Indra

Indra is a prominent deity in Hinduism, especially in the Vedic tradition, where he is the king of the Devas and the god of rain, thunderstorms, and war. In the Rigveda he is the foremost god, famed as the slayer of Vritra, the dragon who blocked the waters, thereby releasing the rivers. He is closely associated with the ritual soma and with heroic feats celebrated in hymn.

Indra’s iconography centers on the vajra, the thunderbolt weapon, and on his mount, Airavata, the white elephant. He is often described as a powerful warrior king. His consort is the goddess Shachi (Indrani). The Maruts, storm deities, are sometimes considered his companions or sons.

In later Hinduism, Indra remains a revered deity but is no longer regarded as the supreme ruler of the heavens, a role increasingly attributed to other deities such as Vishnu or Shiva. He continues to appear in Puranic texts and regional traditions, and is also mentioned in Buddhist and Jain literature as a celestial king in the realms of the gods.

Indra’s enduring presence reflects the ancient Indo-Iranian heritage of the sky and storm god, with myths that illustrate themes of cosmic order, rainfall, and heroic authority. Today, Indra appears in classical literature, religious rituals, and cultural references across South Asia.