พระอินทร์
Indra / Sakka
因陀羅
Phra In is depicted as a tall, majestic deity clothed in royal celestial armour with a brilliant multi-tiered crown. He is typically shown astride his magnificent three-headed white elephant Erawan, holding a thunderbolt vajra in his right hand. His complexion is golden or fair, and his eyes are wide and commanding, reflecting his authority over the heavens and the natural world.
Role 職能
Phra In is the king of the Tavatimsa heaven (the Thirty-Three Gods) and the great guardian of the east, ruling over storms, rain, lightning, and thunder. He is a chief protector of the Buddhist Dhamma and is invoked for courage, victory in conflict, and timely rains for agricultural abundance.
Thai Significance 泰式意義
In Thai culture, Phra In (Indra) is a beloved protective deity whose image is frequently seen in traditional temple murals, royal ceremonies, and folk amulets. He is considered the king of all devas and a supreme protector of the Buddhist faith, and Thai royalty historically invoked him for military victories. The three-headed white elephant Erawan, his mount, has become an iconic symbol in Thai culture and even the national emblem of the province of Samut Prakan.
Vedic Significance 吠陀意義
Indra is the most frequently praised deity in the ancient Rigveda, the oldest layer of Vedic scripture, where he is celebrated as the storm god who slew the dragon Vritra to release the cosmic waters. As king of the devas, he wields the thunderbolt vajra forged by the divine craftsman Tvashtr, and his heaven of Svarga on Mount Meru is the reward for virtuous deeds. In Buddhist cosmology, Indra becomes Sakka (Pali), ruler of Tavatimsa, a devoted supporter of Gautama Buddha who frequently appears in the Jataka tales.
Symbols 象徵
Offerings 供品
- •white flowers
- •white sesame
- •lotus garlands
- •incense
- •offerings of fruit and coconut
- •jasmine wreaths
Prayers & Occasions 祈禱時機
- ▸victory in competition and conflict
- ▸protection from enemies
- ▸timely rainfall and agricultural success
- ▸courage and strength
- ▸divine protection during dangerous journeys
- ▸blessing of warriors and soldiers