Birth of Maruts (1)

 Srimad Bhagavatam - Birth of Maruts (1) 

What was Diti's remorse? How did Sage Kashyapa respond to her wish?

Hiranyakashipu and Hiranyaksha, sons of Diti and Sage Kashyapa, were neutralized by Srihari. 

Hiranyaksha, the younger son of Diti, took away the Vedas from Brahma and hid them in the ocean. Srihari, taking the form of Varaha (Boar/male pig), brought back the Vedas by killing Hiranyaksha, as Vedas are the basis of creation. Later, Srihari killed Hiranyakashipu, taking the form of Narasimha.

Diti had a perception that Srihari was unfair to her sons and was always helpful to Indra, her sister's (Adithi) son. This remorse developed into bitterness and enmity on Indra. She hatched a plan to get rid of him. Keeping this plan in mind, she pleased her husband, Sage Kashyapa, by serving him with humility and self-control.

Sage Kashyapa offered to grant her wish. Diti said “I have lost my sons. I seek an immortal son capable of slaying Indra, who was the cause of the death of my sons through Srihari.

Hearing her desire, the sage became sad and said to himself, “A very great sin has overtaken me today. I was infatuated by that clever lady. Who can understand their mind”?

Kasyapa said, “A son will be born to you who will slay Indra if only you observe the Pumsavana vow for a year but will prove to be a friend of God if it is not properly observed. Diti agreed and enquired about the vow in detail.

Sage Kashyapa gives details of the rigorous Pumsavana vow to Diti. A woman observing this vow 

Must not injure or curse anyone nor lie

Must not lose temper nor talk with wicked people 

Must not wear unwashed clothes 

Must not eat leftovers of others or food offered to Mahakali

Must not retire with feet unwashed or with wet feet

Must not go out without rinsing the mouth after eating. 

Must worship before breakfast the cow, the brahmanas, Goddess Lakshmi, and Maha Vishnu.

Kasyapa said “If you observe this vow for a year without violating it, a son will be born to you who will be able to kill Indra”.

Source: Bhagavatha Mahapurana