Myths of our Solar System (15): The changing fortunes of Indra

When Indra first took over from Varuna, when he had destroyed the old order and
separated the earth from the sky and created the world, it had felt eternal. He really felt
that nothing would ever move him. He filled all creation, for heaven’s sake, what or who
could possibly topple him?

Onwards and upwards he had charged into the battles of men and on his own against
demons and serpents. He brought rain to crops and lit up the day. He even had a hand in
fertility- quite a wondrous part of his role. In fact, he was on a roll, he was cock of the walk
and king of the world!

Maybe it was the soma that did it, his belly growing big and his mind complacent.
Whatever the reason, his befuddled brain watched his importance decline along with his
heroic acts. “You really have to keep things up in this world,” he noted one day.

And now he picks up a thunderbolt from his store on Mount Meru. An earthly king now,
his work revolving around storms. He finds it enjoyable enough but Indra couldn’t help but
think of his past deeds and status when he had ruled all and not just one kingdom. In a
flash of anger he throws the bolt down from his eyrie and starts another storm that rages
with his bitterness.