Section LXXVII

"Vaisampayana said, 'After the expiry of the period of his vow, Kacha, having obtained his preceptor’s leave, was about to return to the abode of the celestials, when Devayani, addressing him, said,

'O grandson of the Rishi Angiras, in conduct and birth, in learning, asceticism and humility, you shinest most brightly. As the celebrated Rishi Angiras is honoured and regarded by my father, so is your father regarded and worshipped by me.

O you of ascetic wealth, knowing this, listen to what I say. Recollect my conduct towards you during the period of your vow (Brahmacarya). Your vow has now been over. It behoves you to fix your affections on me.

O accept my hand duly with ordained mantras.'

"Kacha replied,

'You are to me an object of regard and worship even as your father!
O you of faultless features, you are, indeed, even an object of greater reverence!
You are dearer than life to the high-souled Bhargava, O amiable one!
As the daughter of my preceptor, you are ever worthy of my worship!
As my preceptor Sukra, your father, is ever deserving of my regards, so art you, O Devayani!
Therefore, it behoves you not to say so.'

Hearing this, Devayani replied,

'You, too, art the son of my father’s preceptor’s son.
Therefore, O best of Brahmanas, you are deserving of my regards and worship.

O Kacha, when you were slain so many times by the Asuras, recollect today the affection I showed for you. Remembering my friendship and affection for you, and, indeed, my devoted regard also, O virtuous one, it behoves you not to abandon me without any fault.

I am truly devoted to you.'

"Hearing all this, Kacha said,

'O you of virtuous vows, do not urge me into such a sinful course.
O you of fair eye-brows, be gracious unto me.
Beautiful one, you are to me an object of greater regard than my preceptor.

Full of virtuous resolves, O large-eyed one, of face as handsome, as moon, the place where you had resided, viz., the body of Kavya, has also been my abode.

You are truly my sister.
Amiable one, happily have we passed the days that we have been together.
There is perfect good understanding between us.
I ask your leave to return to my abode.
Therefore, bless me so that my journey may be safe.

I must be remembered by you, when you recallest me in connection with topics of conversation, as one that has not transgressed virtue.

Always attend upon my preceptor with readiness and singleness of heart.'

To all this, Devaniya answered, ’solicited, by me, if, indeed, you truly refusest to make me your wife, then, O Kacha, this your knowledge shall not bear fruit.'

"Hearing this, Kacha said,

'I have refused your request only because you are the daughter of my preceptor, and not because you have any fault. Nor has my preceptor in this respect issued any command. Curse me if it please you.

I have told you what the behaviour should be of a Rishi.

I do not deserve your curse, O Devayani. But yet you have cursed me! You have acted under the influence of passion and not from a sense of duty. Therefore, your desire will not be fulfilled. No Rishi’s son shall ever accept your hand in marriage. You have said that my knowledge shall not bear fruit. Let it be so.

But in respect of him it shall bear fruit to whom I may impart it.'

"Vaisampayana continued, 'That first of Brahmanas, Kacha, having said so unto Devayani speedily wended his way unto the abode of the chief of the celestials. Beholding him arrived, the celestials with Indra ahead, having first worshipped him, spoke unto him as follows,

'You have indeed, performed an act of great benefit for us.
Wonderful has been your achievement!
Your fame shall never die!
You shall be a sharer with us in sacrificial offerings.'"