Srimad Bhagavatam — Tritiya Skandha, Shloka 30
Diti’s Untimely Desire and the Birth-Cause of the Asura Line
Prelude to Hiranyākṣa–Varāha
मैत्रेय उवाच सैवं संविदिते भर्त्रा मन्मथोन्मथितेन्द्रिया । जग्राह वासो ब्रह्मर्षेर्वृषलीव गतत्रपा ॥ ३० ॥
maitreya uvāca saivaṁ saṁvidite bhartrā manmathonmathitendriyā jagrāha vāso brahmarṣer vṛṣalīva gata-trapā
弥勒耶说：虽已被丈夫如此告诫，狄蒂却被爱神（曼摩他）搅动诸根，便抓住那位大婆罗门圣者的衣裳，宛如无耻的娼妇。
The difference between a married wife and a public prostitute is that one is restrained in sex life by the rules and regulations of the scriptures, whereas the other is unrestricted in sex life and is conducted solely by the strong sex urge. Although very enlightened, Kaśyapa, the great sage, became a victim of his prostitute wife. Such is the strong force of material energy.
FAQs
This verse shows Diti’s senses being agitated by Manmatha (Cupid), leading her to act without modesty—illustrating how kama can eclipse discrimination and dharmic restraint.
After hearing her husband’s response, Diti—overcome by desire—impulsively clung to Kashyapa’s garments, indicating the intensity of her passion at that moment in the narrative.
It warns that unchecked desire can erode dignity and wise decision-making; practicing self-regulation, prayer, and disciplined boundaries helps keep actions aligned with dharma.