Table of Contents
Introduction
The core narrative here is primarily from the Markandeya Purana. Details of Indra's beheading Trishiras is referenced to the text in Mahabharata. The story of Indra and Soma is a creative exploration. Though the Upanishads allude to Indra, Tvastha and Soma, creative liberty has been taken to weave this into a story. These are not just stories but they explore universal human experiences, emotions, and dilemmas. They are rich in symbolism. They present characters grappling with right and wrong, cause and effect, and the consequences of their actions. We return to these not to live in the past, but to better understand ourselves, our cultures, and the patterns of human experience that continue to shape us.
The answer to the second question
Jaimini sat quietly. The birds were also silent, as if allowing him the time to absorb all that Jaimini had heard from them. The answer of the birds showed him how the forms of the One shaped themselves to meet the needs. One question had been answered. Three more remained.
He looked at the birds and said, "I thank you for this answer. Now please tell me about Draupadi.”
the birds then started answering this. " Please understand that the marriage of Draupadi to five husbands at the same time was not immoral. Listen to us as we tell you about the deeds of Indra which led to this."
Tvasta and Indra
"Tvasta was an architect of the gods. He was married to Rachana, a Daitya princess and daughter of Prahlada. He was skilled in his work. All you had to do was tell him what you wanted and also what material was available, and he would craft that for you. He had learned his skills from the master himself - Vishwakarma. It wasn't only things like weapons; Tvasta could use his craft to create living things if needed. Among them, one was young Indra. Indra used to respect Tvasta and learn from him. Indra learned a lot from Tvasta. It was not just limited to learning; Indra wanted something else."
"Soma. Tvasta was the guardian of Soma. As the architect, he used to study the formulation and look for ways to improve the concoction. Preparing Soma was not simple. The process of transforming the collected leaves into the drink was complex, a secret known to Tvasta, who was always looking for ways to improve it. The leaves were cleaned and then pressed between specially prepared stones. This initial extraction yielded a sharp juice. Tvasta would pass this juice through a process of fermentation. Mixed with water, milk from cows, curds, and honey, the mixture would be left to ferment, while priests chanted mantras. This fermentation imbued the liquid with its extraordinary properties. The resulting Soma was a golden liquid. It was life-giving, energy-giving, and also divine. As making it was not easy, it was kept under lock and key. Indra wanted Soma and used to steal it. He would transform himself into a swift falcon, and when Tvasta's attention was diverted, Indra would steal some and fly away. Indra, then as king of the gods, would ask for an audit. Post the audit, Indra would tell Tvasta, 'Something is not correct. Has the production decreased? Or is someone not being honest?' Once he was caught by Tvasta, instead of owning up to his mistake, Indra insulted Tvasta. Indra turned the tables as if Tvasta was blaming him for an act committed by someone else. He was the king of the gods and felt he should be allowed to get away with anything. That was it; from that day onwards, Tvasta and Indra did not see eye to eye."
Birth of Trishiras
"Tvasta then turned to meditation. He started performing rigid austerities. The purpose: he wanted a son. A son who could avenge his insult; a son who, if needed, could challenge Indra's supremacy; a son who could unite the Asuras and the gods. With his meditation and his skills, a son came to him: a son with three heads. As the boy had three heads, he was called Trishiras. As the boy began to grow, it became evident that this boy would not serve Tvasta's purpose. Trishiras did not enjoy anything to do with conflict or challenge. Instead, he was inclined towards a life of rigorous spiritual practice. From a young age, Trishiras was intent upon a life of religious practices and austerities. He spent his days in meditation and prayer and studying the Vedas. While Tvasta had wanted a son who could challenge Indra, he felt proud seeing his son. Maybe there was hope. Maybe, one day, Trishiras would challenge Indra."
"Trishiras left his house and went to the mountains. He began living in the mountains. In the peaceful environment, he resumed his penance. He gave up food and water and lived on air and light."
"Indra knew this was Tvasta's son. He was scared of the austerities being performed by Trishiras. He felt Trishiras was after his throne. He called the Apsaras. Urvashi, Menaka, and Tilottama came. Indra said to them, 'Trishiras, son of Tvasta, is engaged in austerities. His power grows day by day. Your task is to go to him. Use every charm and allure at your disposal to distract him and break his penance.' They went where Trishiras was. They tried to tempt him in all ways known to them. They danced before him, sang to him, and tried to ignite desire in him. Trishiras did not move. He was not tempted. Failing in their task, the Apsaras returned."
"Indra was now desperate to get rid of Trishiras. There was only one path left; a path Indra was familiar with. Direct confrontation and the application of force. Not thinking of the consequences, Indra himself went where Trishiras was meditating. He tried to push him, call out to him, and when Trishiras did not respond, using his weapon, Indra beheaded Trishiras. Indra had killed an innocent person who was not his enemy. As this was a grave sin, Indra's righteousness left him and merged with Dharma, the God of Justice. With his righteousness gone, Indra became restless and suspicious."
Birth of Vritra
"When Tvasta heard of his son's death, he was devastated. His son, Trishiras, though born from an Asura mother, had chosen a path of peace. He was innocent and had been unjustly killed by Indra. Tvasta's grief gave way to rage. His eyes became red with anger. He bathed and sat down in front of the sacrificial fire. There, with his meditation and using his skills, he created a terrible being. This being was huge in size. His complexion was like the sky at night; he had huge teeth, and he carried terrible weapons. Tvasta named this son of his Vritra."
"Indra knew he had to do something. There was no point repenting now. A battle began. It was a terrible fight. Indra and Vritra met in the battlefield. Indra was no match for the being. He was not ready to face Vritra again. He barely managed to escape with his life."
"Indra was not sure what to do next. He needed a different approach; he could not rely on force. He had to be cunning. He went where the Saptarishis, the seven sages, lived. He told them how Vritra had attacked the gods and had defeated them, and he, Indra, had barely managed to escape the battle. He asked them to approach Vritra and broker an alliance. Though born as an Asura, Vritra was the son of a god. He would listen to reason. The sages were not very happy. They knew why Vritra had done this. This was all because of Indra. They agreed to go and meet Vritra, but they also told Indra that they were doing this not because of him but for the greater good.They went where Vritra was. The Asura greeted the sages. He welcomed them. He was very pleased to see them. It was not every day that the seven great sages would visit you. He asked them why they come to him. The sages spoke about the futility of endless conflict, the suffering it would bring, and the possibility of a truce. Even though he had been born from Tvasta's anger, he had divinity in him. He agreed to the terms that involved a cessation of hostilities and a promise of non-aggression."
"While this agreement was in place, Indra was scared. He could not come to terms and be friendly with one who had been created for his destruction. Indra began plotting, and one day, when Vritra was vulnerable, Indra struck and killed Vritra. Indra had used his strength on an unarmed person. Indra's strength left him and merged with Vayu, the God of Wind. With his strength gone, Indra became paranoid."
Indra violates Ahalya
"After the slaying of Vritra, Indra became increasingly restless. His righteousness and strength had left him. He wanted peace. In an ashrama lived sage Gautama with his wife Ahalya. Ahalya was extremely beautiful and had been created by Brahma. Indra began visiting the ashrama under the pretense of learning, but he would look out for Ahalya. He knew it was wrong, but desire had begun to rule him, and his righteousness was gone. One morning, as Gautama left the ashrama, Indra took on the form of the sage. Entering the hermitage, Indra approached Ahalya and violated her. When Gautama returned, he understood what had happened. He cursed Indra, “May your body bear the mark of your shame. May your beauty leave you, and may you be covered in a thousand eyes for your thousand acts of deception. Indra’s charm and allure merged with the Ashwini Kumaras, the twin gods of youth, and beauty. Indra was left broken and was left with courage and because he was still the king of gods, he was still powerful."
"It did not matter whether Indra was a good leader or not. He was the king of the gods. Indra stood hollow. The Asuras realized this. They had seen the transformation of Indra. This was their opportunity. They began taking birth in the houses of human kings as princes, advisors and ministers."
"The Earth felt this burden. Unable to bear this, taking the form of a woman, she went to Mount Meru and asked for help. Indra and the other gods said they would help. All would go down to earth and destroy the asuras."
"On Earth, exiled king Pandu and his wives Kunti and Madri wanted to have children. Kunti had a boon through which she could get the blessings of the gods and have a child. So Kunti, with the energy of Indra which was in Dharma, gave birth to Yudhishthira. With the strength of Indra in Vayu, Kunti gave birth to Bhima. Using the courage left in him, Indra took birth as Arjuna, son of Kunti. Madri, under the guidance of Kunti, invoked the Ashwini Kumaras, and the charm and beauty of Indra were born as Nakula and Sahadeva."
"Indra's wife, Sachi saw the sons of Kunti and Madri. She knew that they were none other than the essence of Indra. She realized it was time to play her role on earth."
"As the years passed, the five sons of Pandu, the Pandavas, grew into noble warriors. Sachi, Indra’s consort, knew the true nature of the Pandavas."
"On Earth a king named Drupada was performing a sacrifice was seeking the blessing of the gods for a child. From the sacrificial fire, first, a fully grown man emerged. Following him a woman arose. Her complexion was dark and she was very beautiful. As she was dark, she was called Krishna and as she was the daughter of Drupada, she got the name Draupadi. She was none other than Sachi, Indra’s wife, reborn on Earth."
"Draupadi’s marriage to the Pandavas was not a marriage of a woman to five husbands. It was a reunion of the elements of Indra. By marrying the Pandavas, Draupadi as Sachi was now united with Indra."
Some more on this
A detailed version of Indra and Vritra is found in Mahabharata and Shrimad Devi Bhagwat Purana.
Indra, Tvasta and Trishiras
- In the Vedas (Rig Veda) Trishiras is referred to as Vishvarupa, a being with 3 heads.
- Rig Veda 10.8.8 talks about Indra killing Vishvarupa.
- Satapatha Brāhmaṇa 1.6.3.17–19 says
- The gods appointed Visvarupa, the son of Tvaṣṭa, as their priest.
- He was giving offerings to the Asuras, and Indra killed him in suspicion of betrayal.
- Tvasta is called Tvastr in the Vedas
Draupadi emerges from fire when Drupada is performing a yagna to have a child. Draupadi here is an embodiment of Shakti, the divine female strength. She performs her role of maintaining balance and reunites the fragments of Indra by marrying the Pandavas. Skanda Purana, Kashi Khanda, Chapter 49, Verses 4–5 states that Uma was born as Draupadi.
- Indra represents ego and leadership losing its focus.
- Trishiras represents spiritual striving, destroyed by fear.
- Vritra is the Consequences of wrath and vengeance.
- Draupadi is the divine who plays the role of re-integration.
- Pandavas are manifestations of Indra’s scattered powers.
- Dharma is not bound by rank or role and even gods can fall.
- Actions rooted in insecurity and domination ultimately weaken the self.
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