Srimad Bhagvata Mahapurana Book 3 Chapter 14:33-50

Book 3: Chapter 14

Srimad Bhagvata Mahapurana: Book 3: Chapter 14: Verses 33-50 Diti's conception Diti said : Let not Lord Rudra, O hloy sage, who is the foremost of all beings as well as the Ruler of spirits, destroy the seed in my womb because I have committed an offence against Him. Obeisance to the great god Siva, who is irresistible in power and who drives away the agony of His devotees and bestows the desired blessings (on those who approach him with a prayer), who is all-blissful (to His disinterested worshippers), who, though perfectly non-violent by nature, yet wields the rod (for the wicked), and who is anger personified (at the time of universal destruction). May the almighty Lord Siva (the Spouse of Sati), my brother-in-law who is extremely compassionate by nature, be gracious unto us, women, who deserve the mercy even of the (hard-hearted) hunter. Maitreya went on : Kasyapa, who had just finished his evening devotions, saw his wife (Diti) shaking violently (with fear) and soliciting for her progeny the blessings of this as well as of the other world, and spoke to her (as follows). Katyapa said: Since your mind was impure (tainted with lust), the hour was unfavourable (for conception), you transgressed my command and (lastly) because you disregarded the gods (Lord Rudra and His attendants), 0 impious woman, a pair of wicked and unworthy sons will be born of you-sons that will make all the three worlds as well as their protectors cry again and again, 0 irascible lady ! When they proceed to kill helpless and innocent creatures, violate the chastity of women and anger exalted souls, the Lord, who is the Ruler of the universe and the Delighter of all the worlds, will be enraged and, coming down to this world (from His divine Abode) will slay them even as Indra (the wielder of the thunderbolt) struck down the mountains. Diti said : I too would rather have my sons die at the hands of the Lord Himself, whose long and mighty arm is adorned with the discus Sudarsana. Let them not die under the curse of an angered Brahmana, my lord. Even the denizens of hell refuse to show any favour to him who is consumed by the curse of a Brahmans, as well as to him who has been a terror to living beings, no matter to whatever species of life he may be consigned after death. Kasyapa said : Since you feel sorry and are full of remorse for what you have done and right judgment has soon reverted to you, and since you cherish extreme reverence for Lord Visnu and deep regard for Lord Bhava (Siva) and myself too, one of the four sons of your elder son will prove worthy of esteem even for holy men; nay, people will sing his fair renown along with the Lord's own glory. Even as gold of inferior quality is purified by being heated in fire, pious souls will cleanse their heart through disciplines (of various kinds) such as freedom from animosity in order to emulate his noble disposition and character. The Lord, who is the witness of His own Self and whose grace alone brings happiness to this universe, consisting of Himself, will be gratified with his exclusive view (that the Lord alone is true). He will be a great devotee of the Lord, magnanimous, high-souled and the noblest of the noble. Installing Lord Visnu in his heart, purified through intense Devotion, he will give up his (false) identification with the body. A mine of good qualities, he will have no attachment to the pleasures of sense, and will be steadfast in virtue. He will feel delighted at the prosperity of others and will be grieved to see others in trouble. Regarding none as his enemy, he will rid the world of its sorrows even as the moon relieves the heat of summer. Nay, your grandson will behold, in his heart (through meditation) as well as outside, the lotus-eyed Lord, who is immaculate (by nature), who assumes forms according to the wishes of His own devotees, whose countenance is adorned with brilliant ear-rings and who is the ornament of Goddess Sri, the embodiment of womanly charms. Maitreya continued : Diti felt much delighted to hear that her grandson would be a (great) devotee of the Lord, and was proud to learn that her sons would meet their death at the hands of Sri Krsna (Lord Visnu) Himself. hus ends the fourteenth discourse in Book Three, comprising among other things the dialogue between Diti and Kasyapa, of the great and glorious Bhagavata-Purana, otherwiseknown as the Paramahamsa-Samhita.