The decline in the worship of Indra, the ancient Vedic god of rain, thunder, and war, in Hinduism can be attributed to several factors:
Evolution of Hindu Pantheon: Over time, Hinduism underwent
significant changes, with the emergence of new deities and the reinterpretation
of existing ones. As Hinduism evolved, deities like Vishnu, Shiva, and Devi
gained prominence, overshadowing lesser-known gods like Indra.
Shift in Religious Focus: The focus of Hindu worship shifted
from the Vedic gods to more accessible deities like Vishnu and Shiva, who are
believed to be more directly involved in the lives of devotees. These deities
are often seen as more personal and approachable, thus attracting greater
devotion.
Demotion of Indra: In some Hindu scriptures, Indra is
portrayed as a flawed deity who is sometimes depicted as being arrogant,
insecure, and even morally compromised. Such depictions might have contributed
to a decline in his popularity among worshippers.
Rise of Devotional Movements: Bhakti (devotional) movements,
which emphasize the worship of a single deity with deep emotional attachment,
became widespread in Hinduism. This led to a decline in the worship of multiple
deities, including Indra, in favor of more singular devotion.
Cultural and Societal Changes: As Hindu society evolved, so
did its religious practices. Changes in societal structures, cultural norms,
and environmental conditions might have influenced the relevance of a rain and
thunder god like Indra in people's lives.
While Indra may not be as widely worshipped as he once was,
he still holds significance in Hindu mythology and is occasionally invoked in
rituals, especially those related to agriculture and rain. However, his role
has largely been eclipsed by other prominent deities within the Hindu pantheon.