Story of Five Indras

In ancient times, the celestial beings once initiated a grand sacrifice in the Naimisha Forest. During this sacrifice, Yama, the son of Vivaswat, was responsible for sacrificing the devoted animals. Engaged in this task, Yama refrained from taking the life of any human. This resulted in the suspension of death, leading to a rapid growth in the human population. Alarmed by this, the gods—Soma, Indra, Varuna, Kuvera, the Sadhyas, Rudra, Vasus, and the Asvins—approached Prajapati, the Creator, expressing their concern. They feared that the ever-increasing number of humans posed a threat.

The Creator reassured them, saying, “There is no need for fear. You, as immortal beings, should not be concerned by the mortals. Yama, engaged in the grand sacrifice, is the reason men do not die. Once Yama completes his duties, the cycle of death will resume, and humans will perish as before. Yama, empowered by your energies, will then restore balance by ending the lives of countless humans.”

Hearing this, the gods returned to the sacrificial site. Near the Bhagirathi River, they noticed a golden lotus floating along the stream, which piqued their curiosity. Indra, eager to learn the lotus’s origin, followed the river upstream to its source. There, he encountered a radiant woman bathing in the water, weeping. As her tears fell into the river, they transformed into golden lotuses. Intrigued, Indra approached her and asked, “Who are you, noble lady? Why do you weep? Tell me your story.”

The woman responded, “O Indra, if you follow me, I will show you the reason for my sorrow.” Indra followed her, and soon they reached a peak of the Himalayas, where a handsome youth and a young woman sat on a throne, playing dice. The youth, engrossed in the game, paid no heed to Indra’s boast that he ruled the universe. Irritated, Indra repeated his claim. The youth, who was none other than Mahadeva, merely smiled. Mahadeva’s glance paralyzed Indra.

When the game ended, Mahadeva turned to the woman and commanded, “Bring Indra here. I shall teach him a lesson.” The woman touched Indra, and with that touch, his limbs were further weakened. Mahadeva chastised Indra for his arrogance, telling him to remove a stone and enter a cave where others like him awaited. When Indra removed the stone, he found a cave containing four others who resembled him, all trapped. Distressed by their plight, Indra lamented, “Will I share their fate?”

Mahadeva, with eyes glowing in anger, declared, “Your actions have earned you the same fate as these. Enter the cave and prepare for your future among mortals.” Shaken and fearful, Indra begged for forgiveness. Mahadeva, still stern, explained that Indra and the others in the cave would be born as mortals. However, they would achieve great feats and, through their deeds, eventually return to their celestial positions. The gods—Dharma, Vayu, Indra, and the Asvins—would father them in the mortal world.

The five former Indras agreed to their fate, and Mahadeva assured them that their journey on earth would be significant. They appointed Sri, the goddess of grace, as their wife in the mortal realm. Narayana’s blessing gave birth to these Indras among humanity. Narayana also created Krishna and Balarama from his own essence to accompany them. These Indras of old are none other than the Pandavas, and their common wife, Draupadi, is Sri incarnate. Draupadi’s beauty and grace, akin to that of a celestial being, were destined for these extraordinary mortals.

Vyasa, the sage, concluded by revealing to King Drupada that Draupadi was predestined to have five husbands. In her previous life, she had performed severe penances, seeking a husband of great virtues. Pleased with her devotion, Lord Shiva granted her the boon of five husbands in her next life. Hence, Draupadi was born from the sacrificial fire as the common wife of the Pandavas. King Drupada, realizing the divine significance of his daughter’s fate, accepted Vyasa’s words with reverence.

Lessons from the story of Five Indras

These lessons offer insights into Hindu philosophy, ethics, and cosmology, providing guidance on how to live virtuously and understand one’s place in the grand scheme of the universe.

1. Humility and egolessness – Indra’s arrogance led to his downfall. Mahadeva’s lesson teaches the importance of humility and recognizing one’s limitations. This story highlights:
2. Recognize the dangers of ego and pride.
3. Acknowledge the existence of forces beyond human control.
4. Cultivate humility to avoid suffering.

2. Cycle of Life and Death – The story highlights the natural balance of life and death, demonstrating that unchecked growth can lead to chaos.

• There is an interconnectedness between life and death.
• Unchecked growth can lead to chaos.
• Nature maintains its balance through cycles.

3. Destiny and Karma – The Pandavas’ past actions determined their future births and experiences. This illustrates the concept of karma and the idea that our actions have consequences.

• Actions have consequences (karma).
• Past choices shape future experiences.
• Understand the impact of your actions.

4. Acceptance and Surrender – Indra’s eventual acceptance of his fate and Mahadeva’s will demonstrate the importance of surrendering to the natural order.

• Recognize the natural order.
• Surrender to forces beyond control.
• Acceptance brings peace.

5. Divine Intervention – The story shows how divine forces influence human life, emphasizing the connection between our lives and cosmic forces.

• Recognize the role of divine forces.
• Understand the interconnectedness of all.
• Divine guidance can shape lives.

6. Balance and Harmony – Mahadeva’s actions restore balance to the universe, illustrating the need for equilibrium in all aspects of life.

• Equilibrium is essential.
• Imbalance leads to chaos.
• Seek balance within and without.

7. Patience and Perseverance – The Pandavas’ journey from mortals to heroes shows the value of enduring challenges and persevering through adversity.

• Endure challenges with patience.
• Persevere through adversity.
• Growth comes from overcoming obstacles.

8. Predestination and Free Will – Draupadi’s story raises questions about the interplay between predestination and free will, suggesting that our choices and actions shape our destiny.

• Explore the interplay between fate and choice.
• Understand the role of personal responsibility.
• Balance destiny with free will.

9. Sacred Relationships – The story highlights the significance of sacred relationships, such as the bond between the Pandavas and Draupadi, and the divine connections that transcend mortal boundaries.

• Recognize sacred connections.
• Nurture meaningful relationships.
• Transcend mortal boundaries.

10. Self-Realization – The narrative encourages self-reflection, inviting readers to contemplate their own place within the larger cosmic framework and the natural balance of life.

• Contemplate your place in the cosmos.
• Understand your role in the natural balance.
• Seek self-awareness.

This story emphasizes humility, accountability, adaptability, teamwork, perseverance, and faith in destiny—all important qualities for leading a balanced, successful life and making thoughtful decisions in challenging circumstances.