Why Valmiki Calls Indra ‘Sahasraksha’: The Thousand-Eyed God

Indra, the king of gods in Hindu mythology, is often called “Sahasraksha.” This name means “the one with a thousand eyes.” The story behind this title is both interesting and surprising.

Long ago, Indra was known for his good looks and charm. However, he wasn’t always well-behaved. One day, he made a big mistake. He was attracted to Ahalya, the wife of a powerful sage named Maharishi Gautama. Indra tricked Ahalya and slept with her.

When Gautama found out, he was furious. He cursed Indra, saying, “May your body be covered with a thousand marks that look like Vaginas” The curse quickly took effect, and Indra’s body was covered in these embarrassing marks.

Feeling ashamed, Indra begged the other gods for help. They felt sorry for him and decided to help. The gods turned all these marks into eyes. This is how Indra ended up with a thousand eyes all over his body.

From that day on, people started calling Indra “Sahasraksha.” This name appears in many old Hindu stories, including the famous Ramayana written by Valmiki.

This tale shows that even powerful gods can make mistakes. It also teaches us how curses can sometimes turn into blessings. Indra’s thousand eyes symbolized his ability to see and know everything happening in the world.

The story of Sahasraksha reminds us that our actions have consequences. It also shows how difficult situations can sometimes lead to unexpected good results.

Feature Image Credit: Pinterest.


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