Indrajit

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Victory of Meghanada.Painting by Raja Ravi Varma.
Victory of Meghanada.
Painting by Raja Ravi Varma.

From the Hindu epic Ramayana, Indrajit (pronounced indrajīt) (Sanskrit: इन्‍द्र जीत) also called Meghanaada (méghanāda) was the son of Raavana, king of Lanka by his wife Mandodari, daughter of Mayasura. A foremost warrior he could rival Rama in fighting skills. He was an ideal son and citizen

Indrajit was named "Meghanad" at birth because when he cried for the first time, thunder and lightning resounded, signifying the birth of a great warrior. The sobriquet 'Indrajit' ("conqueror of Indra") was conferred upon him by Lord Brahma when he defeated and imprisoned Indra, the king of the Devas. A Brahmastra weapon was granted to Indrajit on this occasion. It is said that this weapon has tremendous power and when it leaves the bow, it can beat any arrow and kill any person at wish.

Indrajit played an active part in the great war between Rama and Ravana. Indrajit even bound Rama and Lakshmana under the Nagpash (Serpent spell). King of eagles Garuda subsequently freed Rama and Lakshmana from the Nagpash. Indrajit was unbeatable in war due to the yajna (also spelled yagna) he carried out before any battle, and could only be killed by disrupting this yajna. Lakshmana disrupted his yajna and killed Indrajit while he was in meditation just slaying him by treachery in the subsequent battle.

Indrajit was married to Sulochana (Prameela), daughter of Adishesha, who is viewed by some sects as having been an incarnation of Lakshmana. Thus, in some way, Indrajit may be regarded as Lakshmana's son-in-law. Prameela hailed from the nagas.

The Rāmāyaņa by Valmiki
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