Iconography of Lord Indra Lord Indra is depicted as a fair-reddish complexion with either two or four very long arms. He was born as a full grown four armed young man from his mother's womb. Sachi, also known as ‘Indrani’, is his wife and his attendants are called ‘Maruts’. Jayanta, Midhusa, Nilambara, Rbhus, Rsabha and Kambha were his sons and Jayanti and Devasena were his daughters. When he is not using chariot he rides the divine elephantAiravata, who has four tusks and looks like a mountain. Indra is known by several names like Sakra, Vajri, Purandara, Meghavahana and Swargapati. Legends of Lord Indra One of his most important deeds is the slaying of the demon Vritra. As per the legend, Vritra took the form of a dragon and took all the water from the world. When Indra heard this he vowed to give back water. Before the battle begun he drank Soma in order to attain power. Indra chased Vritra and after a fierce battle he was able to destroy him. Water fell from the sky when Indra split him open. This made Indra, the God of Rain. Lord Indra was no more interested in wealth and honour. So, he decided to lead a simple life and became a hermit in order to attain wisdom. His wife was helpless and asked Brihaspati the priest to change her husband's mind. Brihaspati taught Indra the qualities of spiritual and worldly life. Indra learned to pursue wisdom while fulfilling his duty as a king. It is believed that Indra’s weapon, Vajra, is made from the bones of a Sage Dadhichi. Indras in Manwantaras According to Markandeya Purana, each Kalpa has 1 Indra. It is also stated that there are 14 Manuperiod and 14 forms of Lord Indra. They are: 1. Swayambhuva - Yajna, an incarnation of Vishnu 2. Swarochisha - Vipaschit 3. Auttama - Sushaanti 4. Tamasa - Shibi 5. Raivata - Vibhu 6. Chakshusha - Manojav 7. Shraddhadev - Purandar (Present Lord Indra) 8. Savarni - Bali 9. Daksha Savarni - Adbhut 10. Brahma Savarni- Shanti 11. Dharma Savarni - Vish 12. Rudraputra Savarni - Ritudhaama 13. Ruchi or Deva Savarni - Devaspati 14. Bhaum or Indra Savarni - Suchi |