Indra

Devendra · Shakra

The king of the gods, father of Vali and rival of Ravana.

Accounts of this vary across texts and traditions. This entry primarily follows Valmiki Ramayana, with other tellings (Ramcharitmanas (Tulsidas), Regional and folk traditions) noted where relevant.

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Introduction

Indra is the king of the gods and the lord of heaven. He plays several roles in the Ramayana, from the story of Ahalya to the war in Lanka.

This article primarily follows the Valmiki Ramayana. Where a well-known detail comes from a later retelling or tradition, the article identifies it.

Ahalya

Indra deceived Ahalya by taking the form of her husband Gautama, and was cursed.

Vali and Hanuman

Vali was Indra's son. As a child, Hanuman leapt for the sun and Indra struck him with his thunderbolt (vajra), which injured his jaw.

Indrajit

Ravana's son Meghanada captured Indra in a war, which gave him the name Indrajit.

In the war

Indra sent his own chariot, driven by Matali, to Rama for the final duel with Ravana.

Sources

Valmiki Ramayana, Balakanda (primary text) — https://www.valmikiramayan.net/
Valmiki Ramayana, Uttarakanda (primary text) — https://www.valmikiramayan.net/
Valmiki Ramayana, Yuddhakanda (primary text) — https://www.valmikiramayan.net/
The Ramayana of Valmiki: An Epic of Ancient India (scholarly) — https://press.princeton.edu/books/paperback/9780691206868/the-ramayana-of-valmiki

This entry is independently written for myVamsam using the sources listed above. Where traditions differ, this entry identifies the relevant tradition rather than presenting one account as universally established fact.