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
Wahai Raja Parīkṣit, seperti pemburu rusa yang menyamar menjadi rusa, demikian pula Indra—musuh batin putra-putra Diti—tampak ramah di luar dan melayani Diti dengan sangat hati-hati. Ia menunggu celah dalam pelaksanaan nazar agar dapat menipunya tanpa terdeteksi.
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.