The Mahabharata of Krishna-Dwaipayana Vyasa BOOK 1 ADI PARVA SECTION LXXVII (Sambhava Parva continued)

 The Mahabharata of

Krishna-Dwaipayana Vyasa BOOK 1

ADI PARVA

 SECTION LXXVII

(Sambhava Parva continued)

"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, thou shinest most brightly. As the celebrated Rishi Angiras is

honoured and regarded by my father, so is thy father regarded and

worshipped by me. O thou of ascetic wealth, knowing this, listen to what

I say. Recollect my conduct towards thee during the period of thy vow

(Brahmacharya). Thy vow hath now been over. It behoveth thee to fix thy

affections on me. O accept my hand duly with ordained mantras.'

"Kacha replied, 'Thou art to me an object of regard and worship even as

thy father! O thou of faultless features, thou art, indeed, even an

object of greater reverence! Thou art dearer than life to the high-souled

Bhargava, O amiable one! As the daughter of my preceptor, thou art ever

worthy of my worship! As my preceptor Sukra, thy father, is ever

deserving of my regards, so art thou, O Devayani! Therefore, it behoveth

thee not to say so.' Hearing this, Devayani replied, 'Thou, too, art the

son of my father's preceptor's son. Therefore, O best of Brahmanas, thou

art deserving of my regards and worship. O Kacha, when thou wert slain so

many times by the Asuras, recollect today the affection I showed for

thee. Remembering my friendship and affection for thee, and, indeed, my

devoted regard also, O virtuous one, it behoveth thee not to abandon me

without any fault. I am truly devoted to thee.'

"Hearing all this, Kacha said, 'O thou of virtuous vows, do not urge me

into 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 my

preceptor. Full of virtuous resolves, O large-eyed one, of face as

handsome, as moon, the place where thou hadst resided, viz., the body of

Kavya, hath also been my abode. Thou art 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 thy leave to return to my

abode. Therefore, bless me so that my journey may be safe. I must be

remembered by thee, when thou recallest me in connection with topics of

conversation, as one that hath not transgressed virtue. Always attend

upon my preceptor with readiness and singleness of heart.' To all this,

Devaniya answered, 'Solicited, by me, if, indeed, thou truly refusest to

make me thy wife, then, O Kacha, this thy knowledge shall not bear fruit.'

"Hearing this, Kacha said, 'I have refused thy request only because thou

art 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 it

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

do not deserve thy curse, O Devayani. But yet thou hast cursed me! Thou

hast 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 ever

accept thy hand in marriage. Thou hast 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, 'Thou hast

indeed, performed an act of great benefit for us. Wonderful hath been thy

achievement! Thy fame shall never die! Thou shall be a sharer with us in

sacrificial offerings.'"