The Glory of Indra’s Banner (Indradhvaja)
The Indradhvaja Poojai (Festival of Indra's Banner) is an ancient ritual for the prosperity of the King and the country. The banner, gifted by Lord Vishnu to the Gods to defeat Demons, signifies victory and power.
Suitable Trees (Arjuna, etc.)
- Arjuna
- Ajakarna
- Priyaka
- Dhava
- Udbumbara (Indian fig)
Unsuitable Trees
- Growing in gardens, temples, cemeteries, ant-hills, roads, sacrificial places
- Short, withered top, thorny, entwined by creepers, parasitical
- Containing birds’ nests, hollows
- Spoiled by wind/fire
- Bearing feminine names
Celestial Ornaments
| # | Divine Giver | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Viswakarman | Red Asoka hue, Quadrangular |
| 2 | Brahman & Siva | Girdle of many colours |
| 3 | Indra | Octangular, Bluish-red |
| 4 | Yama | Dark and lustrous |
| 5 | Varuna | Sexangular, Madder-hued (waves) |
| 6 | Vayu | Peacock feather armlet, Dark as cloud |
| 7 | Subrahmanya | Multi-coloured armlet |
| 8 | Fire God | Circular, Flame-like |
| 9 | Indra | Necklace looking like Beryl |
| 10 | Twashta (Sun-God) | Lustrous, Chariot-wheel shape |
| 11 | Viswedevas | Udvamsa (Lotus-like) |
| 12 | Sages | Nivesa (Blue lily lustre) |
| 13 | Jupiter & Venus | Head ornament, bent at ends, molten red lac hue |
Omens from Sacrificial Fire
Signs: Fragrant, Glossy, Thick, Full flames, Auspicious shape (Umbrella, etc.)
Result: Beneficial
Signs: Blazes of own accord, Glossy, Flames turning right (Purnahuti)
Result: King will sway the whole earth
Signs: Hue of Gold, Asoka, Lotus, Beryl, Blue Lily
Result: Auspicious, Confers Gems and Riches
Signs: Sound of Chariots, Oceans, Clouds, Elephants, Drums
Result: Mighty March (Darken quarters with intoxicated elephants)
Omens from the Banner
Carcass-eating bird, Owl, Dove, Crow, Vulture sits
→ Great Danger to King
Blue Jay sits
→ Danger for Yuvaraja
Eagle sits
→ Deprives King of eyes
Umbrella breaks/falls
→ King will die
Honey-bees cling
→ Danger from Thieves
Meteor falls
→ Preceptor’s Death
Lightning strikes
→ Queen’s Death
Staff breaks (Middle/Top/Bottom)
→ Ministers/King/Citizens meet end
Ritual Note: The Banner must be removed on the 5th day after 4 days of worship.
Observing this vow ensures freedom from enemy troubles.