Antecedents: Vishnu – Brahma – Marichi – Kashyapa – Indra.
The twelve sons born to Kashyapa and Daksha’s daughter Aditi, are called Adityas. They are Dhata, Mitra, Aaryama, Rudra, Varuna, Surya, Bhaga, Vivasvan, Poosha, Savita, Twashta, Vishnu. In addition, Aditi had 21 children. The eldest of the 33 is Indra, as per Mahabharata Adiparva Chapter 65 verses 9-15. Indra was the lord of the devas. His elephant was Airavata, his horse was Uchaishravas and his weapon was Vajra as per Agnipurana Chapter 51 and Mahabharata Adiparva Chapter 18.
Kashyapa’s sons with Vinata were Garuda and Aruna and with Kadru, his children were the nagas. Kadru and her children managed to make Vinata and Garuda their slaves, and agreed to free them if Garuda brought her amrit from devaloka. Once Kadru and her children asked Garuda to carry them to an island in the middle of the ocean. Garuda took them on his shoulders and flew high. The nagas were burnt by the sun and fell unconscious. As per Mahabharata Adiparva Chapter 25 verses 7-17, Indra made it rain. They finally reached the island. Garuda decided to get the amrit from devaloka and free himself and his mother. He acted on that and an enraged Indra flung the vajra at him. But Garuda just expanded his wings so that he was unhurt. Indra was amazed and seeing his dazzling feathers, named him Suparna and gave him the amrit as per Mahabharata Adiparva Chapter 32 verses 18-25.
See Tilottama for the story of how Indra got a 1000 eyes.
Pandu’s wife Kunti got 5 boons from Durvasa for producing sons. She used the first one on Surya while she was unmarried, and after her marriage used three to get sons from Dharma, Vayu and Indra. The fifth boon she gave to Pandu’s other wife Madri. The son born to Kunti through Indra was Arjuna as per Mahabharata Adiparva Chapter 123. See Khandavadaha for a duel between Indra and Arjuna.
During the Pandavas’ exile, Arjuna went to Kailash to pray to Shiva. On the way Indra appeared before him and blessed him as per Mahabharata Vanaparva Chapter 41 verses 15-16. Also, during the exile, Indra gave Chitrasena, a gandharva, as Arjuna’s aide when he visited devaloka. Chitrasena taught Arjuna music and dance as per Mahabharata Aranyaparva Chapter 44 verse 9. There, Urvashi, acting on Indra’s orders, tried to seduce Arjuna. But he was reluctant and Urvashi cursed him to become an eunuch. But Indra said that the curse would be deferred and that it would be useful later in the exile. Indra also used Chitrasena to test Arjuna’s willpower as per Mahabharata Aranyaparva Chapter 44-45.
During the Mahabharata war, Indra appeared before Karna in the guise of a brahmin and begged for his armor and earrings, as per Mahabharata Aranyaparva Chapter 310.
Once, the Kalakeyas and many other asuras, under the leadership of Vritra, surrounded the devas. A fierce fight ensued and Indra was rendered unconscious by Vritra’s arrows. Vasishta revived him. The devas, seeing no way to combat Vritra, approached Vishnu. Vishnu said that Vritra could be killed only with the bones of a sage named Dadhichi. The devas approached Dadhichi who obliged. Indra made the vajra from the bones and killed Vritra as per Mahabharata Vanaparva Chapter 101 verse 14-15 and Shantiparva Chapter 281 verses 13-21. But this earned Indra a brahmahatya curse. To rid Indra of this, the sages and devas bathed him in the Sarayu. This place came to be known as Malada or Karusha as per Ramayana Balakanda Sarga 24. See Vritra for more details.
Indra refused soma to the Ashwinis, who left devaloka dejected. They saw Chyavana’s wife Sukanya while they were wandering through the forest. Sukanya was extremely beautiful. They said that she was worthy of a husband better than old Chyavana, and she could marry either of them. Sukanya didn’t agree and the Ashwinis, pleased by her devotion made Chyavana young again. A grateful Chyavana agreed to get them the soma. He conducted a yajna that all the devas attended. Indra argued that the Ashwinis should not be given soma but Chyavana debated it until Indra had to relent, as per Mahabharata Vanaparva Chapter 124 verse 14, Anushasanaparva Chapter 156 verses 16-31.
Indra’s brother Twashta did not agree with many of his actions. To teach him virtues, he created a son called Vishwarupa. Vishwarupa had three faces and was also called Trishiras. He used one face to recite the vedas, the second for drinking soma and the third to watch the world. He started to meditate and though Indra was scared and sent apsaras to distract him, it didn’t work. In the end, Indra mounted the Airavata, went to the forests and killed him with the vajra. He was so angry that he got a carpenter to chop off all three faces of Trishiras. From then on, he ensured that a carpenter got the head of the sacrificial cow during yajnas. Twashta was enraged by the killing of Trishiras and created another son Vritra to avenge him, as per Devibhagavata Shashtaskanda.
See Agastya for Indra and Nahusha.
When Indra efeated the asuras, Mahabali took the form of a donkey and hid in an empty house. Brahma informed Indra of this. Indra found Bali but spared him according to Brahma’s advice, as per Mahabharata Shantiparva Chapter 223.
Nahusha’s son Yayati left the responsibilities of his kingdom to his son Puru and left for the jungle to meditate. He finally attained heaven and proclaimed that there was no one with more tapas energy than him. Indra didn’t like this and sent him back to earth as per Mahabharata Adiparva Chapter 88.
Sharadwa was the son of Gautama, and he meditated to acquire divine weapons. Indra was scared and sent the apsara named Janapati. Sharadwa was distracted enough to ejaculate. His semen split into two on an arrowhead and two children were born from it. The soldiers of Hastinapura took them to the palace and they were named Kripa and Kripi as per Mahabharata Adiparva Chapter 130.
The king Kuru ruled over Kurukshetra long before the Mahabharata war. Once Indra saw him tending the fields there and asked him the reason. Kuru said that he was preparing for a yaga that would ensure that humans who died there would go to heaven. Indra laughed and went away, but the other devas came to know of this and said that if humans started arriving in hordes in devaloka, it would become a problem. They asked Indra to give Kuru a boon and prevent this from happening. Indra told Kuru that people who died hungry, those who died a heroic death and wise people would attain heaven from there. From then, Kurukshetra became an important place as per Mahabharata Shalyaparva Chapter 53.
Indra’s friend Thakshaka lived in Khandava forest and when Agni burned the forest, Indra made it rain as per Mahabharata Aranyaparva Chapter 235. This also led to a fight between Indra and Krishna-Arjuna. See Khandavadaha. Also see Aastika to know how Indra saved Thakshaka from the sarpasatra.
When Maya agreed to build a palace for the Pandavas in Indraprastha, Narada informed Indra about this. Indra had a glittering court which was of 150 yojanas length, 100 yojanas width and was 5 yojanas high. It had beautiful mansions and divine trees. Indra was seated in Bhadradipa inside it, wearing a crown and an exquisite attire. Sati sat next to him. Maruttas, siddhas, sages all served him. The different sages present were Parashara, Parvata, Savarni, Galava, Shankha, Likhita, Gaurashiras, Durvasa, Akrodhana, Shyena, Deerkhatamas, Pavitrapani, Bhakhuvi, Yajnavalkya, Uddalaka, Shwetaketu, Pandya as per Mahabharata Sabhaparva Chapter 7.
Once Indra heard the kamadhenu Surabhi crying and asked the reason. Surabhi said that her children were suffering under the ploughs of humans. Indra was moved by her crying and made it rain. Because of the rains, the fields couldn’t be ploughed, and Surabhi was happy as per Mahabharata Aranyaparva Chapter 9.
Nala was on his way to Vidarbha to take part in Damayanti’s swayamwar. On the way he saw Indra, Agni, Varuna and Yama. (see Nala for more details). Nala finally married Damayanti with their blessing. When the devas got back, they met the Kalidwaparas, with whom Indra shared the story. The Kalidwaparas, who had wanted to marry Damayanti didn’t like this. Kali was about to curse Nala, but Indra stopped him. But Kali decided to enter Nala and make him lose his kingdom as per Mahabharata Vanaparva Chapter 58.
There was a king named Yuvanashwa in the Ikshvaku clan. He conducted many ashwamedhas and became famous but remained childless. He left the kingdom to his ministers and went away to the forests. Later, he reached Bhrigu’s hermitage, tired and thirsty. Bhrigu had filled a pot with water, chanted mantras and left it there. Yuvanashwa drank it, without realising that the mantras uttered were for pregnancy. He became pregnant and gave birth to a son. Indra and the other devas came to the palace to see the child. When it was asked how the child would get milk, Indra gave his index finger for the child to suck. The child was Maandaata, as per Mahabharata Aranyaparva Chapter 126.
Once Indra and Agni decided to test the emperor Shibi’s generosity. Indra took the form of an eagle, and Agni, a dove. The dove fell into the lap of Shibi, as he was conducting a yajna. The eagle followed him, and began a debate with Shibi.
“You call yourself generous, and you take away my food?”
‘The dove has sought refuge in me. It is my duty to save it. If it is food you require, I will provide it.”, Shibi replied.
But though he promised his entire kingdom to the eagle, it wouldn’t agree. Finally, it said it would accept on condition that an equal amount of flesh (to the dove’s weight) was given from Shibi’s body. Shibi immediately cut some flesh and placed it on the scales. But it couldn’t match the dove’s weight. Shibi kept on adding flesh, but the result was the same. Finally he himself stood on the scales. As per Mahabharata Vanaparva Chapter 131, on seeing this, Indra and Agni reverted to their original form, blessed the emperor and took him along with them, to the heavens.
Once there was a sage named Yavakrita. Yavakrita started meditating to learn things without being taught by brahmins. Indra appeared and told him that this was impossible and he should stop his meditation. Yavakrita refused. Later, Indra approached him as a brahmin while he was bathing in the river. The brahmin tried to build a bridge with the sand grains on the river’s banks. Yavakrita pointed out that it was impossible. Indra told him his meditation was, too. Yavakrita still refused. Finally, Indra gave him the boon, as per Mahabharata Vanaparva Chapter 135.
Narakasura once obtained a boon from Vishnu and began tormenting all the three worlds. He even attacked devaloka, and stole Indra’s golden umbrella and Aditi’s ear rings. Indra complained to Krishna, who took Satyabhama with him, and with the help of Garuda destroyed Pragjyotisha, Narakasura’s city. Krishna retrieved the umbrella, ear rings, reached devaloka and returned them. On the way back, Krishna cut away a parijata branch as per Satyabhama’s request. Indra was angry at this and fought with Krishna. Krishna defeated Indra and the other devas, defeated them and returned to Dwaraka with Satyabhama and the parijata.
Naraka once began meditating on the Gandhamadana mountains to usurp Indra’s throne. Indra approached Vishnu for help, who went there and killed Naraka, as per Mahabharata Vanaparva Chapter 142.
After a war with the asuras, Indra mounted the Airavata and began roaming the world. On the banks of the eastern sea, he found a hermitage and met the sage Baka there. They began discussing the merits of a long life, since Baka was over 100000 years old, as per Mahabharata Vanaparva Chapter 193.
Once, during a deva-asura war, an asura named Keshi tried to take away Devasena, the daughter of a prajapati, by force. Indra heard her cries and fought Keshi. Keshi’s mace broke in two when the vajra hit it. Keshi then threw a mountain at Indra. The vajra split that into two as well. One piece fell on Keshi who ran away. Indra then asked Devasena who she was. Devasena said that she was the daughter of a prajapati and that her elder sister Daityasena had been kidnapped by Keshi. They both used to frequent the banks of a river and Keshi had seen them there, and wanted to kidnap both of them. Devasena said that her father had blessed that she would be married to one who was respected by both the devas and asuras. Indra discussed this with Brahma and got her married to Subramanya, as per Mahabharata Vanaparva Chapter 223.
After killing Vritra, Indra hid in a lotus in Manasarovar. This was when Nahusha became the Indra. After Agastya cursed Nahusha and sent him to earth as a snake, the devas brought back Indra. At this time, Angiras prayed to Indra using Adharva. From then on, he was also called Adharvangiras. Indra blessed Angiras, as per Mahabharata Udyogaparva Chapter 18.
Karna had a bow named Vijaya. It was originally made for Indra by Vishwakarma as per Mahabharata Karnaparva Chapter 31 verse 42.
The Tripurasuras prayed to Brahma and got themselves boons. They then fought with Indra who couldn’t defeat them. Indra then approached Shiva for help and Shiva annihilated them as per Mahabharata Karnaparva Chapter 33.
During the Mahabharata war, when Karna was fighting Arjuna, there was an angry discussion between Indra and Surya in the skies. Indra said that Arjuna would win and Surya supported his son. The devas were on Arjuna’s side, and so immediately the asuras started supporting Karna. Finally Arjuna won as per Mahabharata Karnaparva Chapter 87.
A rakshasa named Namuchi hid from Indra in the sun’s rays. Indra approached Namuchi and said that he wouldn’t kill Namuchi at night or day and with dry or wet weapons. When Namuchi came out, indra used the surf of the ocean to behead Namuchi at dusk. Namuchi’s head began chasing Indra accusing him of being a traitor. Indra approached Brahma, who said that bathing in Shonatheertha would rid him of the sin. Indra bathed in the Saraswati river and was freed. Vishwamitra and Vasishta were constantly at loggerheads. Once, when Vishwamitra learned that Vasishta was meditating on the banks of the Saraswati, he was angered. Vishwamitra summoned Saraswati and asked her to bring him Vasishta. Saraswati was in a dilemma as she was likely to be cursed by one of the sages depending on what she did. She finally decided to bring Vasishta to Vishwamitra, and gradually shifted the land on which Vasishta was sitting to bring it to Vishwamitra. Though Vishwamitra was happy to see this, Saraswati didn’t stop and continued to flow east. Vishwamitra cursed that blood would flow through Saraswati. The river became red in colour and many sages prayed to Shiva and thus Shonatheertha was created, as per Mahabharata Shalyaparva Chapter 43.
Bharadwaja’s daughter Shrutavati (Shruvavati) prayed to get Indra as her husband. Finally Indra went to her in the form of Vasishta. She served him well. The sage then gave her 5 red dates and asked her to boil it for him. But despite using up all the wood she had, the seeds remained the same. She finally started putting her own body parts into the fire. Seeing this, Indra was pleased and transformed into his true self. Indra married Shrutavati as per Mahabharata Shalyaparva Chapter 48.
Indra conducted a hundred yajnas in the place called Indratheertha. He thus became Shatakratu as per Mahabharata Shalyaparva Chapter 49 verse 2. This was also the place where he gave Brihaspati a lot of wealth.
Once Indra took the form of a bird, flew into the forest and imparted his knowledge of dharma to the sages there, as per Mahabharata Shantiparva Chapter 11.
Once Ratideva got himself a boon from Indra that he would have lots of food and enough visitors to give it to, as per Mahabharata Shantiparva Chapter 29 verses 120-121.
Brihaspati once advised Indra that everything in the world can be achieved with words that are comforting, as per Mahabharata Shalyaparva Chapter 84 verse 2.
Once Brihaspati’s wife Tara became enamored with Chandra and started living with him. Indra agreed to get Tara back. Indra sent a messenger to Chandra who refused to listen. Both began preparing for war and Shukra, the asura guru joined Indra. Brahma learned all this and mediated. As per brahma’s advice Tara was given back to Brihaspati as per Devibhagavata Pradhamaskanda.
Once Prahlad captured devaloka. On Brihaspati’s advice Indra approached Shukra. shukra explained that Prahlad was more prosperous and it was because of his deeds. Indra decided to get back at Prahlad and went to him in the guise of a brahmin. He asked Prahlad to teach him and became his student. Seeing his student’s devotion, Prahlad said that he would grant him any boon. Indra asked for Prahlad’s good habits. Prahlad agreed and a shadowy figure emerged from Prahlad’s body. Prahlad was afraid and asked the being what it was. It said that it was Prahlad’s good behaviour and that it now entering Indra’s body. Prahlad finally realised that his student was Indra in disguise, but it was too late as per Mahabharata Shantiparva Chapter 124.
Gautama was a brahmin who started living with the dasyus. He began living as per their customs and married from their lot. A brahmin who passed by that way made fun of him. The next day Gautama left the place and after traveling far, became tired and paused to rest under a banyan tree. He slept off there. Kashyapa’s son Nadijankha, a bird lived on that tree. He felt pity for Gautama, and caught him fish from the river and fanned him with his wings. Gautama told him that he was a poor brahmin and was desperate for some money. Nadijankha had a rich friend – a rakshasa king who lived nearby. He was called Virupaksha and Nadijankha sent Gautama to him. Virupaksha gave Gautama lots of gold and Gautama returned to the banyan tree and once again Nadijankha was again a gracious host. But an evil thought took form in Gautama’s head – he wanted to eat Nadijankha’s flesh. He killed Nadijankha while he was asleep. Virupaksha came to know this. He killed Gautama and fed him to the dasyus. Virupaksha lit Nadijankha’s pyre and bid goodbye to his friend. Then, Surabhi, at Brahma’s instruction, came down from the skies and brought back Nadijankha to life. Virupaksha told the entire story to Indra, who had also arrived there. Indra told him that once Nadijankha had rejected Brahma’s invitation and Brahma had cursed that Nadijankha would die. Nadijankha asked Indra to bring back Gautama to life, and Indra did so. Nadijankha then gave the gold back to Gautama and bid him adieu as per Mahabharata Shantiparva Chapter 173.
Indra was once cursed by the sage Gautama for having an illicit relationship with his wife Ahalya.
Once a sage called Kashyapa was knocked down by an arrogant vaishya’s chariot. The sage was so dejected that he decided to take his own life. Indra appeared in the form of a fox and convinced him against it as per Mahabharata Shantiparva Chapter 130.
Under the leadership of Tarakasura, the asuras used to torment the devas. Tarakasura had received a boon from Brahma that he could only be killed by an offspring of Shiva. Indra sent Kama to distract Shiva from his meditation. Kama died when Shiva opened his third eye, but later Parvati married Shiva through her penance. She convinced Shiva to have a son as well as bring Kama back to life. Shiva told her that Kama had been born from Brahma’s mind and as soon as he was born, he asked who he should ‘wound’. Brahma had specifically warned him against attempting his tricks on Shiva, but he had ignored the warning. Shiva said that it was impossible to bring him back to life, but said that he could impregnate Parvati just by using his spiritual energy. Indra and Brahma reached there just then, and as per their request agreed to produce a son. Indra and Brahma left. But though a hundred years passed, Shiva and Parvati remained immersed in each other. The world was nearing collapse and the devas, as per Brahma’s instruction asked Agni to distract the couple. Agni knew that it was impossible and hid in the water. A frog, which was much troubled by the heat, told the devas about Agni. A furious Agni cursed the frog that he would henceforth lack the ability to experience anything. But the devas blessed the frog to have vision at night. After that, Agni hid himself in a huge banyan tree. An elephant then pointed him out to the devas. Agni cursed the elephant and said that its tongue would go inwards. But the devas blessed the elephant that though its tongue would be inwards, it would still be able to eat. Then, Agni hid himself in the hollow of a Shamivriksha. This time, a bird revealed it to the devas. Agni cursed the bird too to have its tongue go inwards, but again, the devas blessed that it would still produce melodious sounds. The devas finally caught Agni.
Agni reluctantly approached the couple and increased the heat to distract them. Shiva gave his seed to Agni, who gave it to Ganga. Ganga left it in Meru as per Shiva’s advice and there the Shaivabhutas worshiped it. A thousand years later, a six faced child was born and that was Subramanya. Parvati employed the Krittikas to breastfeed him and he grew so large that he came to be called Karthikeya. It was then that Indra, who had been defeated by Tarakasura hid himself in the Meru mountains. The devas and sages took refuge in Subramanya. Indra was not pleased and fought with him. Subramanya took a blow from Indra’s vajra and from his face emerged two radiant beings – Shakha and Vishakha. Together they resumed the fight with Indra until Shiva appeared and told Indra that Subramanya was the one born to defeat Tarakasura and give him back his kingdom. Indra apologised to Subramanya and immediately wanted to proclaim him the commander of his army. He took the vessel with blessed water and started to pour it on Subramanya’s head when his hand froze. Indra was worried but Shiva told him that it had happened because Ganesha was not worshipped first. Indra immediately prayed to Ganesha and continued with the ceremony. Soon Subramanya vanquished Tarakasura as per Kathasaritasagara Lavanakalambaka Taranga 6.
When Mahabali was wandering the land after being defeated by Indra, the latter visited him. Then Mahalakshmi came out of Mahabali’s body and entered Indra’s, as per Mahabharata shantiparva Chapter 224 verse 41.
Once Indra asked Brahma about the importance of donating cows. Brahma said that there was a world without old age and decay and it was called goloka, and that those who donated cows would gain entry there.
Once a hunter in Kashi set out for the forest with poisoned arrows. One of his arrows accidentally struck a huge tree, which collapsed. In the tree there lived a bird with tremendous spiritual energy. It didn’t want to leave the tree in which it had lived in, from birth, and continued living there. Indra approached it in the form of a brahmin, but the bird realised who it was. Indra advised the bird that it was better to hunt for a better abode, but the bird didn’t agree. Indra was pleased with its devotion to the tree and took it with him to the heavens as per Mahabharata Anushasanaparva Chapter 5.
There was once a king called Bhangaswa. He conducted a yajna called Indradwishta for getting a child. Indra wasn’t pleased by that and waited for an opportunity to take revenge. Bhangaswa meanwhile had a hundred sons and after entrusting the kingdom with them, went on a hunt in the forests. Indra managed to separate the king from his retinue. The tired king finally reached a river. But when he waded into it, he became a woman. He managed to reach his kingdom but his wife and children were dejected by his state. Bhangaswa once again left the kingdom to his sons and went to the forest. There he lived as the wife of a sage, and gave birth to a hundred sons. She took them all to her palace and went back to the forest. Indra reached the palace and managed to get the two sets of sons to quarrel. They died as a result of the fights that ensued. Hearing this Bhangaswa was distraught. Indra approached her and asked her why she was upset. She told him what had transpired and also apologised for conducting the yajna without inviting Indra. Indra agreed to bring back hundred of her sons back to life. She asked for the second set since she was their mother and was more attached to them. Indra also said that he would give her back her masculinity. But she said that since a woman got more sexual pleasure, she would prefer her current state. Indra gave her back all her two hundred sons as per Mahabharata Anushasanaparva Chapter 12.
Bhishma once narrated to Arjuna ‘Indramatangasamvada’ to explain why other castes could not become brahmins. Once a brahmin’s wife delivered a son. He was named Matanga. His father once sent him to a yajna on a chariot driven by a donkey. He whipped the donkey mercilessly and the donkey’s mother told him angrily that he was not a brahmin since brahmins couldn’t be so cruel. She further said that his original father was a barber. Matanga was distressed by this. He returned to his father, described what had happened and went off to the jungles to meditate. Indra appeared before Matanga and asked him what he wanted. Matanga said he wanted to become a brahmin. Indra told him that was not possible. Matanga then stood on one leg and meditated for a hundred years. Indra repeated what he had said earlier. Matanga continued his meditation, this time standing on his toe for a thousand years. Indra appeared and transformed him into a deva called Chhandodeva, but told him that becoming a brahmin was impossible. Matanga jumped into a pyre and attained moksha as per Mahabharata Anushasanaparva Chapters 27-29.
Once Indra approached Shambara and asked him the prime reason for his prosperity. Shambara said that it was because he worshiped brahmins regularly. Indra started following this too and thus earned his title, as per Mahabharata Anushasanaparva Chapter 36.
Once a sage named Devasharma lived in the forest. His wife Ruchi was extremely beautiful and several men were interested in her. Indra was one among them. The sage knew this and once, when he had to go for a yajna, entrusted his disciple Vipula to guard his wife, and warned him that Indra would try all manner of tricks to get into the hermitage. Vipula used his spiritual energy to enter Ruchi’s body. Indra arrived there soon in the form of a brahmin boy, and proclaimed that he was Indra and wished to spend a night with Ruchi. Ruchi was interested but Vipula prevented her. She ended up humiliating Indra, who went away, as per Mahabharata Anushasanaparva Chapters 4-44.
Indra once stole Agastya’s lotuses. See Agastya.
Indra once stole the sage Gautama’s elephant. The sage asked Dhritarashtra for advice, who said that Gautama should appease Indra. Gautama prayed to Indra who not only gave back the elephant but also took both of them to devaloka as per Mahabharata Anushasanaparva Chapter 102.
See Marutta for interactions between him and Indra.
Towards the end of their lives, the Pandavas traveled north through the jungles. A dog followed them. As they ascended the Himalayas, one by one the Pandavas and Draupadi fell dead. Yudhishtira continued the journey with the dog still following him. In the end, Indra reached there in his chariot and told Yudhishtira that his brothers and wife were already in devaloka and that he should leave the dog there and climb the chariot. Yudhishtira refused to do so without the dog despite Indra’s protest. The dog then transformed into Dharma and told Yudhishtira that it was a test. Then they all left for devaloka as per Mahabharata Mahaprasthanaparva Chapter 3.
Once Shilavati , wife of Ugrashravas began meditating to save her husband from dying due to a curse. Her aim was to prevent the sun from rising, and due to her meditation, it happened. Thanks to that, Aruna got a day’s respite. He also got to know that festivities were happening in devaloka to which only women were invited. Aruna transformed himself into a woman and gained entry. Indra, who was also present there, was infatuated with Aruna and they spent the night together. They had a son and as per Indra’s instructions Aruna gave the baby to Ahalya and resumed his duties. Aruna is also mentioned as Arunidevi during this time. The baby was Bali.
Once the king Sagara conducted a yajna. Indra stole the yajna horse. Sagara sent all his 60000 sons to search for the horse, and when they reached patala, they found it tied near the sage Kapila. They tried to imprison Kapila, but the sage turned them to ashes as per Ramayana Balakanda Chapter 39.
Diti and Aditi, daughters of Daksha, were married by Kashyapa. Indra was born to Aditi, and a jealous Diti asked Kashyapa for a son who would be an equal to Indra. Kashyapa agreed and Diti became pregnant. Now Aditi became jealous, and was afraid that an equal to Indra would affect his prosperity. Aditi asked Indra to somehow kill Diti’s unborn child. Indra approached Diti and told her that he was there to tend to her needs. Diti was happy to hear this and soon fell asleep. Indra managed to get into Diti’s womb and cut her unborn child into seven pieces. The child cried out loud and after whispering ‘Ma ruta’ (don’t cry) Indra hacked each piece into 7. These 49 were later called Maruttas. Diti woke up and cursed Indra and Aditi that the former would lose his devaloka, and the latter would be imprisoned and her sons would be killed. Accordingly, later, Indra did lose devaloka and Aditi was born as Devaki, wife of Vasudeva, whose sons were killed by her brother Kamsa, as per Devibhagavata Chaturskanda.
The king Ambarish had a minister called Sudeva. Sudeva once died in battle, and soon Ambarish also perished. When he reached devaloka, he found that Sudeva had already found a place there. Ambarish asked Indra how it was that though he had done many more good deeds than Sudeva, the latter had reached there first. Indra replied that though Ambarish had conducted many yajnas, Sudeva had done many yuddhayajnas too and that was how he had earned the place, as per Mahabharata Shantiparva Chapter 98.
Once when Ambarish was conducting a yajna, Indra stole the yajna cow. To avoid disruption, Ambarish used Richika’s son Shunashefa as the sacrificial offering. Shunashefa accompanied Ambarish to the sacrificial altar where he was made to wear the ceremonial clothes. Shunashefa prayed to the gods, Indra appeared and blessed him with long life. As per Ramayana Balakanda Sarga 61, and Brahmandapurana Chapter 58, Indra also blessed Ambarish with all the prowess he would have gained from the sacrifice.
See Trishanku for how Indra pushed him out of heaven.
Once Vishwamitra took a silent vow and mediated in the east for a thousand years. When he finally broke his vow and began to eat, Indra approached as a brahmin and asked for food. As per Ramayana Balakanda Sarga 65, Vishwamitra gave away the food and started meditating again.
Once when Rama and Lakshmana were in exile, Indra visited the sage Sharabhanga’s hermitage. Indra wanted to take him to heaven, and while they were talking, Rama entered. Indra left when the sage said he wanted to talk to Rama. After that, the sage jumped into a pyre and gave up his life as per Ramayana Aranyakanda Sarga 5.
During the war with Ravana, Indra gave Rama a divine chariot. Matali, Indra’s charioteer delivered it. The chariot aided Rama in killing Ravana as per Ramayana Balakanda Sarga 103. After the war, Indra appeared before Rama and asked what boon he’d like. Rama asked for all the vanars who died in the war to be brought back to life, and that the forests in which vanars lived would always have enough flora and fauna for them. Indra granted both wishes as per Ramayana Yudhakanda Sarga 129.
During the exile, Rama and Lakshmana enter the Dandakaranya with Sita. Though the primary motive was to provide protection to the sages, Sita advised Rama that it shouldn’t be the only thing he should focus on. As an example, she told him a story – Once a sage started meditating and the energy he amassed scared Indra. Indra reached there in the form of a warrior and gave the sage his sword for safekeeping. The sage became very interested in the sword and lost his focus on the meditation. As per Ramayana Aranyakanda Sarga 9, the sage finally landed in hell.
See Kabandha for Indra’s interactions with Kabandha.
Indra’s coronation was conducted in the Meghavan mountains. Sugriva asked the vanars to search there too for Sita as per Ramayana Kishkindakanda Sarga 42.
Maya prayed to Brahma and became an expert in architecture and construction. He then built a beautiful abode in a forest and began staying there. Maya once became infatuated with Hema, a devastri. Indra was angry and used the vajra to kill Maya. Hema got Maya’s abode. This was told to Hanuman by Hema’s maid as per Ramayana Kishkindakanda Sarga 51.
In the Kritayuga, all the mountains in the world had wings, and they used to fly around as fast as Garuda. Sages and devas feared that they would drop down on them. The devas nominated Indra to find a solution to this. Indra started hacking the mountains’ wings with vajra. Mainaka was a friend of Vayu. When Indra was about to strike Mainaka, the wind carried it off and deposited it in the sea. In gratitude, Mainaka appeared to aid Hanuman when he was crossing the ocean. This was told to Hanuman by Mainaka as per Ramayana Sundarakanda Sarga 1.
Once Indra chose a sage named Vishwarupa for his yajna. Vishwarupa’s mother was a danava. As per his mother’s request, Vishwarupa uttered mantras for devas and asuras. This made both equally powerful after the yajna. As per Devibhagavata Tritiyaskanda, a furious Indra hacked off the sage’s head with the vajra.
See Mahishasura for details on Indra – Mahishasura.
See Trishiras for details on Indra – Trishiras.
Once there was a king named Kukulstha in the Ikshvaku clan. During his time, the devas were unable to beat the asuras in a war. Vishnu advised Indra to seek Kukulstha’s help. Kukulstha was happy to see Indra and the devas in Ayodhya but said that he would help them only if Indra became his vehicle. Indra, though reluctant, took the form of a bull. Kukulstha rode into battle on the bull and defeated the asuras. It was only then that he came to be known as Kukulstha or Indravahana or Puranjaya (previous name unknown) Kukulstha was the son of Shashada and the father of Pridhu. Rama is known as Kakulstha for belonging to the same clan, as per Devibhagavata Saptamaskanda.
As per Devibhagavata Ashtamaskanda, Indra is one of the ashtadigpalakas and his capital is Amaravati.
A thousand chaturyugas is one day for Brahma. In Brahma’s lifetime, 14 Indras would fall from heaven. Two of Brahma’s lifetimes is Vishnu’s lifespan and Shiva’s is twice that of Vishnu as per Devibhagavata Panchamaskanda. In this Brahma’s lifetime, there are 14 Manvantaras, and each Manvantara has a different Manu, Indra and devas. The first Manu was Swayambhuva, and then Swarochisha, Uttama, Tamasa, Raivata, Chakshusha. The current Manu is the son of Surya – Vaivaswata, and this is the seventh Manvantara. After seven more Manvantaras, the current Brahma will perish and a new Brahma will be created, as per Vishnupurana Ansh 2, Chapter 1.
See Pridhu for how Indra once became a calf.
As per Vamanapurana Chapter 71, Indra is named Purandara for killing Mahabali’s son Pura. There is another version that states that he got this name for destroying the Dasyus’ puras (cities).
Once, the asura, Shurapadma got a boon from Brahma that enabled him to conquer all the worlds. He wreaked havoc on all living beings and sent his henchmen to capture Indrani. Indra learned of this and took her to a temple in Chiyyazhi (believed to be in the Konkan) After some time, he left Indrani in Ayyappa’s protection and went to Kailash. Shurapadma’s sister Ajamukhi too this opportunity to try and entice Indrani. Ayyappa cut off her hands and took Indrani to Kailash as per Skandapurana Asurakanda.
Once, Muchukunda, a king belonging to the Ikshvaku clan, went to devaloka on Indra’s invitation. With his help, Indra defeated the asuras and promised to give Muchukunda any boon he desired. Muchukunda said he hadn’t slept in ages and wanted a long sleep. Indra agreed and also said that he who disturbed Muchukunda’s sleep would be reduced to ashes. Muchukunda went into the jungles, found a cave and began sleeping. Meanwhile, a king called Yavana got a boon from Brahma to destroy the Yadavas and waged a war against Krishna. Because of the boon, Krishna couldn’t kill Yavana. He lured Yavana into the cave in which Muchukunda slept. Muchukunda woke up, saw Yavana and turned him into ashes as per Bhagavata Dashamaskanda.
As per Rigveda Mandala 1 Anuvaka 1, the juice made by crushing somalata is Indra’s favourite drink – Soma. Once the sage Angiras wished for a child like Indra and started praying for it. Indra, who did not want another like him to be born, incarnated as Angiras’ son. This was Savya. Once Savya took the form of a goat and drank up the sage Methathithi’s soma. The sage called Indra a goat and from then Indra is also known as Mesha, as per Rigveda Mandala 1 Anuvaka 1 Sukta 51.
Once Indra was born as Mena, the daughter of the king Vrinashwa, as per Rigveda Mandala 1 Anuvaka 1 Sukta 52.
Once Indra supported a king named Rijishwa and defeated the asuras Karanja, Parnaya and Vamshrida, as per Rigveda Mandala 1 Anuvaka 1 Sukta 53.
A king named Swashwa prayed to Surya for a child. Surya himself incarnated as his child. The sage Etasha once fought with this child. When the sage was about to be defeated, Indra came to his rescue, as per Rigveda Mandala 1 Anuvaka 11 Sukta 62.
Once the asura Pani stole many cows and hid them. Indra designated the devas and the dog Sarama to find the cows. Though she disagreed at first, when Indra promised to feed her baby himself, Sarama agreed. She found the cows and reported to Indra as per Rigveda Mandala 1 Anuvaka 11 Sukta 62.
Dadhicha, son of Adharva, used to scare away asuras with his energy. Once, when he went to visit devaloka, the asuras ran rampant and Indra went to control their menace. He checked for any belonging of Dadhicha that would aid him as a weapon. He was told that Dadhicha had a horse’ head. Indra found it in a lake in Sharanya. He killed the asuras with the bones from the skull as per Rigveda Mandala 1 Anuvaka 13 Sukta 84.
Indra taught Dadhyanga brewery, and warned him that Indra would cut his head off if he shared this with anyone. Once the Ashwinis wanted to learn this, because Indra refused them soma. When Dadhyanga told them about Indra’s warning, they replaced his head with a horse’s head and he taught them. Once this was finished, they took away the horse’s head and gave him back his head, as per Rigveda Mandala 1 Anuvaka 17 Sukta 116.
Once Indra produced a calf from a female horse, as per Rigveda Mandala 1 Anuvaka 18 Sukta 121.
A Chandravanshi king named Shatanika ruled Kaushambi. His heroics caught Indra’s eye and he sought the king’s help in defeating the auras. In the battle, Shatanika was killed, but his son Sahasranika finished what his father had taken up. Indra was pleased and blessed that he would marry Mrigavati, as per Kathasaritasagara Kathamukhalambaka Taranga 1. See Mrigavati.
Vasavadatta, the wife of Udayana, was born on earth as per Indra’s wish, as per Kathasaritasagara Kathamukhalambaka Taranga 1. SeeVasavadatta.
After a boon from Brahma, Ravana was on a rampage. A fierce war was fought with Indra in which his son Meghanadha defeated Indra, and took him as a prisoner to Lanka. Ravana chained him and tied him to the flagpole. At the devas’ request, Brahma reached there and freed Indra. Brahma said that Meghanadha would henceforth be known as Indrajit. Earlier, when Indra had had an illicit relationship with the sage Gautama’s wife Ahalya, the sage had cursed that he would be chained for a year. As per the Uttararamayana, this curse was thus fulfilled.
As soon as he was born, Hanuman was hungry and tried to eat Surya, since he thought it was a giant fruit. Rahu was then approaching Surya and Hanuman turned his attention to him. While following Rahu, he saw Airavata and tried to eat it. Seeing Airavata fighting off Hanuman, Indra flung his vajra at Hanuman whose ‘hanu’ (jawbone) broke and he fell to the ground dead. A depressed Vayu (Hanuman’s father) took the dead body and disappeared into patala. Living beings started suffering without air. The devas approached Vayu, consoled him and brought back Hanuman to life. Indra named him Hanuman and blessed that he would die only when he desired so, as per Uttararamayana and Ramayana Kishkindakanda Sarga 66.
See Krishna for Indra and Govardhana.
Once when Durvasa reached devaloka, Menaka gifted him a garland. He saw Indra on the Airavata along with the devas. He gifted the nectar filled garland, surrounded by bees to Indra, who kept it on top of Airavata’s head. The elephant took the garland in its trunk, smelled it, was irritated by the bees, and flung it to the ground. Durvasa thought Indra had insulted him and cursed that devaloka would lose its prosperity. The devas began to age. Vishnu told them that the amrit obtained by churning the ocean could save them. As per Vishnu’s advice, they made peace with the asuras and prepared for the samudra manthan. Together they collected the herbs, mixed them in the foamy white ocean, and started churning it using Vasuki and Meru. In the end, the devas got the amrit and after consuming it, regained their powers.
Danda, son of Ikshvaku, ruled the land between Vindhyas and Himalayas. Once, when he was hunting in the mountains, he saw a beautiful woman. She was Ara, daughter of the sage, Shukra. He was consumed by lust, and raped her. Shukra cursed that Indra would rain fire in Danda’s kingdom. Later Indra did just that and the entire area became a jungle called Dandakaranya.
Once Hiranya’s son Mahashani defeated the devas, and took Indra and Indrani captive. The devas came to know that Mahashani was a relative of Varuna and approached the latter for help. As per Varuna’s request, mahashanis et Indra free. But Indra was bent on revenge and prayed to Shiva. Shiva advised him to seek Vishnu’s help. Indra prayed to Vishnu and as per his request, a being emerged from Ganga, who was part Shiva and part Vishnu. He killed Mahashani, as per Brahmandapurana.
See Uttanga for details on how Indra tested him.
See Kabandha for details on Indra and Kabandha.
Indra was also born as Gadhi. See Gadhi for details.
See Pandavas for how Shiva reduced Indra’s pride.
See Krishna for details on Indra stealing the cows of Ambadi.
Indra is also known as Marutva, Maghava, Bidoujas, Pakashasana, Vridhashravas, Shunasira, Puruhuta, Purandara, Jishnu, Lekharshabha, Shakra, Shatamanyu, Divaspati, Sutrama, Gotrabhit, Vajri, Vasava, Vritaha, Vrisha, Vastoshpati, Surapati, Valarati, Shachipati, Jambhabhedi, Harihara, Swarad, Namuchisudana, Samkranandana, Dushchyavana, Turashad, Meghavahana, Aakhandala, Sahasraksha, Ribhuksha.
When Hinduism began as a religion, Indra had the highest standing among the devas. Vishnu was only his younger brother and was also known as Upendra, Indravaraja. Indra’s stature is high in Rigveda. Though rudra is considered a deva and Kapardi is mentioned, the name Shiva did not exist. Rigveda also does not mention devi or idol worship. But later, Indra was relegated to a lower status. In the modern Rigvedasamhita, it is said that the Aryans prayed to Indra for help against the dasyus. He was a radiant figure, and with the vajra built by Twashta as his weapon, and Vayu as his charioteer, he used to roam the skies freely. Indra was more fond of soma than other devas. He’s also known as Somapa. The sages praised him much. In the sage Hiranyastupa’s Indrastuti (Mandala 1 Anuvaka 7) there are mentions of his valour and how he defeated the fiercest of asuras. There are also stories of his birth in the vedas. When he was born, his mother apparently felt he would be invincible, and that he would bring harm to them. So she asked Indra to go away. He accompanied her to Twashta’s house and had soma. With that he became strong enough to kill his enemies. But his mother didn’t know that and tried to suppress him. He left the place to face his enemies. Vritra saw him and prepared to fight him. Meanwhile, Indra fell to a blow from vyasa and the devas scattered. Then Indra sought help from Vishnu. Though indra required help for his battle with Vritra, the Aryans thought he would help them against the dasyus. Indra’s vajra killed many dasyu kings and he’s also known as Purandara. He dried a river for Sudas’ armies to pass. When Sushravas was helpless, Indra used a chariot wheel to kill twenty kings and 60099 soldiers. Indra is also known as Dasyunashaka and Aryarakshaka in the vedas. Indra’s wife is known by the names Indrarani, Shachi, Pulomaja. Indra’s son Jayantha is also known as Pakashasana. Indra’s city was Amaravati, its garden Nandavana and his flying chariot was driven by Matali. Indra’s abode was called Vaijayanta. His weapon vajra was also known as Hradini, Kulisha, Bhidura, Pavi, Shatakodi, Shwata, Shamba, Bhambhogi, Ashati. His court is known as Sudharma. His bow is the rainbow, his sword is Paranjaya. The trees in heaven were Mandara, Parijata, Santana, Kalpavriksha, Harichandana. The festival held to celebrate the glory of Indra is called Indrotsava or Shakradhwajoddhana.