Shloka 48

Origins of the Maruts — Origins of the Maruts Across the Manvantaras (Pulastya–Narada Dialogue)

Devanagari script

पप्रच्छुस्तपसो हेतुं तस्यास्तद्भर्तुरेव च साब्रवीत् तनयार्थाय आवाभ्यां वै तपःक्रिया

Transliteration

papracchustapaso hetuṃ tasyāstadbhartureva ca sābravīt tanayārthāya āvābhyāṃ vai tapaḥkriyā

Translation

They asked the reason for her austerity, and also (the condition) of her husband. She replied: ‘For the sake of obtaining a son, we two have indeed undertaken the practice of austerity.’

Speakers

• Saptarṣis to the woman; the woman replies to the Saptarṣis

Primary Deities

• Vishnu
• Shiva

Key Themes

• Putrakāmeṣṭi/putra-prāpti (desire for progeny)
• Couple’s joint tapas (dampatī-tapas)
• Rishi-mediated validation of vows
• Dharma of householders seeking offspring through austerity

Verse Rasa (Emotional Flavour)

{ "primaryRasa": "shanta", "secondaryRasa": "adbhuta", "rasaIntensity": 0, "emotionalArcPosition": "", "moodDescriptors": [] }

FAQs

What is the significance of seeking a son (tanaya) through tapas in Purāṇic narratives?

Progeny is tied to lineage continuity, ancestral rites (śrāddha), and social dharma. Purāṇas often depict putra-prāpti as a legitimate aim pursued through vows, tīrtha-sevā, and tapas rather than mere desire.

Why does she say ‘we two’ (āvābhyām) performed tapas?

It frames the austerity as a joint vow of husband and wife (dampatī), emphasizing concordant dharma rather than solitary asceticism; this also heightens the merit and narrative plausibility of divine/rishi assistance.

Why do the Saptarṣis ask about the husband as well?

Because the woman’s condition is linked to household dharma and shared vows; the sages assess the full context—whether the austerity is sanctioned, mutual, and ethically grounded—before offering guidance or boons in subsequent verses.