Who is Indra?
Indra is the most prominent deity in the Rig Veda. It dedicates the highest number of hymns to Indra's splendor; He is mentioned in a total of 1200 times in 250 verses.
The name Indra is made up of the two Sanskrit words Indu meaning "drops of rain" and ra meaning "possessing". Therefore, Indra means "one who possesses rain".
There is no mentioning of his physical appearance in the Rig Veda, However, his strength is gloriously personified in its sacred words.
The Rig Veda describes Indra as a strong and heroic warrior who wields the mighty Vajra , The Thunder Bolt as his weapon. He rides a chariot pulled by two horses and is revered by the Aryans as the King of the Gods, The Ruler of the Heavens and The God of Rain.
"Indra, the slayer of Vritra, the wielder of the thunderbolt, the giver of victory, the protector of the righteous, we invoke you with hymns and songs of praise. May you grant us your blessings and protect us from harm."
(Rig Veda 2.12.1)
His Characteristics
Indra is personified as a heroic and courageous warrior who never refuses battle. He is described as a wise and just ruler, who leads the Gods with wisdom and compassion. Something, that seems to have been lost in his more recent depictions.
Indra is also described as being generous in his wealth. He is willing to part his immense wealth with who so ever honors and worships him.
He is also described as being addicted to the sacred drink "Soma".
"Indra tasted soma, and it made him powerful. He drank it again and again, until it became his addiction. He could not resist its intoxicating effects, and he became even more mighty and invincible as a result."
Rig Veda (8.48.3)
Why was he the favorite god for worship?
After settling in northwestern India, The Aryan people would transcend their hunter-gatherer lifestyle to a more agriculture-based society. Having adopted this new way of living, rain would become the cause of life and death for them. Thus, it should be of no surprise that Indra, The God of Rain would become their chief deity.
Moreover, Indra is also personified as The God of War, his strength and tales of heroism would have become a great inspiration for the Aryan warriors who would have prayed to him before going out to battle.
"Indra, the mighty warrior, the wielder of the thunderbolt, the destroyer of enemies, we invoke you to help us in battle. May you grant us victory over our foes and protect us from harm."
Rig Veda (2.12.1)
Indra is also described as being reckless and violent, especially when under the influence of Soma. Therefore, fear could have played a role as well. Being the God of Rain, the fear would have existed that Indra could unleash catastrophic storms and other disasters when provoked.
"Indra drank too much soma, and he lost control. He became intoxicated and violent, and he caused a great flood that swept away everything in its path. He destroyed entire cities and villages, and he was overcome with remorse when he sobered up."
Rig Veda (10.30.7-9)
Conclusion
Indra is the chief deity in the Rig Veda and is the favorite god of worship for the ancient Aryans.
The Aryans having adopted a more agriculture-based lifestyle would have looked to Indra to bring rain for their crops. Thus, it should be of no surprise that Indra would be their chief deity.
It is to note that Indra is also referred to as The God of War and thus Aryan warriors would have worshiped him before going out to battle.
Despite being described as generous and just in his rule, Indra too has a violent side to him, especially when under the influence of Soma. Thus, the fear of destruction may have played a role in his status as the chief deity of the Aryans.
Indra's impact on shaping the modern culture and religions of India cannot be denied. He still plays a major role in all the dharmic religions and is still invoked in the rituals. He is an integral part of Indian history.
വളരെ വിശദമായും നന്നായും വിവരിച്ചിരിക്കുന്നു. Very good...