Indra
Indra (Devanagari: इन्द्र) also known as Śakra, is the supreme God in Vedism and a prominent deity in modern Hinduism, venerated as the king of the gods and associated with war, thunderstorms, sovereignty, energy, and heaven.[1] In the time of the Vedas, many verses (hymns) are there in his praise in the Rigveda, as 250 chants out of 1028 chants specifically. The Rigveda praises him as the most powerful and highest god. Many Hindu scriptures tell about Indra, his character, and his deeds; though his character has gone through changes in post-Vedic scriptures.
Indra resides in a mythical city located above in the sky. The city’s name is Amaravati. He lives there with his wife named Shachi, and several other smaller gods and goddesses. There are many apsaras and gandharvas with other deities in Amaravati.
Indra was a very important god during the Vedic period. Later his importance became less as gods like Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva became more important in Hinduism.
Indra in the current form of Hindu mythology, is similar to that of Zeus in Greek mythology. Though his importance has come down, he is still considered to be the king of the gods. His status is below that of Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva now. Thus, he has become the king of the lesser gods.
His weapon is the Vajra, which is the thunderbolt used to slay the serpent demon Vritra. In the Vedas, Indra is described as heroic, virtuous, compassionate, righteous, yet aggressive and powerful; but in post-Vedic stories, his means, at times, are often treacherous and he is shown as, at times, jealous, and vengeful. Further, he is made to suffer his own bad deeds.
Indra Media
Indra on his elephant, guarding the entrance of the 1st century BCE Buddhist Cave 19 at Bhaja Caves (Maharashtra).
Banteay Srei temple's pediment carvings depict Indra mounted on Airavata, Cambodia, c. 10th century.
Modern depiction of Indra, Old Kalyan Print.
Painting of Indra on his elephant mount, Airavata, c. 1820.
Buddhist relief from Loriyan Tangai, showing Indra paying homage to the Buddha at the Indrasala Cave, 2nd century CE, Gandhara.
Many official seals in southeast Asia feature Indra. Above: seal of Bangkok, Thailand.
Bimaran casket: the Buddha (middle) is flanked by Brahma (left) and Indra, in one of the earliest Buddhist depictions (1st century CE).
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References
- ↑ Perry, Edward Delavan. Indra in the Rig-Veda. Journal of the American Oriental Society 11 (1885). p. 121. doi:10.2307/592191. Retrieved 12 July 2012.
- Masson-Oursel, P.; Morin, Louise (1976). "Indian Mythology." In New Larousse Encyclopedia of Mythology, pp. 325–359. New York: The Hamlyn Publishing Group.
- Janda, M., Eleusis, das indogermanische Erbe der Mysterien (1998).
- http://www.magellanexperiences.com/tirta_empul_temple.htm Archived 2009-05-15 at the Wayback Machine
Other websites
- Indra, the Storm-god - by Benjamin Slade
- Encyclopaedia Britannica, Indra
- Indra according to Vedic literature