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
Ôi mẹ, bậc nữ nhân cao quý, con ngu dại và ác tâm; xin mẹ tha thứ mọi lỗi lầm. Nhờ lòng bhakti của mẹ, các con trong thai mẹ sinh ra bình an—dù con với tâm thù địch chém họ ra từng mảnh, họ vẫn không chết.
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.