Shloka 1.46.18

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

Devanagari script

तस्याश्शरीरविवरं विवेश च पुरन्दर:।गर्भं च सप्तधा राम बिभेद परमात्मवान्।।1.46.18।।

Transliteration

tasyāḥ śarīra-vivaraṃ viveśa ca purandaraḥ | garbhaṃ ca saptadhā rāma bibheda paramātmavān || 1.46.18 ||

Translation

O Rāma, Purandara (Indra) entered the opening of her body and, with great resolve, split the embryo into seven parts.

Context

O Rama! with great courage Indra entered her womb and severed her embryo into seven pieces.

Characters & Entities

• Purandara (Indra)
• Diti
• Garbha (embryo)

FAQs

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

The verse shows how fear can drive extreme action; Ramayana’s broader ethical lens warns that adharma escalates conflict and produces suffering, even when done for self-preservation.

What is the narrative situation?

Indra intrudes into Diti’s womb and attacks the unborn child, dividing it into seven.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Indra’s determination (as a power/ability) is shown, but ethically it is framed within a troubling act, prompting reflection on means versus ends.