The Transformation Of Indra

Indra is within us, writes mythology expert DEVDUTT PATTANAIK, as he traces the changing perceptions of the god, in the first of a series on Indian mythologies history Indian Mythology

- Devdutt Pattanaik

THE Rig Veda is the oldest literary work that we have in India, nearly 3,500 years old. It is a set of about 1,000 poems composed in an old form of Sanskrit, known as Vedic Sanskrit. The poems are divided into 10 chapters known as Mandalas. These are not books as we know them today, for writing became popular in India less than 2,500 years ago. The Vedic hymns were transmitted orally, chanted carefully over generations, by men known as Brahmins. In these poems, we encounter Indian mythology for the first time.

Those who composed the Vedic chants believed in celestial beings known as devas, who rode fabulous horse-driven chariots and travelled through the skies among stars, planets and comets. These gods were invoked in rituals known as yagnas, offered food and praise, before being petitioned for health and wealth and victory in battle against demons like Vritra.

Indra was the most powerful of these devas. He was their leader, their king. He fought demons and defeated them in battle. And so he was much admired by kings who went to war.

Indra was connected with another god, Varuna, who was associated with goodness, morality and ethics. And Varuna, in turn, was connected with Mitra, the god of friendships and contract.

Even today, Hindus value the Vedas. However, Indra is a minor god. Varuna is an even more minor god. And Mitra is forgotten. As societies change, myths change, gods change, for society approaches life differently.