Shloka 38

Indra's Campaign on Mount Malaya — Indra’s Campaign on Mount Malaya and the Birth of the Maruts (Origin of the Epithet Gotrabhid)

Devanagari script

ते जाता मरुतो नाम देवभृत्याः शतक्रतोः मातुरेवापचारेण चलन्ते ते पुरस्कृताः 45.37 ततः सकुलिशः शक्रो निर्गम्य जठरात् तदा दितिं कृताञ्जलिपुटः प्राह भीतस्तु शापतः

Transliteration

te jātā maruto nāma devabhṛtyāḥ śatakratoḥ māturevāpacāreṇa calante te puraskṛtāḥ 45.37 tataḥ sakuliśaḥ śakro nirgamya jaṭharāt tadā ditiṃ kṛtāñjalipuṭaḥ prāha bhītastu śāpataḥ

Translation

They were born, known as the Maruts—servants of the gods, belonging to Śatakratu (Indra). Because of the mother’s offense, they move about with her set in front (i.e., accompanying/attending her). Then Śakra, the wielder of the thunderbolt, having come out from the womb at that time, addressed Diti with hands joined, frightened of her curse.

Speakers

• Narrator describing events; Indra then speaks to Diti (implied direct speech begins)

Primary Deities

• Indra (Śakra/Śatakratu)
• Diti
• Maruts

Key Themes

• Origin and status of the Maruts
• Indra’s supplication and fear of a curse
• Maternal offense (āpacāra) shaping destiny
• Deva hierarchy and service

Verse Rasa (Emotional Flavour)

{ "primaryRasa": "bhayanaka", "secondaryRasa": "karuna", "rasaIntensity": 0, "emotionalArcPosition": "", "moodDescriptors": [] }

FAQs

Why are the Maruts called “devabhṛtyāḥ śatakratoḥ” (servants of Indra)?

The narrative resolves a potential threat to Indra’s sovereignty by transforming the would-be rivals into his retinue. The Maruts become a sanctioned divine troop under Indra, frequently associated with storms and as companions of Indra in Vedic and Purāṇic literature.

What does “māturevāpacāreṇa” imply—whose offense is meant?

It points to Diti’s lapse in conduct (āpacāra) during her observance/pregnancy (as told in the broader myth). That breach enables Indra’s entry and intervention, and it becomes the explanatory cause for the resulting condition and role of the Maruts.

What is the significance of Indra joining his hands before Diti?

Kṛtāñjali indicates formal supplication. Even the king of gods fears the power of a mother’s curse (śāpa), a recurring Purāṇic theme emphasizing the potency of tapas, vows, and maternal authority.