Hare Krsna,
I have a question about Indra.
Indra seems to me an Evil or Satan among Gods. He committed many sins. He interrupted penances of many sages. He murdered King Virochan in unjust way. The most abominable of his sins was the raping of Devi Ahilya.
My question is why in Hinduism, still, he is considered a god, not an asura? In vaidic rituals, he is even worshiped today. Why? Surprisingly, why he gets unconditional support from Lord Vishnu & Lord Shiva?
I know of many incidences in which Indra was cursed. But I have no knowledge of an incidence when Indra was punished, slain, or banished from his kingdom, directly by Lord Vishnu (Krsna) or Lord Shiva. Why?
To me Indra is the most shameless character in Hinduism.
Actually, Hinduism must be ashamed of having such a god.
Then why The Supreme God, Krsna (or Vishnu) supports him?
Yours sincerely,
Nikhil
Replies
Hare Krishna!
Purpose of any spiritual pursuit is to introspect self, correct and make progress. Considering Krishna Consciousness one of the highest (spiritual) pursuit, one should try to not find problems with others, even with "so called" enemies of the lord himself. Hiranya/Ravana themselves are pure devotees of the lord but descended to this world for a purpose. Lord is in every Jiva as paramaatma that include asura/rakshashas, what to speak of demi-gods ?
Bg 10.22 — Of the Vedas I am the Sāma Veda; of the demigods I am Indra, the king of heaven; of the senses I am the mind; and in living beings I am the living force [consciousness].
Offence to Lord devotees are like a mad elephant in the garden of bhakti, destroying everything what was cultivated for many years. Because of ignorance and misunderstanding of scriptures, people raise such attitude toward Lords servants .
The Lords relationship with immortal Indra is transcendental, therefore it can not be ever destroyed, no matter of anything.
Hare Krsna Prabhuji,
PAMHO.
I understand what you are saying. I used to think similarly initially. Then on study of the scriptures further, and hearing lectures, few things became clear to me. I will try to explain.
1. Indra is a post. Any jivatma, who has done enough pious acts, can qualify to become Indra. Once a person qualifies and attains that post, he remains till his tenure.
2. Ahilya was well aware that the person is Indra and not her husband. She was thrilled. Its like some superstar approaching you. You would be thrilled and brag about it to your friends later. That same way, Ahilya went ahead, in full knowledge. Thats why she was cursed by her husband.
3. Indra stopping the yagna of sages, esp Prithu maharaj - this is proof that there is no peace anywhere in the material world. Even Indra is insecure about his post and wants to retain it by hook or crook. In spiritual matters, there are a lot of layers prabhuji. The level of understanding is dependent on the level of consciousness. So if Indra tried to stop the yagna practises of sages, understand that it was the will of the lord. That is why Indra could stop the yagna. There was a lesson in that also. Prithu maharaj got the benefit of the yagna even without finishing the yagna. It showed obedience on the part of exalted soul.
Indra was banished from his kingdon prabhuji. He took birth as a hog and had many wives. After the end of his punishment, Brahma himself came to take back Indra. When he spoke with Indra and told him to return. Indra in the form of hog refused, disbelieving and saying he is happy in the body of hog. I heard it, but dont remember the entire story, why he was cursed.
He is treated as demigod because he is king of demigods. He is favourable to the Supreme Lord, that is why he is a devata. Who are not favourable to supreme lord are danavas, demons.
Prabhuji, now I will ask you a question. Why is Indra shown to have so many frailities/ shortcomings? The answer is - it is a lesson to us that if Indra is not above fault, what to speak of us. Another lesson is power corrupts even Indra. IN everything, we can get a lesson of humility. The more humble we are, the more it pleases the lord.
Whatever acts Indra does during his tenure, he is sure to get result after his tenure. Not necessary he will go back to the spiritual world. For all we know, he may be reborn on earth.
I hope I have been able to answer your queries. Please ask if you have further doubts.
Haribol,
YOur servant,
Radha Rasamayi DD
Hare Krsna,
Thanks for the reply.
I was not aware of the fact that Devi Ahalya dis the sin with Indra in full knowledge. But still I suppose, Indra's sin of persuading a chaste woman in adultery is no less. So he must also should have been punished by Lord.
Secondly, I have one more doubt, connected to Devi Ahalya; if she did wrong in full knowledge, why she is considered among the "Panchs- Kanyas"; the five Chaste Women, along with Goddess Sita Di ?
Yours sincerely,
Nikhil