās tapasā tvāṣṭra-mūrtinā sa vai vṛtra iti proktaḥ pāpaḥ parama-dāruṇaḥone who is in dark form or form of ignorance, darkness, from that Trastra covers the 3 planets, personification of sin, the most destructive power is called Vritraha.

== Vritra’s deeper description ==

== Vritra’s deeper description ==

the Vedas explain or describe Vritra in this way  

the Vedas explain or describe Vritra in this way  

athrushnavantham viyatham buddimanam sushupanam indra sapta prati pravatha sayana mahim vajrena virihena aparvanan Rk Samhita 4.19.10 '''(It is 4.19.3)'''  

athrushnavantham viyatham buddimanam sushupanam indra sapta prati pravatha sayana mahim vajrena virihena aparvanan Rk Samhita 4.19.10 '''(It is 4.19.3)'''

Vrita is called as having a very bulky body and he is but not very powerful, personification of dissatisfaction, unconscious, but doesn’t not recognize that. He sleeps in a way that that sapta sindus can’t flow, he is shaped in a snake form.  Such Vritra is killed by Indra with his thunderbolt, on the day of full moon light. Vedas describe the death of Vritra in many places.  

Vrita is called as having a very bulky body and he is but not very powerful, personification of dissatisfaction, unconscious, but doesn’t not recognize that. He sleeps in a way that that sapta sindus can’t flow, he is shaped in a snake form.  Such Vritra is killed by Indra with his thunderbolt, on the day of full moon light. Vedas describe the death of Vritra in many places.  

Samudra has been defined by Yaska Niruktha 12.10 has one of the sixteen meanings of antariksha is samudravanthi aspath apaha samudra samabhidravanthi enam apaha sa vodanthe asmin bhutani samudako bhavathi samono uthyathi va that means water is created and everything is flowing towards water. Every living entity is happy then water enters there and water is making everything wet and this one the ocean that is described here is different from the oceans of the earthly planet. Therefore one of the most important work of Vritra is to stop water flow and that means to stop flow of life. That’s symbolic meaning and therefore to control him and restrict him, that’s the main duty of the devathas or Indra specifically. In this work, the Marut devathas helped Indra. This is explained in Aitreya Brahamana 3.20 similarly in many places the Vedas glorify this. The help of Vsnu is described in previous verses and many devathas have invested their energies in Indra and that’s what is explained

Samudra has been defined by Yaska Niruktha 12.10 has one of the sixteen meanings of antariksha is samudravanthi aspath apaha samudra samabhidravanthi enam apaha sa vodanthe asmin bhutani samudako bhavathi samono uthyathi va that means water is created and everything is flowing towards water. Every living entity is happy then water enters there and water is making everything wet and this one the ocean that is described here is different from the oceans of the earthly planet. Therefore one of the most important work of Vritra is to stop water flow and that means to stop flow of life. That’s symbolic meaning and therefore to control him and restrict him, that’s the main duty of the devathas or Indra specifically. In this work, the Marut devathas helped Indra. This is explained in Aitreya Brahamana 3.20 similarly in many places the Vedas glorify this. The help of Vsnu is described in previous verses and many devathas have invested their energies in Indra and that’s what is explained

== Soma and Agni in Vrita’s face ==

== Soma and Agni in Vrita’s face ==

Let’s describe more the killing of Vritra. Taitreya Samhita 2.5.2 explains, Trashtra prajapathi wanted a son who would kill Indra but because of some change in pronunciation, Vritra was born to be killed by Indra. This we discussed previously. One who was growing like a big sized bow, his own father supported his killing. Indra took the shelter of Prajapathi. He took blessings from him and after making the most powerful thunderbolt, he came to fight Vritra and when Vritra was facing Indra, there were 2 devaths: Agni and Soma. They prayed: Oh Indra please do not kill him because he is our residence. For this Indra said, you are mine and you should give up your different facets and come to me and I kill everyone. Everyone was offering havirbhava and yajna havribhaa was offered. Instead of thanking him they asked for some share in yajnas and Indra, he offered ekadasaka pala havirbhava on the day of paurnamasa by visualizing in the yajna. Then they couldn’t come out of the jaws, they prayed oh Indra, we have been caught in the jaws of Vritrasura, we cannot save ourselves and then Indra because of his sankalpa: resolve, he created a fever which was very cold in nature. Vritra being sick due to the fever and very exhausted and yawned very loudly and Agni and Soma suddenly they came out,  suddenly Vritra’s prana and apana they gave up on him. Here Vritra’s life air is considered as pranovau dakshopanaha krituhu he is called daksha and the apana is called krituhu. daksha is expert in work. Krutu: deha samarthya. Therefore those who have lost the power of action and lack of physical strength, he is considered as dead like Vritra. Whenever performing yajna and if there is disturbance in any part of the body and if yawning happens it is called mayi daksho krito this mantra should be chanted. But one who understand this secret he doesn’t experience sheeta jvara-- cold fever. In this way Agni and Soma went inside the body of Vritra and came out. When Vritra was not willing to be killed, Indra came to kill him.

Let’s describe more the killing of Vritra. Taitreya Samhita 2.5.2 explains, Trashtra prajapathi wanted a son who would kill Indra but because of some change in pronunciation, Vritra was born to be killed by Indra. This we discussed previously. One who was growing like a big sized bow, his own father supported his killing. Indra took the shelter of Prajapathi. He took blessings from him and after making the most powerful thunderbolt, he came to fight Vritra and when Vritra was facing Indra, there were 2 devaths: Agni and Soma. They prayed: Oh Indra please do not kill him because he is our residence. For this Indra said, you are mine and you should give up your different facets and come to me and I kill everyone. Everyone was offering havirbhava and yajna havribhaa was offered. Instead of thanking him they asked for some share in yajnas and Indra, he offered ekadasaka pala havirbhava on the day of paurnamasa by visualizing in the yajna. Then they couldn’t come out of the jaws, they prayed oh Indra, we have been caught in the jaws of Vritrasura, we cannot save ourselves and then Indra because of his sankalpa: resolve, he created a fever which was very cold in nature. Vritra being sick due to the fever and very exhausted and yawned very loudly and Agni and Soma suddenly they came out,  suddenly Vritra’s prana and apana they gave up on him. Here Vritra’s life air is considered as pranovau dakshopanaha krituhu he is called daksha and the apana is called krituhu. daksha is expert in work. Krutu: deha samarthya. Therefore those who have lost the power of action and lack of physical strength, he is considered as dead like Vritra. Whenever performing yajna and if there is disturbance in any part of the body and if yawning happens it is called mayi daksho krito this mantra should be chanted. But one who understand this secret he doesn’t experience sheeta jvara-- cold fever. In this way Agni and Soma went inside the body of Vritra and came out. When Vritra was not willing to be killed, Indra came to kill him.

== In the clutches of Vritra, Dyava and Prithvi ==

== In the clutches of Vritra, Dyava and Prithvi ==

At that time Dyava and Prithvi they stopped him and explained, don’t kill him because he has covered the entire planetary system from bhumi to dyu loka. If you kill him, it’s like killing us as he took our shelter. And Indra did not agree. That time dyava and prithvi asked for benediction. Dyava requested that he should always stay with the stars and bhumi devi said I should stay with reptiles, birds, animals, lata, gulma, rivers, mountains and so many colorful items should be always available. Indra agreed to their proposals and killed Vritra on a full moon light. Vritra vadhi happens on full moon. Therefore full moon light is called vartaagni. That means the darkness which is covered that enemy has to be killed. That’s the import.

At that time Dyava and Prithvi they stopped him and explained, don’t kill him because he has covered the entire planetary system from bhumi to dyu loka. If you kill him, it’s like killing us as he took our shelter. And Indra did not agree. That time dyava and prithvi asked for benediction. Dyava requested that he should always stay with the stars and bhumi devi said I should stay with reptiles, birds, animals, lata, gulma, rivers, mountains and so many colorful items should be always available. Indra agreed to their proposals and killed Vritra on a full moon light. Vritra vadhi happens on full moon. Therefore full moon light is called vartaagni. That means the darkness which is covered that enemy has to be killed. That’s the import.

== The teja of the devathas from Vritra’s body brought by the Cows ==

== The teja of the devathas from Vritra’s body brought by the Cows ==

Then after Indra addressed Agni and Soma, he said that just like in the past you should bring havya in the yajna for us. They said, since we are stuck in the jaws of Vritra, we have lost our teja--brightness. Till we get it back, we can’t get your oblation or havishya. That time the devathas sent the gomatha to bring the teja. Because it is said gauravau sarvasya mitramiti cow is a friend of everybody, the cow agreed upon this and asked for a benediction: If she could bring the teja from the body of Vritra then what ever comes from her: the milk, ghee in that let there be the power of devathas and Indra agreed upon this and in this way the teja of Agnis in the ghee and soma’s teja in the milk and in the other ingredients, the power of devathas is hidden. This is explained by Sruthi very interestingly.

Then after Indra addressed Agni and Soma, he said that just like in the past you should bring havya in the yajna for us. They said, since we are stuck in the jaws of Vritra, we have lost our teja--brightness. Till we get it back, we can’t get your oblation or havishya. That time the devathas sent the gomatha to bring the teja. Because it is said gauravau sarvasya mitramiti cow is a friend of everybody, the cow agreed upon this and asked for a benediction: If she could bring the teja from the body of Vritra then what ever comes from her: the milk, ghee in that let there be the power of devathas and Indra agreed upon this and in this way the teja of Agnis in the ghee and soma’s teja in the milk and in the other ingredients, the power of devathas is hidden. This is explained by Sruthi very interestingly.