Introduction
Meghanada, also called Indrajit, is the eldest son of Ravana and Mandodari. He is the greatest of the Rakshasa warriors. His name Indrajit, "conqueror of Indra", was given to him after he defeated the king of the gods.
This article primarily follows the Valmiki Ramayana. Where a well-known detail comes from a later retelling or tradition, the article identifies it.
Family
- Father: Ravana
- Mother: Mandodari
- Wife: Sulochana
- Siblings: Akshayakumara, Atikaya
Conqueror of Indra
According to the Uttara Kanda, Meghanada led an attack on Indra's city, captured Indra and took him to Lanka. Brahma asked for Indra's release and gave Meghanada the name Indrajit. He also gave Meghanada boons, including the ability to fight from an invisible chariot, if he completed a sacrifice at the site called Nikumbhila.
The war
In the war, Indrajit fought from behind the clouds and bound Rama and Lakshmana with serpent arrows (Nagapasha). They were freed by Garuda. He later created a false Sita and killed her in front of the Vanaras to demoralise them.
His death
Vibhishana told Lakshmana where Indrajit would perform his sacrifice at Nikumbhila. Lakshmana attacked him before he could finish, and after a hard fight killed him with a divine arrow.
Family
His wife was Sulochana. In later regional traditions, she chose to die on his funeral pyre.