Hindu - Indra

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Indra

King of the Gods, Lord of Heaven and Thunder

Indra is the king of the devas and lord of Svarga (heaven), wielding the vajra (thunderbolt) and commanding the rain and storms. A mighty warrior who defeated the demon Vritra to release the cosmic waters, Indra represents kingship, martial prowess, and the power of the storm.

Attributes & Domains

Titles

Shakra (Mighty One), Devendra (Lord of Gods), Vajrapani (Wielder of Vajra), Meghavahana (Rider of Clouds)

Domains

Thunder, Lightning, Rain, War, Heaven, Kingship

Symbols

Vajra (thunderbolt weapon), Bow and arrows, Rainbow

Sacred Animals

Airavata (white multi-tusked elephant)

Colors

Gold, White (representing lightning and clouds)

Mythology & Stories

Indra is one of the most prominent deities in the Vedas, where he is celebrated as the supreme warrior god. He rules over Svarga, the heaven realm, from his palace Amaravati. His most famous exploit is the slaying of Vritra, a serpent-demon who had imprisoned the cosmic waters, bringing drought to the world.

Key Myths:

Slaying of Vritra: When the demon Vritra enclosed the waters of the world, causing terrible drought, Indra consumed vast amounts of soma (divine nectar) to empower himself. With his vajra crafted by Tvashtri, he struck down Vritra and released the waters, making him the cosmic victor and savior of the world.
The Thousand Eyes: After committing brahmahatya (killing a brahmin - referring to Vritra who was technically the son of a sage), Indra was cursed. His body became covered with a thousand eyes as a mark of his sin, though later these were transformed into beautiful eyes across his body.
Humbled by Krishna: In later mythology, when Indra sent torrential rains to punish the people of Vrindavan for worshipping Krishna instead of him, young Krishna lifted Mount Govardhan on his little finger for seven days to shelter them, teaching Indra humility.

Sources: Rigveda, Atharvaveda, Mahabharata, Ramayana, Puranas

Relationships

Family

Parents: Son of Dyaus (Sky Father) and Prithvi (Earth Mother) in some accounts; son of Aditi in others
Consort: Shachi (also called Indrani), goddess of jealousy and beauty
Children: Jayanta (warrior son), Jayanti (daughter), Chitragupta (recorder of karma in some traditions)

Allies & Dynamics

Allies: The Devas, Agni (fire god), Vayu (wind god), Maruts (storm gods who are his companions)
Enemies: Asuras (demons), especially Vritra, and later demons who challenge his authority
Complex Relationship: Sometimes appears prideful and jealous in later epics, contrasting with his heroic Vedic portrayal

Worship & Rituals

Sacred Sites

Indra has fewer dedicated temples in modern Hinduism compared to his prominence in Vedic times, though he remains important in ritual contexts.

Offerings

Soma (sacred drink), ghee, offerings to fire (through Agni as intermediary)

Prayers & Invocations

Many hymns in the Rigveda are dedicated to Indra, praising his strength and victory over Vritra. He is invoked for protection, victory in battle, and bringing rain.