Indra is celebrated as the king of the devas, ruler of the celestial realm and the divine father of Arjuna, one of the great heroes of the Mahabharata. He is the thunder-wielding force behind storms and rain, splitting the sky with lightning and releasing the life-giving rains that nourish the earth. In one of his most famous legends, Indra defeats the serpent Vritra with his thunderbolt, releasing the waters that had been held captive and restoring balance to the world. Riding his vehicle, the majestic white elephant, Airavata, Indra represents divine authority in motion. To learn more, read the Rig Veda.