Diti, Indra and the Maruts

Chapter 18, 19

Sukadeva Goswami continued describing the descendants of Daksa’s daughters, particularly Diti (mother of the demons) and Aditi (mother of the demigods). Those offspring became known as the Daityas and Adityas respectively.

Diti had a grudge against Indra since Vishnu had appeared to save him by killing her sons, Hiranyaksa and Hiranyakasipu. Angered, she now desired another son who would kill Indra. Through her womanly charm she conquered Kasyapa, her husband, who agreed to unite with her. When she expressed what kind of child she wanted, however, he was shocked and condemned himself. Nevertheless, Kasyapa ingeniously instructed Diti to strictly follow the Vaisnava austerity of Pumsavana-vrata. This would satisfy her desire for a son, but simultaneously purify her consciousness from the enmity towards Indra and the demigods.

While Diti engaged in the vow (vrata), Indra closely monitored her every move, looking for some discrepancy to capitalise upon. When Indra caught her in violation of the strict regulations, he entered her womb and sliced the embryo into forty-nine parts. Those children became known as the Maruts, who later made friends with Indra and were saved. Upon the request of Maharaja Pariksit, Sukadeva Goswami went on to explain the details of the Pumsavana-vrata.