Indra - Epic Characters of Vedas & Upanishads

Indra, son of Aditi, king of Devas, is the Lord of the east, of Heaven and space. He's an enemy of the rakshasas. He's the first one to receive nectar from Garuda after which he protected the Prithvi mountain ranges, created space and placed Dyuloka in its position. But he has one weakness- he cannot stand anyone surpassing his power or position. Amaravathi is his capital and Indrani is his consort.
His proud possessions include Ucchaishravas, Iravatha, Kamadhenu, and Kalpavriksha. It was because of his pride that he once angered sage Brihaspathi and lost his kingdom. On killing Vritrasura, he found that he had committed the sin of killing a Brahmin and hence hid himself in the Manas lake. King Nahusha took Indra's position and became very proud and arrogant. Later Indra performed Aswamedhayajna and regained his lost kingdom.
It is because of his own folly that a bird-hero who was stronger than himself, Garuda, was born. Even his Vajrayudha couldn't hurt Garuda. Later, they both became friends. Indra put emperor Shibi to test and obtained Karna's kavacha and kundala in order to weaken him and protect his own son, Arjuna. He sent his chariot for Rama to face Raavana in the mighty battle. However, he invited sage Durvasa's curse due to his pride.
Indra came down to earth and conferred on Lord SriKrishna the title Upendra.