inda

Inda1

Given in the Āṭānāṭiya Sutta as the name of the ninety-one sons of Dhataraṭṭha, king of the Gandhabbas. They are represented as being of great strength and followers of the Buddha. DN.iii.197

The name is also given as that of the ninety-one sons of Virūḷha, king of the Kumbhandas DN.iii.198 ; of Virūpakkha, king of the Nāgas DN.iii.199 ; and of Kuvera, king of the Yakkhas. DN.iii.202 Further on in the same sutta, Inda is mentioned with Soma, Varuṇa and others as a Yakkha, to whom appeal should be made by disciples of the Buddha when needing protection. DN.iii.204

In the Mahāsamaya Sutta, DN.ii.257f. also, Inda is mentioned as the name of the Sons of the Regent Gods of the Four Quarters.

Inda2

The Pāḷi equivalent of the Vedic Indra. He is referred to only very seldom in the Nikāyas, but is usually identifed as Sakka. In one such passage DN.i.244–245 he is mentioned with Soma, Varuṇa, Isāna, Pajāpati, Brahmā, Mahiddi and Yāma, as a god whom brahmins invoke and pray to, for union with Brahma after death. In another place, he is described as being seated in the company of Pajāpati and other gods in the Assembly Hall, named Sudhamma. Two of his companions, having listened to the admonition of Gopaka, became disciples of the Buddha and, as a result, far surpassed in glory Inda and his other companion devas. In the same context, Vāsava, ruler of the gods, identified with Sakka, is addressed by Gopaka as “Indra.”. DN.ii.274 He is mentioned with Brahmā and Pajāpati. MN.i.140

Inda was a special protector of cows, and when men began to kill these creatures he visited his wrath on them. Snp.310