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
Berpikir dengan cara ini [dengan keinginan memiliki putra untuk membunuh Indra], Diti mulai terus-menerus bertindak untuk memuaskan Kaśyapa dengan perilakunya yang menyenangkan. Wahai Raja, Diti selalu melaksanakan perintah Kaśyapa dengan sangat setia, seperti yang diinginkannya. Dengan pelayanan, cinta, kerendahan hati dan pengendalian diri, dengan kata-kata yang diucapkan dengan sangat manis untuk memuaskan suaminya, dan dengan senyuman serta lirikan padanya, Diti menarik pikirannya dan membawanya di bawah kendalinya.
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.