Indra, driven by hatred and consumed by jealousy, struck at his own brothers while they were still in their mother Diti’s womb. Yet, even as he attacked, the brothers did not die from sorrow. They reassured each other, saying, “We are still alive.” When Indra cut them again, they pleaded, “Do not kill us.” His mind clouded by animosity, Indra felt no compassion for these brothers, who remained trusting and unborn within their mother. As he struck, the single embryo was divided into many pieces, yet each fragment lived, complete with hands, feet, and limbs. Indra was astonished to see that, from one, there now appeared seven times seven forms, all alive. Though originally one, the embryos now took on many auspicious and beautiful forms, each crying out in their own way. At that moment, Hari, the Supreme Lord, soothed them, saying, “Do not cry.” Thus were the Maruts born—strong, radiant, and full of energy. Even while still in the womb, they spoke to each other, their confusion dispelled, and addressed Indra directly. They said, “Our mother dwells in the hermitage of Agastya, the tiger among sages. Our father is your father, and Agastya, your brother, cherishes your friendship deeply. O sage, we know your heart is affectionate toward us. What the outcaste does, Indra, wielder of the thunderbolt, does not act thus.” Hearing these words, Agastya was disturbed and, in agitation, went to Diti, who was suffering greatly from the pain of her pregnancy. Filled with anger, Agastya cursed Indra, the beloved of Śacī, declaring, “O Hari, in battle, may your enemies always see your back. For the proud, this is a fate worse than death—when foes witness them fleeing in combat.” Diti too, enraged by Indra’s actions, cursed him, even as he remained within her womb. “Since you have not acted with true manliness, this curse shall befall you. Having suffered humiliation at the hands of women, O Hari, you will lose your kingdom.” Meanwhile, Prajāpati Kaśyapa, troubled by what he heard from Agastya about Indra’s deeds, approached his wife. Indra, still within the womb, spoke to his father with fear, saying, “I am afraid to emerge, both because of Agastya and Diti.” Kaśyapa arrived and, seeing the situation—the ritual for the child, Indra still in the womb, and hearing of the curses—was filled with sorrow. He called to Indra, “Come out, my son. What sin have you committed? Those born in pure lineages do not set their minds on wrongdoing.” Ashamed and with his head bowed, Indra, wielder of the thunderbolt, emerged and spoke, his very appearance reflecting the truth or falsehood of one’s deeds. “Whatever is said here as beneficial, I shall certainly do,” he promised. Then Kaśyapa, accompanied by the guardians of the world, approached Lord Hari and recounted all that had happened. Together with the gods, he asked for peace for Diti’s womb, the removal of Indra’s curse, and harmony between Indra and those born with him. He prayed for the health of the Maruts, blamelessness for Śacī’s husband, and the gradual lifting of Agastya’s curse. Addressing Kaśyapa with respect, Hari said, “O Prajāpati Kaśyapa, you, along with the Vasus and the guardians of the world, quickly go to the sacred Gautamī river with Indra. There, bathe and praise Maheśāna together with all.” Hari assured them, “By Śiva’s grace, all will be well.” Kaśyapa accepted with reverence and, at once, went to the Gautamī river. After bathing, he praised the Lord of the gods, Śiva, with heartfelt verses, seeking the removal of all suffering. For those seeking refuge, only two are declared supreme: the Gautamī, the sacred river, and Śiva, the ocean of compassion. Kaśyapa prayed, “Protect us, O Śaṅkara, Lord of the gods; O pure Lord of Speech, wearer of serpents, rider on the bull, seer of the three Vedas, Lord of Lakṣmī, bearer of the earth, Śarva clad in elephant hide, destroyer of Tripura, adorned with the crescent moon, Lord of sacrifice, Lord of Soma, giver of boons, abode of compassion, giver of auspiciousness, source of all, preserver, O Indra, illuminator, Lord of wealth, worshipped by Brahmā, Lord of all, Lord of the perfected, complete one—salutations to you.” He continued, “For beings troubled by the sorrows of worldly existence, you alone, O Śiva, ocean of mercy, are the refuge.” As Kaśyapa thus praised him, the Bull-bannered Lord, Śiva, appeared before him and offered him a boon. With humility, Kaśyapa described all that had happened—Indra’s deeds, the curse, the destruction of the sons, the enmity, the sin that befell Śakra, and the curses received by Diti and Agastya. He prayed, “May the Maruts, your sons—fifty in number, save one—all become fortunate and share in the sacrificial offerings. May they always live joyfully together with Indra. Wherever there is a share of offerings for Indra in a sacrifice, the Maruts shall be present there first—of this there is no doubt. Indra, together with the Maruts, shall never be defeated; he shall always be victorious. Dwell happily, O lord of creatures.” Śiva then declared, “From this day onward, whoever commits fratricide in this way shall face the destruction of their lineage and ruin.” With care, Śaṃbhu also addressed Agastya, the tiger among sages, bringing peace and resolution to all those involved.