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Indra

इंद्र • Indra

"The Powerful One; Supreme Ruler"

Dikpala King of Devas; Chief of Dikpalas Vedic; Puranic
Shakra Vajrapani Purandara Vasava Mahendra Devendra Surendra
Epithets
Devraj (King of Gods) Svargapati (Lord of Heaven) Vritrahan (Slayer of Vritra) Sahasraksha (Thousand-eyed)

Category & Classification

Type
Dikpala
Position
King of Devas; Chief of Dikpalas
Tradition
Vedic; Puranic
Direction
East (Purva)

Iconography

Form
Powerful warrior king; golden-complexioned; adorned royally
Complexion
Golden or red
Faces
1 (covered with eyes in some depictions)
Arms
2 or 4
Posture
Seated on Airavata or throne; sometimes standing warrior pose
Vahana
Airavata
Attributes & Weapons
  • Vajra (Thunderbolt) (Right hand) - His primary weapon; indestructible; power
  • Ankusha (Goad) (Sometimes) - Control
  • Lotus (Sometimes) - Purity despite worldly involvement
Airavata — Royal power; clouds bringing rain
Distinctive Features
  • Thousand eyes on body (from curse)
  • Golden complexion
  • Royal attire and crown
  • Mounted on Airavata (white elephant)
  • Thunderbolt (Vajra) in hand

Family & Relations

Origin Born of Dyaus (Sky) and Prithvi (Earth); or of sage Kashyapa and Aditi
Father Kashyapa (or Dyaus)
Mother Aditi
Consort Shachi (Indrani)
Children Jayanta, Arjuna (as partial incarnation)
Siblings Other Adityas (sun gods)

Mythology & Stories

Born of Dyaus (Sky) and Prithvi (Earth); or of sage Kashyapa and Aditi

Indra was supreme in Vedic times but is humbled in Puranic literature, representing how ego and power without wisdom leads to fall. He remains king of Svarga but subordinate to Trimurti.

Slaying Vritra

The demon Vritra held all waters captive in his belly, causing drought. Indra, fortified by Soma and armed with the Vajra crafted by Tvashtar, fought and killed Vritra, releasing the waters. This is his greatest Vedic exploit.

Source: Rigveda, Puranas

Parijata and Satyabhama

When Krishna took the Parijata tree from Svarga for Satyabhama, Indra fought Krishna but was defeated. The tree was taken to Dwarka, showing that Indra's power is subordinate to Vishnu.

Source: Bhagavata Purana

Curse of Thousand Eyes

Indra seduced Ahalya, wife of sage Gautama, in the guise of her husband. When discovered, Gautama cursed him with a thousand marks on his body (later turned to eyes by mercy).

Source: Puranic

Govardhana Episode

When the people of Vrindavan stopped worshipping Indra on Krishna's advice, Indra sent devastating rains. Krishna lifted Govardhana mountain to shelter the villagers, humbling Indra.

Source: Bhagavata Purana

Worship & Mantras

Mantras

Gayatri Mantra

Om Sahasrakshaya Vidmahe Vajrahastaya Dhimahi Tanno Indra Prachodayat

Vedic Mantra

Om Indraya Namah

Direction Mantra

Om Purvadikpati Indraya Namah

Offerings
  • Soma (in Vedic times)
  • Rice
  • Ghee
  • White flowers
Occasions
  • Rain ceremonies
  • Directional protection pujas
  • Temple consecration (as Dikpala)
  • Vastu corrections for East

Temples

Few dedicated temples; worshipped as Dikpala in temple architecture

Astrological Connection

Planet
Jupiter (Brihaspati - his guru); sometimes Sun
Day
Thursday (Jupiter's day)
Direction
East
Remedial For
Weakness in East Need for power/authority Rain/weather

Symbolism & Philosophy

Cosmic Role: King of gods; guardian of East; bringer of rain

Power Leadership Warrior prowess Prosperity-giving
TeachingElement Even the king of gods has faults; true greatness requires humility