Srimad Bhagavatam — Shashtha Skandha, Shloka 28
Diti’s Puṁsavana Vow, Indra’s Intervention, and the Birth of the Maruts
इति भावेन सा भर्तुराचचारासकृत्प्रियम् । शुश्रूषयानुरागेण प्रश्रयेण दमेन च ॥ २७ ॥ भक्त्या परमया राजन् मनोज्ञैर्वल्गुभाषितै: । मनो जग्राह भावज्ञा सस्मितापाङ्गवीक्षणै: ॥ २८ ॥
iti bhāvena sā bhartur ācacārāsakṛt priyam śuśrūṣayānurāgeṇa praśrayeṇa damena ca
Pensando de esta manera [con el deseo de tener un hijo para matar a Indra], Diti comenzó a actuar constantemente para satisfacer a Kaśyapa con su comportamiento agradable. Oh Rey, Diti siempre cumplía las órdenes de Kaśyapa muy fielmente, como él deseaba. Con servicio, amor, humildad y control, con palabras dichas muy dulcemente para satisfacer a su esposo, y con sonrisas y miradas hacia él, Diti atrajo su mente y la puso bajo su control.
When a woman wants to endear herself to her husband and make him very faithful, she must try to please him in all respects. When the husband is pleased with his wife, the wife can receive all necessities, ornaments and full satisfaction for her senses. Herein this is indicated by the behavior of Diti.
FAQs
This verse teaches that sincere service (śuśrūṣā), affection (anurāga), humility (praśraya), and self-control (dama) are powerful qualities that naturally please one’s superior—here, Diti pleasing Kaśyapa.
In this narrative, Diti adopts exemplary conduct and service to win Kaśyapa’s favor so he will grant her a boon, which becomes central to the events leading to the Maruts.
Practice restrained speech and habits (dama) and show respectful, non-entitled behavior (praśraya); these make relationships steadier and make service more sincere and effective.