Chapter 77
“Vaisampayana said, ‘After the expiry of the period of his vow, Kacha,having obtained his preceptor’s leave, was about to return to the abodeof the celestials, when Devayani, addressing him, said, ‘O grandson ofthe Rishi Angiras, in conduct and birth, in learning, asceticism andhumility, thou shinest most brightly.
As the celebrated Rishi Angiras ishonoured and regarded by my father, so is thy father regarded andworshipped by me. O thou of ascetic wealth, knowing this, listen to whatI say. Recollect my conduct towards thee during the period of thy vow(Brahmacharya). Thy vow hath now been over. It behoveth thee to fix thyaffections on me. O accept my hand duly with ordained mantras.’
“Kacha replied, ‘Thou art to me an object of regard and worship even asthy father! O thou of faultless features, thou art, indeed, even anobject of greater reverence! Thou art dearer than life to the high-souledBhargava, O amiable one! As the daughter of my preceptor, thou art everworthy of my worship! As my preceptor Sukra, thy father, is everdeserving of my regards, so art thou, O Devayani! Therefore, it behoveththee not to say so.’ Hearing this, Devayani replied, ‘Thou, too, art theson of my father’s preceptor’s son. Therefore, O best of Brahmanas, thouart deserving of my regards and worship. O Kacha, when thou wert slain somany times by the Asuras, recollect today the affection I showed forthee. Remembering my friendship and affection for thee, and, indeed, mydevoted regard also, O virtuous one, it behoveth thee not to abandon mewithout any fault. I am truly devoted to thee.’
“Hearing all this, Kacha said, ‘O thou of virtuous vows, do not urge meinto such a sinful course. O thou of fair eye-brows, be gracious unto me.Beautiful one, thou art to me an object of greater regard than mypreceptor. Full of virtuous resolves, O large-eyed one, of face ashandsome, as moon, the place where thou hadst resided, viz., the body ofKavya, hath also been my abode. Thou art truly my sister. Amiable one,happily have we passed the days that we have been together. There isperfect good understanding between us. I ask thy leave to return to myabode. Therefore, bless me so that my journey may be safe. I must beremembered by thee, when thou recallest me in connection with topics ofconversation, as one that hath not transgressed virtue. Always attendupon my preceptor with readiness and singleness of heart.’ To all this,Devaniya answered, ‘Solicited, by me, if, indeed, thou truly refusest tomake me thy wife, then, O Kacha, this thy knowledge shall not bear fruit.’
“Hearing this, Kacha said, ‘I have refused thy request only because thouart the daughter of my preceptor, and not because thou hast any fault.Nor hath my preceptor in this respect issued any command. Curse me if itplease thee. I have told thee what the behaviour should be of a Rishi. Ido not deserve thy curse, O Devayani. But yet thou hast cursed me! Thouhast acted under the influence of passion and not from a sense of duty.Therefore, thy desire will not be fulfilled. No Rishi’s son shall everaccept thy hand in marriage. Thou hast said that my knowledge shall notbear fruit. Let it be so. But in respect of him it shall bear fruit towhom I may impart it.’
“Vaisampayana continued, ‘That first of Brahmanas, Kacha, having said sounto Devayani speedily wended his way unto the abode of the chief of thecelestials. Beholding him arrived, the celestials with Indra ahead,having first worshipped him, spoke unto him as follows, ‘Thou hastindeed, performed an act of great benefit for us. Wonderful hath been thyachievement! Thy fame shall never die! Thou shall be a sharer with us insacrificial offerings.'”
