Diti, virtuous and humble, bowed before Danu with all her heart. Danu, seeing Diti’s sincerity, spoke gently to her, saying, “O gentle one, please your husband Kaśyapa with your own virtues. If your husband is pleased, you will surely obtain your desires.” Diti listened and replied, “So be it.” She then devoted herself wholly to pleasing Kaśyapa, honoring him with all her heart. In turn, the venerable Prajāpati Kaśyapa addressed Diti, “What shall I give you? Tell me your wish, O Diti. Choose, O virtuous one.” With humility, Diti spoke to her husband, “Grant me a son endowed with many virtues, a conqueror of all worlds, honored by all beings. By whose birth I may become the mother of a heroic son—such a boon I choose, O lord of the gods.” Kaśyapa responded, “I shall instruct you in a supreme vow, which yields its fruit after twelve years. Then, I will come and place in you the child you desire. When one is born free from sin, all wishes are fulfilled.” Delighted by her husband’s words, Diti, wide-eyed with hope, performed the vow as Kaśyapa instructed, following the proper method. For, indeed, those who neglect service at sacred places, giving to the worthy, and the practice of vows—how can they attain their desires? When the twelve-year vow was completed, Kaśyapa placed the embryo in Diti. Again, in private, Kaśyapa spoke to his beloved wife, “Even sages devoted to austerity do not obtain their desires, O fair-smiling one, if prescribed duties are neglected. One must not perform censured acts at either of the twilights; one must neither sleep nor go out, nor let the hair be unbound. One must not eat, yawn, or stretch at twilight, especially when spirits and beings gather. Concealment should always be practiced, especially laughter; one must never remain inside the house during the twilights. Mortar, pestle, winnowing basket, seat, and coverings must never be crossed over, either by day or night, dear one. One must not sleep with the head to the north, especially at twilight; one must not speak falsehood, nor wander to another’s house. A man must never look at another woman besides his own, with great care. If you follow such rules, then you shall have a son who will be the vessel of sovereignty over the three worlds.” Diti agreed, saying, “So be it,” to her husband, honored by the world. Kaśyapa, his mind directed toward the gods, departed from there. The embryo within Diti grew, powerful and born of merit. All this, the demon Maya knew truly by his magical arts. A friendship blossomed between Indra and Maya, with affection. Maya, going secretly, spoke to Indra with humility, revealing Diti’s intention, her vow, the growth of the embryo, and its various powers—all with goodwill. Indeed, a friend who is a single abode of trust, free from fear of harm, gained through good deeds of many kinds, is truly attained. But Maya, the mighty demon, was the beloved brother of Namuci. O lord of gods, how could there be friendship for Maya with the slayer of his brother? Namuci, once the powerful lord of the demons, had a terrible, hair-raising enmity with Indra. Once, after ceasing battle, the valiant Namuci followed Indra, the hundred-slain, from behind as he was departing. Seeing Namuci approaching, Indra, husband of Śacī, terrified, abandoned Airāvata the elephant and entered into foam. Wielding the thunderbolt, Indra struck his enemy swiftly with foam alone; Namuci met his destruction, and Maya was his younger brother. To avenge his brother’s death, Maya performed great austerity and obtained various terrifying magical powers over the gods. Through austerity, Maya received boons from Viṣṇu, the refuge of the worlds, and became skilled in giving and pleasing speech. Indra, honoring fire and Brahmins, prepared for battle. He gave gifts to those who sought them and was praised by bards. Knowing that Maya, the magician and enemy, had approached for a good fight, Maghavan became a Brahmin and went to Maya; Śacī’s husband repeatedly addressed Maya, the Daitya. “O lord of Daityas, grant me the boon I desire, for I have come to you, hearing of your generosity, as a foremost Brahmin seeking a favor.” Maya, thinking him a Brahmin, replied, “I have given you what you ask. The wise consider whether to give much or little to a supplicant.” When this was said, Hari spoke, “I desire friendship with you.” Maya replied, “What use is this, O best of Brahmins?” “You have no enmity with me, friend,” said Hari to Maya. “Speak the truth,” he urged, and Maya revealed his own form. Hari then showed Maya the form called Sahasrākṣa. Amazed, Maya addressed Hari, “What is this? You are Vajrapāṇi! This act is unworthy of you, friend.” Embracing him and laughing, Hari said, “It is done. Here, the wise accomplish their aim by some means.” From that moment, O tiger among sages, great affection arose between Śakra and Maya; Maya was always devoted to Hari.