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
Pensant de cette manière [avec le désir d'un fils pour tuer Indra], Diti commença à agir constamment pour satisfaire Kaśyapa par son comportement agréable. Ô Roi, Diti exécutait toujours les ordres de Kaśyapa très fidèlement, comme il le désirait. Avec service, amour, humilité et contrôle, avec des mots prononcés très doucement pour satisfaire son mari, et avec des sourires et des regards vers lui, Diti attira son esprit et le mit sous son contrôle.
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.
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.