Srimad Bhagavatam — Shashtha Skandha, Shloka 55
Diti’s Puṁsavana Vow, Indra’s Intervention, and the Birth of the Maruts
बाढमित्यभ्युपेत्याथ दिती राजन्महामना: । कश्यपाद् गर्भमाधत्त व्रतं चाञ्जो दधार सा ॥ ५५ ॥
bāḍham ity abhyupetyātha ditī rājan mahā-manāḥ kaśyapād garbham ādhatta vrataṁ cāñjo dadhāra sā
O King Parīkṣit, Diti, the wife of Kaśyapa, agreed to undergo the purificatory process known as puṁsavana. “Yes,” she said, “I shall do everything according to your instructions.” With great jubilation she became pregnant, having taken semen from Kaśyapa, and faithfully began discharging the vow.
FAQs
This verse shows that a vrata is a disciplined spiritual observance that must be accepted willingly and then maintained faithfully; Diti agrees and then carefully follows the vow while carrying her pregnancy.
Diti desired a powerful son and therefore accepted Kaśyapa’s prescribed vow as the means to attain that result, agreeing with determination and then following it steadily.
When taking on any spiritual practice—japa, fasting, or vrata—commit clearly, then follow it consistently and sincerely, rather than half-heartedly.