Shloka 1.46.21

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

Devanagari script

न हन्तव्यो न हन्तव्य इत्येवं दितिरब्रवीत्।निष्पपात ततश्शक्रो मातुर्वचनगौरवात्।।1.46.21।।

Transliteration

prāñjalir vajra-sahito ditiṃ śakro 'bhyabhāṣata | aśucir devi suptā'si pādayoḥ kṛtamūrdhajā || 1.46.22 ||

Translation

With folded hands, still bearing the thunderbolt, Indra spoke to Diti: “O Goddess, you slept in an impure manner, with your hair fallen toward your feet.”

Context

"Do not kill", "Do not kill", said Diti. Subsequently Indra, in deference to the words of his mother, emerged out of the womb.

Characters & Entities

• Śakra (Indra)
• Diti
• Vajra (thunderbolt)

FAQs

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

Accountability and acknowledgment: after wrongdoing, one must explain oneself respectfully; dharma includes proper speech and recognition of error-causing lapses.

What is the narrative situation?

After stopping, Indra addresses Diti, pointing to her lapse in conduct as the opening he exploited.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Respectful address (vinaya) is displayed outwardly by Indra (folded palms), though the narrative invites scrutiny of sincerity.