INDRA Millions of Indras serve the Lord. (Bhairo Kabir, p. 1163) Indra was ordered and it rained heavily. (Var Malar M. l, M. 3, p. 1281) One has to die ultimately in Indra Purt. (Gauri M. 5, p. 237) Indra received the punishment of one thousand marks of disgrace and vept. (Var Ramkali M. 3, Shalok M. l, p. 953) On seeing Ahalya, the wife of ascetic Gautama, Indra was allured. When a thousand marks of disgrace appeared on his body, he repented in his mind. (Prabhati M. l, p. 1344) Indra is the king of gods.
He carries his weapon of thunderbolt in his right hand. He is the god of atmosphere and dispenses rain. Many hymns are addressed to him in Vedas. The name of his wife Indrani is Sachi. His heaven is called Amaravati or Swarga. According to Mahabharata, he seduced Ahalya, the wife of the sage Gautama. In punishment he received one thousand marks of disgrace on his body, but on performance of austerities these marks were changed to eyes.
When Ravana invaded Indra and defeated him, he was carried off to Lanka by his son Meghanada, who received the title of Indra-jit. Brahma interceded on behalf of Indra for his release, but he was told that the punishment of defeat was for the seduction of Ahalya. Indra was the father of Arjuna by Kunti and for him, he is said to have cheated Kama of his divine coat of mail. In order to save his throne, he frequently sends celestial nymphs to excite the passions of holy men.
He appears in rivairy with Krishna, because Kristina stole the Parijata tree from his heaven (See VarAsa M. l, p. 470). Indra has a white horse and an elephant, which are said to have sprung out from the milk-ocean, when the same was churned by both gods and demons.
References :
1. Kohli, Surindar Singh (ed), Dictionary of Mythological References in Guru Granth Sahib, 1993
Indra is one of the most prominent deities in Hindu mythology, revered as the king of the gods (Devas) and the ruler of Svarga (the celestial realm). He is associated with thunder, lightning, rain, and storms and is often depicted as a powerful and dynamic figure riding his divine white elephant, Airavata, and wielding his mighty weapon, the Vajra (thunderbolt).
Role and Significance of Indra
- Lord of Rain and Storms: Indra is considered the god of rain and weather, essential for agriculture and sustaining life. He is invoked during prayers for rain and prosperity.
- Leader of the Devas: As the king of the Devas, Indra is portrayed as a protector of the cosmos and a defender of dharma (righteousness). He leads the gods in battles against the Asuras (demons) to maintain balance in the universe.
- Associated Texts: Indra is a central figure in the Rigveda, where he is the most frequently mentioned deity. His heroic exploits, especially his battle against the dragon Vritra, are celebrated in Vedic hymns. In this story, Indra slays Vritra, who had imprisoned the waters of the world, thereby liberating the rivers and restoring life.
- Symbol of Power and Virility: Indra represents strength, courage, and vitality. He is often depicted as a warrior deity, embodying the ideals of heroism and might. Legends and Stories
- Battle with Vritra: Indra’s defeat of the serpent-demon Vritra is his most famous mythological feat. This victory symbolizes the release of life-sustaining waters and the triumph of order over chaos.
- The Birth of Trishanku’s Heaven: Indra’s role as the guardian of celestial order is highlighted in the story of King Trishanku, whom Indra initially opposed ascending to heaven with his mortal body. Sage Vishwamitra intervened, creating a new realm for Trishanku, demonstrating Indra’s commitment to maintaining cosmic order.
- Humility and Lessons: Indra is also portrayed as a flawed figure in many later texts, such as the Puranas. His indulgence and arrogance often lead to situations where he must learn humility, showing that even the greatest powers are not immune to flaws. Symbolism of Indra
Indra’s character is symbolic of the natural and cosmic forces that sustain life. His strength and thunderous presence embody the raw energy of nature, while his battles against evil represent the constant struggle to maintain harmony in the universe. Indra is also a reminder of the impermanence of power and the importance of humility.
Indra’s legacy in Hindu mythology is vast, ranging from his prominence in Vedic literature to his complex role in later epics and Puranic stories. His figure remains a fascinating combination of divinity, humanity, and cosmic responsibility.
