Diti's Plea and the Maruts Origin
Balakanda - Sarga 47
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Balakanda - Sarga 47
Discover the origin of the Maruts as Diti pleads with Indra. Follow the lineage of Vishala, from Ikshvaku to Sumati, and witness Viswamitra's arrival in this Ramayana excerpt.
When Diti learned that her embryo had been cut into seven pieces, she was deeply distressed. She humbly addressed the unassailable Indra, saying:
"O Indra, Slayer of Balasura, this embryo has been divided into seven pieces due to my fault. You are not to blame for this misfortune. However, I seek a favor from you. Let these seven pieces become guardians of the seven Marut regions (wind realms).
O Son, may these seven children of mine, possessing celestial beauty, become the presiding deities of the Vata Skandha (wind divisions). Let them be known as Maruts, wandering in the sky. One shall move in Brahmaloka (Brahma's realm), another in Indraloka (Indra's realm), and the third, renowned as Vayu, shall move in this universe.
O best of celestials, by your command, let the other four sons become celestial beings and range about in the four directions."
Upon hearing Diti's heartfelt request, Indra responded with compassion. The thousand-eyed Indra, slayer of Bala, replied with folded palms:
"Everything will happen as you have said, without doubt. Your sons shall wander about as celestial beings. May prosperity be yours."
Having reached this agreement in the tapovana (forest retreat), mother and sons ascended to heaven, their desires fulfilled.
O Rama, descendant of Kakutstha, this is the land once inhabited by Indra, where he attended to Diti as she performed her austerities.
Vishala, a highly virtuous and renowned son, was born to Ikshvaku and Alambusa. He built a city named Vishala in this place.
The lineage continued as follows:
Hemachandra, Vishala's mighty son
Suchandra, Hemachandra's celebrated successor
Dhumraswa, Suchandra's son
Sanjaya, Dhumraswa's son
Sahadeva, Sanjaya's prosperous and powerful son
Kusaswa, Sahadeva's highly virtuous son
Somadatta, Kusaswa's brilliant and powerful son
Kakutstha, Somadatta's renowned son
Currently, Sumati, son of Kakutstha, rules this city. He is heroic, equal to the gods, and invincible.
By the grace of Ikshvaku, all the kings of Vishala have been long-lived, exalted, valiant, and deeply religious.
As the narrative shifts to the present, Viswamitra speaks to Rama:
"O Rama, we shall spend the night happily here. Tomorrow morning, it will be appropriate for you to meet Janaka."
When the brilliant and renowned King Sumati heard of Viswamitra's arrival, he went forward to receive him. Along with his spiritual preceptors and relatives, Sumati paid great respect to Viswamitra. With folded palms, he inquired about the sage's well-being and said:
"I am blessed and highly favored that you, O Sage, have visited my kingdom and graced us with your presence. There is none more fortunate than I am."
Thus ends the Forty Seventh sarga (chapter) of Balakanda (The Book of Youth) of the holy Ramayana, the first epic composed by sage Valmiki.