On the Thai flag, Indra appears as a central deity. Some esoteric traditions identify Indra with the ancient Anunnaki warrior-god Ninurta, and also with Archangel Michael
Here is your original question rewritten and structured more clearly as a starting point (I’ve kept your core ideas intact while making it flow better for discussion):Rewritten version of your question:
On the Thai flag, Indra appears as a central deity. Some esoteric traditions identify Indra with the ancient Anunnaki warrior-god Ninurta, and also with Archangel Michael (sometimes spelled Mochael or Mikha’el in certain occult lineages).
- What is the largest / most important church or religious institution in the world (or in Thailand) that is strongly associated with the worship or veneration of Archangel Michael?
- I recall that in Chiang Mai there is a place / temple / center linked to the Rosicrucians (AMORC or similar), where Michael is considered the “Master” or a presiding spiritual force. Can you confirm or clarify what that location is and its connection to Michael?
- What are the mythological and functional relationships between Indra (Vedic) and Skanda/Murugan (Tamil/South Indian war-god), especially since some modern esoteric writers identify Skanda/Murugan with Marduk?
- Are there strong parallels between the Indra vs. Vritra story and the Ninurta vs. Anzû / Marduk vs. Tiamat combat myths? How similar (or different) are Indra–Skanda and Ninurta–Marduk when viewed through these warrior-deity slaying-chaos-dragon/serpent narratives?
- In contemporary Hinduism (both North Indian/Sanskritized and Tamil/South Indian traditions), what is the current relationship between Indra and Skanda/Murugan? Are they viewed as separate independent deities, as aspects of the same divine principle, as father–son, as allied warriors, or in some other way?
The Thai national emblem (often associated with the flag's symbolism in royal and state contexts) features Garuda (known as Khrut Pha in Thai), the divine bird-like vehicle of Vishnu. Garuda symbolizes royal authority, protection, and power in Thai tradition, rooted in Hindu mythology where Garuda serves Vishnu (Narayana). Indra appears indirectly in related lore—such as his conflict with Garuda over amrita (nectar of immortality), where Garuda proves superior but shows respect—but Indra himself is not the central figure on the emblem or flag. The flag's core is red-white-blue stripes representing nation-religion-king, with the emblem overlaying Garuda in official use. Indra (as a Vedic storm/warrior god) holds cultural resonance in Thai-Hindu-Buddhist syncretism, but Garuda dominates as the visible royal/divine symbol.Regarding esoteric identifications like Indra as ancient Anunnaki Ninurta (Sumerian warrior god of agriculture, storms, and victory, son of Enlil) and Archangel Michael (the warrior angel defeating Satan/dragon): These stem from modern comparative mythology, ancient astronaut theories (e.g., Zecharia Sitchin-inspired views linking Anunnaki to Vedic/Indo-European gods), and occult/esoteric traditions. Ninurta's battles (e.g., against Anzû bird or chaos forces) parallel Indra's slaying of Vritra (drought dragon) with thunderbolt. Michael’s role as heavenly warrior mirrors this archetype. Such syncretisms appear in fringe/esoteric writings but lack mainstream scholarly consensus—they're interpretive bridges across Mesopotamian, Vedic, and Judeo-Christian traditions.Largest/most important church or institution associated with Archangel Michael venerationGlobally, no single "largest" church by size is exclusively dedicated to Michael (unlike massive general cathedrals like St. Peter's Basilica). However, the most historically significant and prominent sites for Michael devotion include:
- Sanctuary of Monte Sant'Angelo (Monte Sant'Angelo, Italy): The oldest shrine in Western Europe dedicated to Michael (cave sanctuary from ~5th century, minor basilica, major pilgrimage site since early Middle Ages).
- Mont-Saint-Michel Abbey (Normandy, France): Iconic tidal island abbey founded ~708 AD after Michael's apparitions to Bishop Aubert; one of Christendom's most famous pilgrimage centers, part of the "Saint Michael Line" (aligning seven Michael shrines across Europe/Middle East). It's hugely symbolic and visited, though not the physically largest.
- Other notables: Basilica of St. Michael the Archangel (various locations, e.g., in the US or Brazil), but none rival the ancient European ones in devotional importance.
- Indra (Vedic king of gods, warrior, thunderbolt-wielder) and Skanda (Kartikeya/Murugan, war god, son of Shiva-Parvati) are distinct deities.
- Mythologically: Indra initially fears/rivals infant Skanda (afraid he'd usurp him), even attacks him (cutting part of his leg in some tales), but later submits, appoints him commander of divine armies, and arranges his marriage to Devasena (Indra's daughter or adopted daughter, celestial consort). In Tamil/South Indian traditions, Murugan also marries Valli (tribal hunter's daughter), symbolizing will/desire power.
- They are allied warriors: Skanda leads devas against asuras (demons), fulfilling a role Indra once held but couldn't fully accomplish (e.g., against Taraka). No father-son link; Skanda is Shiva's son.
- In contemporary Hinduism: Separate independent deities. North Indian/Sanskrit traditions often portray Skanda as celibate or less emphasized; South Indian/Tamil worship (especially Murugan cults) is fervent and independent. No merger into one; they coexist as part of the pantheon—Indra diminished in later Puranic worship, Skanda/Murugan hugely popular in South.
- Indra vs. Vritra (Vedic): Indra slays dragon/serpent blocking waters with vajra (thunderbolt), releases rivers/fertility.
- Ninurta vs. Anzû / Asag (Sumerian/Akkadian): Ninurta defeats bird-monster or mountain/asura-like chaos with weapons/storms; agricultural victor.
- Marduk vs. Tiamat (Babylonian Enuma Elish): Marduk slays primordial sea-dragon mother with winds/spear, creates order from chaos, becomes king of gods.
- Skanda vs. Surapadma/Taraka (Puranic): Skanda spears/destroys asura tyrants threatening devas, becomes army leader.

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