Diti’s Puṁsavana Vow, Indra’s Intervention, and the Birth of the Maruts
तदिदं मम दौर्जन्यं बालिशस्य महीयसि । क्षन्तुमर्हसि मातस्त्वं दिष्ट्या गर्भो मृतोत्थित: ॥ ७६ ॥
tad idaṁ mama daurjanyaṁ bāliśasya mahīyasi kṣantum arhasi mātas tvaṁ diṣṭyā garbho mṛtotthitaḥ
Wahai ibu, wahai wanita mulia, aku jahil dan jahat; ampunilah segala kesalahanku. Dengan bhakti-mu, anak-anak dalam kandunganmu lahir dengan selamat—walau sebagai musuh aku mencarik mereka, mereka tidak mati.
This verse shows Indra openly admitting his cruelty as childish folly and directly begging Diti’s forgiveness, modeling humility and repentance as part of dharmic conduct.
After harming Diti’s pregnancy out of fear and hostility, Indra addresses her as “mother,” confesses his offense, and notes that by providence the embryo has been revived—seeking reconciliation and relief from the reaction of sin.
When you cause harm, acknowledge it without excuses, ask forgiveness respectfully, and try to restore what was damaged—trusting that sincere repentance and right action can heal relationships.