01.072
Vaiśampāyana said.
Then Devayānī said this to him, whose vow was complete, who had been dismissed by his guru and had set out for the abode of the gods. (01-72-1)
O grandson of the sage Aṅgiras, you shine by your conduct, noble birth, knowledge, austerity, and self-restraint. (01-72-2)
Just as the illustrious sage Aṅgiras is honored by my father, so Bṛhaspati is even more honored and worthy of worship by me. (01-72-3)
Knowing this, understand what I say, O ascetic rich in austerity. Learn how I conduct myself toward you, who are steadfast in vows and endowed with discipline. (01-72-4)
Now that your education is complete, you ought to accept me, who am devoted to you. Take my hand in due form, sanctified by mantras. (01-72-5)
Kaca said.
Just as your venerable father is worthy of worship and honor to me, so you, O faultless-limbed one, are even more worthy of worship to me. (01-72-6)
You are most beloved to the great-souled Bhārgava, as dear as his own life-breaths. O auspicious one, as my teacher's daughter, you are always worthy of honor from me according to dharma. (01-72-7)
Just as my teacher, Śukra, your father, is always worthy of honor, so indeed are you, O Devayānī. You should not speak to me in this way. (01-72-8)
Devayānī said.
You are indeed the son of the preceptor's son, but you are not my father's son. Therefore, O best of the twice-born, you are worthy of honor and worship even by me. (01-72-9)
And, O Kaca, when you were being killed again and again by the Asuras, the affection I have had from then onward, you yourself should remember.
You know my highest devotion in friendship and affection. O knower of dharma, you should not abandon me, devoted and faultless. (01-72-11)
Kaca said.
You are enjoining me in a commission that ought not to be assigned, O woman of auspicious vows. Be gracious to me, O fair-browed one, O auspicious one more venerable than a guru. (01-72-12)
O wide-eyed, moon-faced one, wherever you stayed, I too stayed there, O blessed radiant lady, in Kāvya’s womb. (01-72-13)
O fair-faced one, you are my sister by dharma; do not speak so. O blessed one, I have stayed happily, and I have no anger. (01-72-14)
I take leave of you and shall depart. Wish me well on the path. In a manner not opposed to dharma, remember me on another occasion of discourse. Rise diligently and always serve my guru. (01-72-15)
Devayānī said.
If, when urged, you reject me in matters of duty, desire, and wealth, then, O Kaca, this knowledge of yours will not attain perfection. (01-72-16)
Kaca said.
I refuse you not because of any fault, but because I consider you the guru's daughter. And since I have been permitted by the guru, curse me as you wish. (01-72-17)
O Devayānī, while I was speaking the dharma of the seers, you cursed me. I am not deserving of this curse; it was given today out of desire, not in accordance with dharma. (01-72-18)
Therefore, the desire you have will not come to pass in that way. No son of a seer will ever take your hand in marriage. (01-72-19)
Your knowledge will not bear fruit; what you said to me is true. But the one whom I shall teach, his knowledge will bear fruit. (01-72-20)
Vaiśampāyana said.
Having said this to Devayānī, Kaca, the best of the twice-born, quickly went to the abode of the lord of the gods, that foremost of Brahmins. (01-72-21)
Seeing that he had arrived, the gods, with Indra at their head, honored Bṛhaspati and joyfully said this to Kaca. (01-72-22)
Because you have performed a supremely wondrous deed for our benefit, your fame will not perish; you will have a share with us. (01-72-23)
