Srimad Bhagavatam — Shashtha Skandha, Shloka 58
Diti’s Puṁsavana Vow, Indra’s Intervention, and the Birth of the Maruts
एवं तस्या व्रतस्थाया व्रतच्छिद्रं हरिर्नृप । प्रेप्सु: पर्यचरज्जिह्मो मृगहेव मृगाकृति: ॥ ५८ ॥
evaṁ tasyā vrata-sthāyā vrata-cchidraṁ harir nṛpa prepsuḥ paryacaraj jihmo mṛga-heva mṛgākṛtiḥ
Oh rey Parīkṣit, como el cazador que se vuelve semejante al ciervo al cubrirse con su piel, así Indra, enemigo en su corazón de los hijos de Diti, se mostró amistoso por fuera y la sirvió con gran cuidado. Buscaba una falta en su voto para engañarla sin ser descubierto.
FAQs
This verse shows that even when one is steadfast in a vow, circumstances and opponents may search for a single lapse; therefore vigilance and purity in observance are essential.
In the narrative, Indra feared the power of Diti’s austerity and sought an opportunity to disrupt it, waiting for a moment of weakness to protect his position and the devas.
When you commit to spiritual discipline, expect distractions and subtle loopholes; strengthen routines, avoid negligence, and keep intentions clear to protect your practice.