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Nepal: Indra, the king of the gods, seated in the maharajalila-asana ('at royal ease') position. Bronze, 17th century

Nepal: Indra, the king of the gods, seated in the maharajalila-asana ('at royal ease') position. Bronze, 17th century

Indra, also known as Sakra in the Vedas, is the leader of the Devas and the lord of Svargaloka or heaven in Hinduism. He is the deva of rain and thunderstorms.

He wields a lightning thunderbolt known as vajra and rides on a white elephant known as Airavata. Indra is the most important deity worshiped by the Rigvedic tribes and is the son of Dyaus and the goddess Savasi. His home is situated on Mount Meru.

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