Indra

(Devanagari: इन्द्र) also known as  is a Hindu god. He is the god of war, the god of thunderstorms. In the Vedas, many verses (hymns) are there in his praise. The Rigveda praises him as a very strong god. Many Hindu scriptures tell about Indra, his character and his deeds.

Indra resides in a mythical city located above in the sky. The city’s name is Amaravati. He lives there with his wife named Shachi, and several other smaller gods and goddesses. There are many apsaras in Amaravati.

Indra was a very important god during the Vedic period. Later his importance became less. Gods like Brahma, Vishnu, Shiva became more important in Hinduism.  

Indra in current form of Hindu mythology, is similar to that of Zeus in Greek mythology. Though his importance has come down, he is still considered to be king of the gods. His status is below that of Brahma, Vishnu, Shiva. Thus, he is the king of the lesser Gods.

Again, his weapon is Vajra, which is the lightning. His means, at times, treacherous and he is shown as, at times, jealous, vengeful. Further, he is made to suffer his own bad deeds.

References

 Masson-Oursel, P.; Morin, Louise (1976). "Indian Mythology." In New Larousse Encyclopedia of Mythology, pp. 325–359. New York: The Hamlyn Publishing Group.
Janda, M., Eleusis, das indogermanische Erbe der Mysterien (1998).
http://www.magellanexperiences.com/tirta_empul_temple.htm 

Other websites

Indra, the Storm-god - by Benjamin Slade
Encyclopaedia Britannica, Indra
Indra according to Vedic literature

Category:Hinduism
Category:Hindu mythology
Category:Gods and goddesses of the sky
Category:Gods and goddesses of thunder