Lord Indra: Titles, Names, and Epithets in Hindu Mythology

Lord Indra, the King of the Gods in Hindu mythology, is not just a single entity but represents a position that has been occupied by many Indras throughout the ages. Each Indra corresponds to a Manu, a progenitor of humanity. This article explores the various names, titles, and epithets given to Lord Indra, showcasing his significance in Hindu tradition.

Titles and Names Given to Lord Indra

Lord Indra is known by numerous titles and names, reflecting his diverse roles and attributes. According to the Bhagavata Purana, there are 14 Manus, and each one of them corresponds to an Indra. Here are some of the Indras who have held the position:

Svayambhuva Manu: The first man, mind-born son of Brahma, whose personal Indra is Yajna. Swarochisha Manu: The inventor of clothing, whose Indra is Rochana. Uttama Manu: During his reign, the sons of Vasi??ha became the seven saintly persons, and Satyajit was the Indra who killed all the Yakshas and Rakshasas fighting with Satyajit. Tapasa/Tamasa Manu: During his reign, the Satyakas, Haris, and Viras were demigods, Jyotirdhama led the seven great saints, and Hari saved the devotee Gajendra. Trisikha was the Indra. Raivata Manu: His sons included Arjuna, Bali, and Vindhya, and Vibhu was the Indra. Chakshusha Manu: This manu is known for the event of Samudra manthana (churning of the ocean). Vaivasvata Manu: King of Dravida before the great flood, who built a boat with the help of the Matsya fish avatar of Vishnu to carry the Vedas, Manus, and the seven sages to safety. Indra in this period was also known as Purandara. Savarni Manu: The son of Surya by Chhaya, and he was the father of Parasurama, with the authorship of the Brahma Vaivarta Purana being attributed to him. Bali, son of Virochana, was the Indra. Daksha Savarni Manu: The founder of the four caste system, where Rishabha was born, and Adbhuta was the Indra. Brahma Savarni Manu: Established the principles of righteousness and social order (Dharma) and introduced several important rituals, including Sindhudeepa Vrata and Dharma Yajna. Sambhu was the Indra. Dharma Savarni Manu: Known for having ten sons, headed by Satyadharma, and Indra was Vaidhrita. Rudra Savarni Manu: Marked by the emergence of civilization and the development of various arts and sciences. He is credited with introducing agricultural practices, metalworking, and carpentry. Indra was Ritadhama. Raucya or Deva Savarni Manu: Known for work in the field of law, specifically codifying laws relating to women and property, and Indra was Divaspati. Indra Savarni Manu: Credited with the introduction of various social and religious practices, including the establishment of the caste system, and he was previously known as Suci.

Epithets of Lord Indra

Lord Indra is also known by numerous epithets, which highlight his various roles and characteristics:

Akra: One who subdues or conquers. Va:: The Destroyer or One who brings an end. Vratha:: The Ascetic One. Meghavāhana: The one who rides on a cloud, referring to his favorite vehicle, a riding elephant or perhaps a cloud itself. Devarāja: The Lord of the Devas, the gods. Devendra: The King of the Gods. Surendra: One who is victorious over demons or one who is victorious in battle. Svargapati: The Lord of Heaven, the heavens. Atha Kratu: One who is the most skilful or one who is highly capable. Vajrapāī: One with a thunderbolt, referring to his weapon, Vajra. Vāsava: The Storm God. Maghavan: The powerful lord. Puruhūta: The priest who offers sacrifices. Vīra: The Brave One. Bhaspati: The lord of speech. Marutvā: The Lord of the Maruts, the storm deities. Suipra: The One with a powerful voice or the One who excels in speech.

Conclusion: The diversification of titles and names given to Lord Indra underscores the complexity and richness of Hindu mythology. These titles and names not only reveal various attributes but also the continuous cycle of creation, destruction, and renewal that is central to the Hindu cosmology. Understanding these names and titles enhances our appreciation of Indra's multifaceted character, further enriching our exploration of Hindu spirituality.