Srimad Bhagavatam — Shashtha Skandha, Shloka 69
Diti’s Puṁsavana Vow, Indra’s Intervention, and the Birth of the Maruts
अथेन्द्रमाह ताताहमादित्यानां भयावहम् । अपत्यमिच्छन्त्यचरं व्रतमेतत्सुदुष्करम् ॥ ६९ ॥
athendram āha tātāham ādityānāṁ bhayāvaham apatyam icchanty acaraṁ vratam etat suduṣkaram
ثم قالت دِتي لإندرا: يا بُنيّ، لقد كنتُ مصدرَ خوفٍ لآديتيّات. إنما التزمتُ هذا النذرَ العسير رغبةً في ولدٍ يقتلُكم، أنتم الآديتيّات الاثني عشر.
FAQs
This verse shows that a sincere and difficult vow—especially celibacy and sense-restraint—creates formidable spiritual potency, so much so that even the Ādityas become fearful of its results.
In the narrative, Indra serves Diti respectfully during her vow; acknowledging that dharmic service, she addresses him affectionately as “tāta,” even while admitting her intent to produce a child who would threaten the Ādityas.
By adopting disciplined sense-control—faithfully keeping one’s commitments, avoiding impulsive indulgence, and channeling energy into prayer and purposeful work—one gains clarity, strength, and steadiness in spiritual practice.