When Diti had completed her sacred vow, the sage Kaśyapa, her devoted husband, placed the divine embryo within her. In the privacy of their chamber, Kaśyapa spoke gently to his beloved wife, offering her words of guidance and caution. “Even those sages who are steadfast in their austerities, O fair-smiling one, do not attain their heart’s desires if they neglect the duties prescribed for them,” he explained with care. He instructed her further: “One must not perform censured acts during either the dawn or dusk. At these sacred twilights, you must neither sleep nor go outside, nor let your hair remain unbound. O fortunate one, you must not eat, yawn, or stretch at twilight, for it is then that spirits and subtle beings gather. Concealment should always be practiced, especially laughter; and one must never remain inside the house during the twilights. “There are other rules to observe as well, my dear. Never cross over mortar, pestle, winnowing basket, seat, or coverings, whether by day or night. Do not sleep with your head facing north, particularly at twilight. Speak no falsehood, and do not wander to another’s house. A man must never cast his gaze upon another woman but his own, with utmost care. If you observe these rules, then surely you will bear a son destined to rule the three worlds.” Diti, honoring her husband who was revered by all, replied, “So be it.” Kaśyapa, his mind intent upon the welfare of the gods, departed from there. The embryo within Diti began to grow, powerful and radiant with merit. All of this was known by the demon Maya, who, through his magical arts, perceived the truth of these events. In time, a friendship blossomed between Indra, king of the gods, and Maya, the master of magic. With affection, Maya came to Indra in secret and, with humility, revealed to him Diti’s intentions, her vow, the growth of the embryo, and its wondrous powers. A true friend, as the scriptures say, is a single abode of trust, free from fear of harm, gained through many good deeds. Yet, Maya, mighty among demons, was the beloved brother of Namuci. O lord of gods, how could there be friendship between Maya and Indra, who had slain his brother? Namuci, once the powerful lord of the demons, had been a fierce enemy of Indra. After a truce in battle, Namuci followed Indra, the slayer of a hundred foes, as he departed. When Indra saw Namuci approaching, he was struck with terror. Abandoning his elephant Airāvata, Indra entered into a mass of foam. Wielding his thunderbolt, Indra struck Namuci with foam alone, and thus Namuci met his end. Maya, the younger brother, was left behind. To avenge his brother’s death, Maya performed great austerities and gained terrifying magical powers over the gods. Through his penance, he obtained boons from Viṣṇu, the refuge of all worlds, and became skilled in speech and generosity. Meanwhile, Indra honored fire and the Brahmins, preparing for battle and giving gifts to all who sought them, earning the praise of bards. When he learned that Maya, the master of magic and his enemy, had come seeking a worthy contest, Indra disguised himself as a Brahmin and approached Maya. Again and again, Śacī’s husband addressed Maya, the Daitya: “O lord of Daityas, grant me the boon I desire. I have come to you, hearing of your generosity, as a foremost Brahmin seeking a favor.” Maya, believing him to be a Brahmin, replied, “I have given you what you ask. The wise consider well whether to give much or little to a supplicant.” Then Indra revealed his true desire: “I wish for friendship with you.” Maya, surprised, asked, “What use is this, O best of Brahmins?” Indra responded, “You have no enmity with me, friend. Speak the truth.” At this, the Daitya revealed his own form, and Indra showed him the form called Sahasrākṣa, the thousand-eyed. Amazed, Maya exclaimed, “What is this? You are Vajrapāṇi! This act is unworthy of you, friend.” Embracing him and laughing, Indra replied, “It is done. The wise accomplish their aim by whatever means they must.” From that time onward, great affection arose between Indra and Maya. Maya was ever devoted to Hari. Going to Indra’s palace, Maya reported everything to him. Indra, pleased, asked Maya, “What should I do?” Maya gladly gave his magical arts to Indra and, when asked again, advised, “Go to Agastya’s hermitage, where Diti, who is pregnant, now resides. Serve her there and remain for some time. O Maghavan, enter her womb, and with your thunderbolt, cut the growing embryo until it yields or is destroyed. Continue to strike it until it submits, for then your enemy will not remain.” Indra agreed, honoring Maya, and departed alone, humbly approaching Diti, his own mother, serving her as the goddess Daitya-mother, though she was unaware of his hostile intent. Whatever being was in the womb, it was protected by the unfailing and unassailable power of the sage Kaśyapa. Then, grasping the thunderbolt, Indra—Sahasrākṣa, Purandara—longed to enter within, and so dwelled there for a long time. One twilight, seeing Diti with her head washed and asleep, Indra thought, “This is the moment,” and entered her womb, armed with the thunderbolt. Within, the being saw Indra, armed and intent on killing, and spoke again and again, without fear: “Why do you not protect me, O wielder of the thunderbolt? You wish to kill your own brother. In battle, there is no sin greater than fratricide.