Significance of Indra
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The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'Indra'
Indra in Buddhism can be interpreted as a supportive deity who endorses sacrifice, aids in spiritual missions, and embodies the principle of metta, extending compassion to all beings, including enemies, deities, and various spirits.
From: Mahavamsa
(1) A deity who sought out Mahinda to encourage him to set forth on his mission to convert Lanka.[1]
From: Patipada (path of practice)
(1) Indra is included in all beings, and metta encompasses everyone, including those who might be considered enemies, all people, the Devatas, Brahma, Yama, the Yakkhas and Demons.[2]
From: Maha Prajnaparamita Sastra
(1) A deity present in the narrative who affirms the king's sacrifice and prophesies his future attainment of Buddhahood.[3]
Hindu concept of 'Indra'
Indra in Hinduism is the king of the heavens and gods, associated with thunder and rain, known for his authority, power, and significant role in mythology, often involved in rituals and struggles against demons, representing divine intervention.
From: Ramayana of Valmiki (Griffith)
(1) Indra is a person whose might is compared to that of the chiefs of the Vanars.[4] (2) One of the deities that the youth praised when bound at the pillar鈥檚 side, as part of the lustral rites, and who was pleased by the worship.[5] (3) Indra is mentioned in comparison to Rama, indicating Rama's comparable strength and importance, and the text suggests his strength and importance.[6] (4) This is a person who bade someone adieu, indicating an action.[7] (5) Indra is mentioned in comparison to Ravan, with Indra being surrounded by Storm-Gods, highlighting the grandeur of Ravan's court.[8]
From: Devi Bhagavata Purana
(1) The king of the Devas who seeks to defeat the Daityas and is pleased with the success of Brihaspati鈥檚 deceit.[9] (2) The king of the Devas and god of thunder, rain, and war in Hindu mythology.[10] (3) The king of the Devas, residing in the eastern corner of Manidvipa in a celestial city.[11] (4) The king of the Devas, associated with the jar of nectar that was stolen by Garuda in order to free his mother.[12] (5) Indra is referred to as the king of the Devas who praised and chanted hymns to Surabhi to alleviate a crisis.[13]
From: Mahabharata (English)
(1) The lord of the celestials who is viewed as the sovereign of the three worlds.[14] (2) The king of the gods in Hindu mythology, symbolizing authority and power, often compared to kingship.[15] (3) The king of the gods in the Mahabharata, who seeks assistance from Brahma to defeat the Asura Vritra.[16] (4) The king of the celestials who was subjugated by the Daitya brothers during their conquests.[17] (5) The king of the celestials who attempted to save his friend鈥檚 son by creating a violent wind.[18]
From: Ramayana of Valmiki (Shastri)
(1) The god pleased by the worship of Shunashepha who bestows the blessing of long life upon him.[19] (2) The king of the gods in Hindu mythology, symbolic of power and status attained through righteous actions.[20] (3) A reference to a powerful deity, used to compare Rama's majestic presence and valor.[21] (4) The king of the gods who engaged in war against asuras, during which King Dasaratha supported his cause.[22] (5) The king of the Devas who becomes ruler after slaying the asuras in the conflict, embodying leadership and strength.[23]
From: Markandeya Purana
(1) The king of the gods who ultimately rewards Harishcandra for his virtue.[24] (2) A deity frequently mentioned in the Markandeya Purana, displaying the interconnectedness of the multiple divine figures across texts.[25] (3) The king of gods, with different identities throughout the various Manus; notably Adbhuta during the ninth Manu.[26] (4) A prominent god in Hindu mythology, symbolic of power and authority, leading the king to heaven.[27] (5) The king of gods, known here as Urjjasvin, associated with thunder and rain.[28]
From: Gautami Mahatmya
(1) The thunderbolt-armed king of Devas, who enact vengeance against Diti's unborn child, leading to significant consequences.[29] (2) The king of the Devas (gods) in Hindu mythology who plays a crucial role in the story.[30] (3) The king of Devas who faced repeated oustings from his kingdom due to various past deeds and is advised to seek Brahma's guidance.[31] (4) The king of heaven in Hindu mythology, used in a comparison to signify the elevation of souls who partake in holy rituals.[32]
From: Garuda Purana
(1) The wielder of the thunder-bolt, associated with the deities to be adored.[33] (2) The lord or ruler of the celestials, often depicted as a king-like figure in heavenly realms.[34]
From: Harivamsha Purana
(1) The king of gods, who was eventually said to be a son of Raji and the recipient of the celestial kingdom.[35] (2) The king of the gods who possesses the Parijata tree and is reluctant to part with it, described as having a thousand eyes.[36]
From: Bhagavad-gita Mahatmya
(1) A deity who perceived a threat to his position and created obstacles against Satyatapas's penance.[37]
From: Brihaddharma Purana (abridged)
(1) The king of gods in Hindu mythology, whose kingdom Bali had taken.[38]
From: Vishnu Purana
(1) The king of gods in Hindu mythology, playing a significant role during the periods of creation and destruction.[39]
From: Garga Samhita (English)
(1) The king of the demigods and ruler of heaven in Hindu mythology, associated with thunder and rain.[40] (2) A significant deity in Hindu mythology, often associated with rain, thunder, and the king of the heavens.[41] (3) The name referring to a deity in Hindu mythology, known for his power and authority.[42] (4) The king of the gods in Hindu mythology, from whom the throne was stolen.[43] (5) Indra is a deity in Hinduism known as the king of the gods and god of thunder.[44]
From: Chaitanya Bhagavata
(1) The king of the demigods in heaven who declares that a sinful man who never hears the topics of Shrimad Bhagavatam is a burden to the earth.[45] (2) A divine figure referenced in the context of an offer of water and flowers.[46] (3) Indra is referenced as a powerful deity in the text, signifying strength and leadership.[47] (4) A deity referenced in the text, known for his prowess.[48] (5) A title for the significant living entity among the vipras, representing one who exhibits prominent qualities or leadership.[49]
From: Brihad Bhagavatamrita (commentary)
(1) The king of heaven who has a thousand eyes and wields a thunderbolt.[50] (2) The king of heaven, whose position Shri Gopa-kumara lost interest in after hearing a narration from Brihaspati.[51] (3) The king of the demigods who receives blessings and fearlessness from Shri Bhagavan.[52] (4) The king of the demigods, overseeing rain and thunderstorms, and holding a significant position of authority in the universe.[53] (5) The king of the gods who speaks the praises of Brahma, emphasizing Brahma鈥檚 pivotal role in the cosmic hierarchy.[54]
From: Tiruvaymoli (Thiruvaimozhi): English translation
(1) The divine figure on behalf of whom the Lord undertakes labors, exemplified by His emergence as Vamana.[55] (2) The overlord of the Devas who reverently contemplates and worships the lotus feet of Lord Vishnu.[56] (3) The king of the Devas in Hindu mythology, representing power and authority, noted for his worship of the Lord.[57] (4) The king of the Devas who, along with other celestial beings, seeks favors from the Supreme Lord.[58]
From: Bhakti-rasamrta-sindhu
(1) The king of the gods in Hindu mythology, who can influence weather and is addressed in the verses.[59] (2) A deity addressed in the text, symbolizing authority or leadership.[60] (3) The king of the heavens whose heavenly damsels are being blinded by the actions of Keshi.[61] (4) Indra is another deity referred to as an appointed (adhikrita) dasa by the wise.[62]
From: Prem Sagar (English translation)
(1) The ruler of the gods, traditionally worshipped by the inhabitants of Vraja but criticized by Krishna for lacking true power.[63] (2) The lord of the gods who was asked by Satyabhama for the tree Kulp霉.[64]
From: Haribhakti-sudhodaya
(1) The king of the gods, representing worldly power and the limitations of material achievements compared to spiritual devotion.[65]
From: Bhajana-Rahasya
(1) The king of the heavens and a deity presiding over a region of the universe, known to offer reverence and offerings to Shri Krishna.[66]
From: Bharadvaja-srauta-sutra
(1) A principal deity invoked during the ritual, often associated with strength and blessings.[67] (2) A prominent Vedic deity, often associated with strength and the heavens, invoked for support against enemies.[68] (3) The king of gods in the Vedic pantheon, invoked specifically in sacrifices related to warriors.[69] (4) A prominent deity in Vedic texts, associated with strength and elevation.[70] (5) A significant deity invoked to assist the sacrificer by smiting adversaries and providing divine protection.[71]
From: Manusmriti with the Commentary of Medhatithi
(1) A deity to whom offerings are made, representing power and kingship in Hindu mythology.[72] (2) One of the eight guardian deities, often considered the king of heaven and associated with storms and rain.[73] (3) A prominent deity in Hindu mythology, associated with rain and thunderstorms, often considered the king of gods.[74]
From: Sankhayana-grihya-sutra
(1) A major deity associated with Jyeshtha.[75] (2) The king of the heavens and ruler of the thunder in Hindu mythology.[76] (3) A key Vedic god representing strength and storms, invoked to provide protection and maintain health during rituals.[77]
From: Hiranyakesi-grihya-sutra
(1) A prominent deity in Vedic literature, representing strength and power.[78]
From: Paraskara-grihya-sutra
(1) The king of gods in Hindu mythology, associated with rain, thunderstorms, and warfare.[79]
From: Asvalayana-grihya-sutra
(1) A prominent deity in Hindu mythology, often associated with rain, storms, and protection during sacrifices.[80]
From: Satapatha-brahmana
(1) Indra is invoked during the sacrifice, noted for the request to 'stand still for' him as part of the ritual.[81] (2) A deity to whom the midday Soma-service and the strengthening of vital airs through Dakshinas are attributed.[82] (3) A deity associated with offering the Vajapeya and achieving everything, notably linked to Prajapati.[83] (4) A prominent deity considered the same as the Ahavaniya fire; symbolizes power and authority.[84] (5) A deity symbolic of energy and vital power, represented in the evening-pressing and in the Aindra cup.[85]
From: Kena upanishad (Madhva commentary)
(1) The king of the Devas in Hindu mythology, often associated with thunder, rain, and warfare.[86] (2) A significant Deva who is credited with being the first to understand Brahman, thus becoming the best of all Devas.[87] (3) He (Indra) is depicted as meditating in the space where the Yaksha stood, highlighting his curiosity and engagement in seeking knowledge.[88]
From: Taittiriya Upanishad Bhashya Vartika
(1) A prominent deity associated with the world of the Viraj, signifying its importance in the cosmic hierarchy.[89] (2) A specific reference to a deity that is included in the ascending stages of happiness.[90]
From: Brihadaranyaka Upanishad
(1) A term used synonymously with God, particularly referring to the deified aspect of fire in sacrificial contexts, embodying strength or power.[91] (2) A name used indirectly to refer to the self or a vital being residing in the right eye, representing a higher state of consciousness.[92]
From: Thirty minor Upanishads
(1) A divine figure associated with rain and thunderstorms, recognized as Narayana.[93] (2) The king of the Devas, often associated with rain, thunderstorms, and war, representing strength and leadership.[94]
From: Brahma Sutras (Shankaracharya)
(1) The destination of Pratardana's visit, a 'beloved abode', as mentioned in a narrative used to analyze the function of these stories in the scripture.[95] (2) Indra comes after Varuna, as there is no other place for them, and according to the force of the text, as it stands, and should be inserted at the end, according to the provided text.[96]
From: Vivekachudamani
(1) A significant deity in Hindu mythology, often regarded as the king of gods and associated with 'The Self' in the provided text.[97]
From: Kathasaritsagara (the Ocean of Story)
(1) The king of the gods who warns Nagarjuna against his attempts to make humans immortal.[98] (2) The king of the gods who intervenes, disguised as a Brahman, to instruct Tapodatta on the futility of acquiring knowledge without study.[99] (3) The king of the gods who sends messengers and plays a pivotal role in guiding the characters.[100] (4) A significant deity within the story, representing authority, power, and traditional values, who reacts to the actions of the Apsaras.[101] (5) The king of gods who curses Kalavati and later reacts to the actions of Thinthakarala.[102]
From: Naishadha-charita of Shriharsha
(1) The king of the gods who desires Damayanti to choose him over Nala, representing divine power and authority.[103]
From: History of Indian Medicine (and Ayurveda)
(1) The king of the gods in Hindu mythology who is said to have imparted the science of life to various sages.[104]
From: Sushruta Samhita, volume 1: Sutrasthana
(1) The lord of the celestials, often referenced in contexts related to honor and piety in the Ayurvedic tradition.[105]
From: Brihat Samhita
(1) The king of the gods, who is requested to relieve the Earth of her grief.[106]
Jain concept of 'Indra'
Indra in Jainism encompasses various interpretations, including a group of deities worshiping the Master, celestial beings involved in birth rituals, and rulers of divine assemblies reflecting their significant cosmic and spiritual roles.
From: Trishashti Shalaka Purusha Caritra
(1) The sixty-four divine beings who reacted to the Lord's presence, indicating their respect and sorrow.[107] (2) A principal deity in Hinduism, associated with rain, thunder, and the heavens, also referred to in grammatical references.[108] (3) Sixty-three deities who are part of the gathering at the mountain due to the shaking of their thrones.[109] (4) Celestial beings who interpret the dreams of the queen concerning the birth of her child.[110] (5) The king of the gods, who becomes involved after Ravana's actions.[111]
From: Tattvartha Sutra (with commentary)
(1) The chief among the celestial beings, possessing supreme authority and powers.[112]
From: Bhagavati-sutra (Viyaha-pannatti)
(1) Divine entities that preside over various assemblies, each characterized by specific counts of gods and goddesses.[113]
The concept of Indra in local and regional sources
Indra, a multifaceted figure in Hindu mythology, symbolizes power, responsibility, and challenge within spirituality. He serves as a time reference and a deity associated with rain, revered in rituals, yet faces themes of seduction and betrayal.
From: Triveni Journal
(1) The God of Heaven whom the performers invoke during the rituals, representing the head of the pantheon of gods.[114] (2) A god who is accused by Ahalya of having violated her; represents seductive power and betrayal.[115] (3) The king of heaven in the Mahabharata who offers Yudhishtira a chariot to ascend to the heavens but faces rejection due to Yudhishtira's longing for his companions.[116] (4) The king of the gods in Hindu mythology, representing power but also the challenges faced in the path of spirituality.[117] (5) A god in Hindu mythology depicted in Bain's narratives, particularly in themes of love and devotion.[118]
From: History of Science in South Asia
(1) This is a unit of time, and is used in the context of defining time, and is related to the life span of Indra, and is also related to manvantaras.[119] (2) Indra is addressed with the epithets of Vishnu in Varahamihira鈥檚 mantra, which is in keeping with the Vaishnava element added to the text鈥檚 mythological introduction and to the mantras in the fire sacrifice.[120]
From: The Complete Works of Swami Vivekananda
(1) This is the name of the god who descends in a chariot to greet the king and invites him to ascend to heaven, but the king's devotion to his companion prevents him from entering without the dog.[121]
From: Village Folk-tales of Ceylon (Sri Lanka), vol. 1-3
(1) Another name for God Saman; a prominent deity who represents rain and thunderstorms, often involved in the human affairs in the creation narrative.[122]