Vritra

Vritra is a demon or serpent-like figure in Vedic Hindu mythology who personifies drought and the obstruction of waters. The name derives from Sanskrit vrt- meaning to obstruct or cover, and Vritra is often interpreted as "the obstacle" or "the encircler." In early Vedic literature, he is depicted as a great serpent or dragon who blocks the rivers and rain-bearing clouds, threatening life and the cosmic order.

The most famous myth surrounding Vritra centers on Indra, the king of the Devas. Indra defeats Vritra with the thunderbolt (vajra), breaking the blockage and releasing the waters for the gods and the world. This act restores rainfall and agricultural fertility, and it is often read as an etiological tale explaining the origin of the monsoon and river flow. The victory also symbolizes the establishment of cosmic order (rita) by the Devas over the forces of chaos.

In later Hindu texts, Vritra is sometimes described as a son of Danu or as a formidable daitya or asura. Some traditions emphasize his role as the personification of drought and obstruction, rather than a single historical opponent. This dual characterization—dragon-like obstacle and anti-ritual power—reflects broader themes in Vedic mythology about the struggle to restore order and abundance.

Influence of the Vritra narrative extends through classical Sanskrit literature and the Puranas, where the episode remains a reference point for themes of drought, rain, and divine conquest. The term Vritra is also used more broadly in Sanskrit to denote any obstacle or hindrance.