Indrajala (Sanskrit: इन्द्रजाल) is a Sanskrit word common to most Indian languages that means Indra's net, magic, deception, fraud, illusion, conjuring, jugglery, sorcery etc.
In Hinduism the first creator of ''Maya (illusion), maya'' in this universe was Indra. The term ''Indrajala'' was used instead of ''maya'' in the ancient days. Since Indra represents God and God's creation of this universe can be considered a magical act, this whole world is ''Indrajala'' (a net of Indra), an illusion.
In a similar fashion, the human Magician (paranormal), magician applies the magic called ''Indrajala'' in imitation of his divine forerunners, and thus spreads his net of ''maya'' over those he chooses as the object of his manipulations. He creates something before the eyes of the spectators that does not really exist, or only exist in the spectators’ minds as a result of his skill.
If one confines ''Indrajala'' to its stricter sense of illusory appearances created for the public, it is understandable that this activity was apt to become an image for the great ''illusion'' to hold ignorant mankind in its grasp. According to the Advaita, Advaita philosophers there is no difference between ''Avidya (Hinduism), avidya'' (''ignorance'') and ''moha'' ("delusion") as factors that lead to human bondage.
Magic (paranormal), Magic and Religion sometimes go together. The most important source for the knowledge of Vedic magic is Atharvaveda. Those ''mantras'' of the Vedas that are meant for ''shanti'', for allaying fears and evils, for greater welfare and for extension of life, etc., are called ''pratyangiramantrah'' or ''atharvanah'', but those meant for harming others, i.e., ''abhichara'', are called ''angiramantrah'' or ''angirasah''.
Hindu belief contends that the fundamental power of Brahman—which penetrates existence and is neutral by itself—can be used by qualified specialists for good or evil ends. To scare the enemy is the aim of Indrajala.
Kamandaka and the Puranas include ''Upeksha (Indian thought), Upeksha'', ''Maya'' and ''Indrajala'' as sub-methods of diplomacy. ''Indrajala'' is the use of stratagems for victory over the enemy and according to Kautilya it comes under ''Bheda''.
See also
* Indrajal Comics
* Indra's net, concept of emptiness in Buddhism
* Indra's Net (book), ''Indra's Net'', a book by Rajiv Malhotra
* Philosophy of religion
* Science and religion
References
{{Reflist
Indian philosophy
Deception