Diti, consumed by anger, directed a powerful curse at Indra, even though he was still within her womb. She declared that, since no act of valor had been performed, the curse would surely take effect: Indra, having suffered humiliation at the hands of women, would one day lose his kingdom. At this time, Prajāpati Kaśyapa, having learned from the sage Agastya of Indra’s actions, was deeply troubled and approached the scene. Indra, still unborn, spoke to his father from within the womb, his voice trembling with fear. He confessed, “Father, I am afraid to emerge, for I fear both Agastya and Diti.” Kaśyapa, upon arriving, saw the rituals prepared for the child and realized Indra’s presence still in the womb. Hearing Diti’s curse and recalling Agastya’s words, Kaśyapa’s heart was heavy with sorrow. Gently, he called out, “Come forth, Indra, my son. What sin have you committed? Those born in pure lineages do not set their minds on wrongdoing.” With head bowed in shame, Indra, wielder of the thunderbolt, emerged from the womb. His very form seemed to reflect the truth and falsehood of men’s deeds. Humbly, he said, “Whatever is deemed good here, I shall certainly do.” Kaśyapa, joined by the guardians of the world, then approached me—Nārada—and recounted all that had transpired. Together with the assembled gods, he questioned me about the proper course of action. I advised that peace be restored to Diti’s womb, the curse upon Indra be lifted, and friendship established between Indra and those who had shared the womb with him. I wished health upon them, blamelessness for Indra, husband of Śacī, and the gradual removal of Agastya’s curse. With respect, I addressed Kaśyapa: “O Prajāpati Kaśyapa, you, together with the Vasus and the guardians of the world, should quickly proceed with Indra to the sacred Gautamī river. There, bathe and together praise Maheśāna, the Great Lord.” I assured them that, by Śiva’s grace, all would be well. Accepting this counsel, Kaśyapa went at once to the Gautamī river. There, after bathing, he praised the Lord of the gods with heartfelt verses, seeking the removal of all suffering. For those in distress, only two refuges are proclaimed: the holy Gautamī river and Śiva, the ocean of compassion. Kaśyapa’s prayers rose up: “Protect, O Śaṅkara, Lord of the gods, worshipped by the worlds, pure Lord of Speech, wearer of serpents. Protect, O Dharma, rider of the bull; seer of the three Vedas, Lord of Lakṣmī, bearer of the earth, Śarva clad in elephant hide. Protect, O destroyer of Tripura, adorned with the crescent moon, Lord of sacrifice, Lord of Soma, giver of boons. Protect, O abode of compassion, giver of auspiciousness, source of all, preserver, O Indra. Protect, O illuminator, Lord of wealth, worshipped by Brahmā, Lord of all, Lord of the perfected, O complete one—salutations to you. For embodied beings whose minds are troubled in the dreadful wilderness of worldly existence, you alone, O Śiva, ocean of mercy, are the refuge.” Moved by these praises, the Bull-bannered Lord Śiva appeared before Kaśyapa and offered him a boon. With humility, Kaśyapa spoke to Śiva and recounted in detail Indra’s actions—the curse, the destruction of Diti’s sons, the mutual enmity, Indra’s sin, and the curses received. Thus did Vṛṣākapi speak to both Diti and Agastya. Kaśyapa requested, “May the Maruts, Diti’s 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, may the Maruts be present there first—of this, let there be no doubt. May Indra, together with the Maruts, never be defeated, but always victorious. Dwell happily, O lord of creatures. And from this day onward, let anyone who commits fratricide in this way suffer the destruction of their lineage and utter ruin.” Śiva, ever compassionate, also addressed Agastya, the great sage, saying, “O sage, do not harbor anger against Indra, the husband of Śacī. Be at peace, O wise one; the Maruts have become immortals.” Śiva then spoke graciously to Diti as well: “You undertook austerity with the wish for a single, great son, adorned with the sovereignty of the three worlds. Today, your effort has borne fruit—your sons are now virtuous, strong, and heroic. Therefore, cast off your sorrow, and without hesitation, ask for other boons as well, O beautiful-browed one.” Hearing these words of the Lord of gods, Diti, with hands joined in reverence, bowed to Śambhu and spoke: “In this world, the greatest joy for parents is to see their child; but for a mother, this joy is especially dear. If that child possesses beauty, strength, and valor, even a single son is enough—what need is there for many? By your power, my sons will surely be mighty conquerors, brothers of Indra, and true sons of Prajāpati. By the grace of Agastya and the favor of Gaṅgā, O Lord, where your blessing is present, what doubt can there be of auspiciousness? Though my wish is fulfilled, still, out of devotion, I make this request to you. Please, Lord, listen to my words and do what is good for the world.