In Sanskrit, Vitra means ‘enveloper’ and in Hinduism he is called a Vedic dragon or Vedic serpent. In the Vedas he is recognized as ‘Ahi’ meaning ‘snake’. Vitra is identified as an Asura. In the appearance of a dragon, he blocks the course of rivers.
Many of the Rigvedic interpretations of the 20th century state the Vedic people have probably destroyed the irrigation systems and dams of the IVC – the Indus Valley Civilization, thus being responsible for ending the IVC in which reference of Vitra was made incorrectly. However in recent times, ideas related to the end of IVC have seen a change. There is much clarity now that it was due to drought for a long period that led to the extinction of the IVC.
A number of Indo-European cultures believe that an eight headed monster like serpent was slayed by a storm-like deity like Indra. The Vedic story related to IVC where the demon Vitra serpent was slayed by Lord Indra has had major influence in European cultures. Vitrasutra is heroically killed with a thunderbolt by Indra, the king of gods. In one particular instance, Goddess Saraswati is portrayed in one of the Rigvedic hymns as the one to have killed Vitra.
Vitra had captured and hoarded the rains and waters of the world, as per the Rigveda. All the ninety nine fortresses of Vitra were demolished by Indra thus freeing the imprisoned rivers. Before facing Vitra, Indra had gone to Tvastri’s home to drink huge amount of Soma (elixir of immortality) to get empowered. After the fight, Indra was known as the ‘Slayer of Vitra’ or the ‘Vrtahan’.
