Task 2 - Hindu Gods and Goddesses

Indra

Indra is the Hindu supreme ruler of the gods. He was the leader of the Devas, which included the gods of war, thunder and storms, the greatest of all warriors and the strongest of all beings. Indra defended the gods and all of mankind against the forces of evil. He had aspects of a sun-god, as he could be seen riding in a golden chariot across the heavens but he is better known as the god of thunder. As the god of thunder he was seen wielding Vajra, the celestial weapon the lightning bolt. In battle he also used a bow, net and a hook. As well as having aspects of a sun, thunder, and fertility god, Indra was also seen as a creator god, since he brought water to the earth and made order among the skies. About 250 hymns in the Rig Veda are dedicated to Indra.

Indra is described as being very powerful. He is portrayed with a reddish complexion having two or four very long arms. He would also ride the great white elephant Airavata. Indra was born fully grown and fully armed, from the sky god and the earth goddess. He married Indrani, and they lived together at Svarga. Svarga was Indra's heaven in the clouds, which surrounded the sacred mountain Meru. Svarga could be moved anywhere at Indra's command. No sorrow, suffering or fear were allowed in Indra's palace. Indra was a great drinker of Soma; sometimes he would drink to gain strenght and sometimes to get drunk.

Indra is best known for his battle with the asura Vritra. Vitra had stolen all the water in the world for himself and took the form of a mighty dragon. Vritra was keeping the world in a drought. When Indra was born he vowed to take back the water. Indra broke through Vritra's 99 fortresses and then came face to face with the dragon. Eventually after a long battle Indra defeated Vritra. Following Vritra's defeat, water fell from the skies. Upon Indra's victory he became a hero to all people and the gods elected him their king. But, in later times Indra lost much of his power and eventually became a weather god and lord of the lesser gods.