Shloka 1.46.9

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

Devanagari script

तपस्तस्यां हि कुर्वन्त्यां परिचर्यां चकार ह।सहस्राक्षो नरश्श्रेष्ठ परया गुणसम्पदा।।1.46.9।।

Transliteration

tapas tasyāṃ hi kurvantyāṃ paricaryāṃ cakāra ha | sahasrākṣo nara-śreṣṭha parayā guṇa-sampadā || 1.46.9 ||

Translation

O best of men, while she was indeed performing austerities, the thousand-eyed Indra attended upon her with great excellence of conduct and virtue.

Context

O foremost of men great treasure of virtues! while she was practising austerities, the thousand-eyed Indra began to serve her.

Characters & Entities

• Diti
• Indra (Sahasrākṣa)

FAQs

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

Dharma is framed as respectful service toward one engaged in tapas—externally virtuous conduct is highlighted, even amid inner fear.

What is the narrative situation?

Indra, threatened by the potential boon, approaches Diti and serves her while she performs austerities.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Outward humility and service (vinaya, paricaryā), though the broader episode also invites reflection on motive versus action.