Battles in Vedic Literature

                      In Vedic literature

Indra and Vrtra:-

The central battle in the Vedas is between Indra and Vrtra, and the defeat of the demon Vrtra leads to the liberation of rivers, cattle and Ushas (dawn/light). While this battle does reinforce the timeless good v/s evil theme, close examination of various hymns and verses in the Rig Veda suggest this might have been an allegorical account of the end of the last ice age in the Himalayan glacial system.

Indra vs Vritra(the evil serpent)

Another important battle is the historic Battle of ten kings, alluded to in the Rigveda, in which the Tritsu clan, led by Sudas, defeat the Puru confederation of ten Indo Aryan clans.

Battle of ten Kings

The Devas and Asuras:-

The perennial battle between the Devas and Asuras is undertaken over the dominion of the three worlds: Svarga, Bhumi and Patala, or Heaven, Earth and the Nether words. Both races are technically equal, possessors of great religious and martial powers, but the Devas are committed to the worship of the Supreme Being and the practice of virtue. The Asuras have atheistic and devious tendencies that grow over time. The divide is the greatest in the Kali Yuga, the final age.

· Shukra: the Preceptor of the Asuras, their high priest and guru, worshiper of the Supreme Lord, but remains supportive of the Asuras.

· Brhaspati the Preceptor (Guru) of the Devas. Possessing unparalleled knowledge of the Vedas, scripture, religion, and mysticism, Bṛhaspati's mastery of the military arts is akin to Shukra, his counterpart.He is also known as Guru Brihaspati.

· Indra: the God of thunder and lightning, King of Heaven, the leader of all the Devas against the demons. The greatest performer of sacrifices, Indra is the most famous and fearsome warrior in the three worlds. When facing opponents like Vritra, Indra seeks the aid of Vishnu.

· Kartikeya: army commander of Devas. He is also the god of war and victory. He is the son of Shiva and Goddess Pavati.

· Narakasura: the great Asura opponent of Vishnu.

· Vritra: the Brahmin Asura, who performs a sacrifice to obtain sovereignty of the three worlds.

The Perennial Battle