Shloka 1.46.16

दितितपः-शक्रपरिचर्या-गर्भभेदः (Diti’s Penance, Indra’s Service, and the Severing of the Embryo)

Devanagari script

एवमुक्त्वा दितिश्शक्रं प्राप्ते मध्यं दिवाकरे।निद्रयाऽपहृता देवी पादौ कृत्वाऽथ शीर्षत:।।1.46.16।।

Transliteration

evam uktvā ditiḥ śakraṃ prāpte madhyaṃ divākare | nidrayāpahṛtā devī pādau kṛtvā'tha śīrṣataḥ || 1.46.16 ||

Translation

Having spoken thus to Indra, when the sun had reached midday, the goddess Diti—overcome by sleep—fell asleep with her feet placed toward her head.

Context

After speaking thus to Indra, goddess Diti overpowered with sleep around mids-day dropped off, her feet towards her head.

Characters & Entities

• Diti
• Śakra (Indra)
• Divākara (Sun)
• Nidrā (sleep)

FAQs

What is the core ethical principle (Dharma) in this verse?

The verse highlights vigilance and self-discipline: even a small lapse (falling asleep in an improper posture) can create an opening for harm. Dharma here is careful observance and restraint.

What is the narrative situation?

After speaking to Indra, Diti becomes drowsy at midday and sleeps in an inauspicious/impure posture, setting up the next action by Indra.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Implied virtue is alertness (apramāda). The verse foreshadows how negligence can undermine one’s intended purpose.