Lord Indra Introduction:

Lord Indra is the king of gods and also a god of Sky & rain. Indra is also a Dikpala or guardian of the east direction.

Sculpture Information:

Lord Indra’s sculpture is placed on the outer wall of Rajarani Temple in Bhubaneshwar (Odisha, India). The idol is standing in an Abhanga mudra with two hands.

Though the idol is damaged over a period of time, we can see Airavat (the great white elephant) on which Indra is standing. Airavat is Indra’s mount.

Lord Indra holds an Ankusa (elephant goad) in his right hand and a corn in the other. Ankusa represents his authority to control and corn represents the prosperity he brings.

Indra’s primary weapon Vajra (the thunderbolt) can be seen near his right foot (probably?). There is a sign of damaged idols near his feet on either side, probably his attendants.

Two flying Gandharvas are flanking the god with garlands and flowers on the top.

Rajarani temple dates back to the 1100th Century CE and is the best example of Kalinga Architecture (Kalinga Panchratha Style). It is built in a Rekha Deul format.