Indra: Man and God
It is necessary to trace the life of Indra through Vaisvamitra’s hymns for two reasons. First, seven of his ten hymns are dedicated to Indra. Second, about 1/4th of the 1026 hymns in Rigveda are believed to be dedicated to Indra. Third, Indra is considered to be the pre-eminent deity in Rigveda for these reasons.
Our reading of Rigveda reveals him to be a hero in the material as well as the spiritual sphere, with the latter exploits raising him to godhood. He was also fortunate in the choice of preceptor, as well as precedence, apart from being wise. These may have been for his elevation and continuation in the office of Indra. He was also fond of praise. These facts may explain why so many verses of Rigveda are devoted to him.
Continued in : Historicity
Also see: Sage, Poet and Man , Tapas, Teacher and Disciple, Bragging, Gluttony and Debates, Indra and Siva, Asvins, Visnu, Respect for Visnu and Siva, Saraswati, Indra Vayu, Mitra Varuna, Vishvadeva, Agni
It is necessary to trace the life of Indra through Vaisvamitra’s hymns for two reasons. First, seven of his ten hymns are dedicated to Indra. Second, about 1/4th of the 1026 hymns in Rigveda are believed to be dedicated to Indra. Third, Indra is considered to be the pre-eminent deity in Rigveda for these reasons.
Our reading of Rigveda reveals him to be a hero in the material as well as the spiritual sphere, with the latter exploits raising him to godhood. He was also fortunate in the choice of preceptor, as well as precedence, apart from being wise. These may have been for his elevation and continuation in the office of Indra. He was also fond of praise. These facts may explain why so many verses of Rigveda are devoted to him.
Continued in : Historicity
Also see: Sage, Poet and Man , Tapas, Teacher and Disciple, Bragging, Gluttony and Debates, Indra and Siva, Asvins, Visnu, Respect for Visnu and Siva, Saraswati, Indra Vayu, Mitra Varuna, Vishvadeva, Agni