# The Mahabharata/Book 1: Adi Parva/Section LXXVII

Section LXXVII. ( Sambhava Parva continued. )
Vaisampayana said, "After the expiration of the period of his vow, Kacha having obtained his preceptor's leave was about the return to the abode of the celestials. Just at this time, Deva-yāni, addressing him, said, 'O grand-son of the Rishi Angira, in conduct and birth, in learning, asceticism, and humility, thou shinest most brightly! As the celebrated Rishi Angira is honored and regarded by my father, so is thy father Vrihaspati regarded and worshipped by me! O thou of ascetic wealth, knowing this, listen to what I say. Recollect my behaviour to thee during the period of thy vow (of Brahma-charya.) 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! Indeed, O thou of faultless ​features, thou art 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 Deva-yani! Therefore it behoveth thee not to say so.' Hearing this Deva-yani 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 graceful 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, besides, as handsome as the moon, the place where thou hadst resided, viz, the body of Kavya, hath also been my abode. Thou art truly my sister! Therefore, O slender-waisted one, do not say so! 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 pronounce blessings on me so that my journey may be safe. I must be remembered by thee, when thou dost remember 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, Deva-yani answered, 'Solicited by me, if, indeed, thou dost truly refuse to make me thy wife, then, O Kacha, this thy knowledge shall not bear fruit!'
"Hearing all 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 hast my preceptor in this respect issued any command. Curse me if it please thee! I have told thee what the behaviour should be of Rishis. I do not ​deserve thy curse, O Deva-yani! But yet hast thou cursed me. Thou hast acted under the influence of passion and not from a sense of duty. Therefore thy desire shall 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 him it shall bear fruit to whom I may impart it.'"
Vaisampayana continued, "That first of Brahmanas, Kacha, having said so unto Deva-yani, speedily wended unto the abode of the chief of the celestials. And beholding him arrived, the celestials with Indra ahead, having first worshipped, spoke unto him as follows:—'Thou hast, indeed, performed an act of great good for us. Wonderful hath been thy achievement! Thy fame shall never die! And thou shalt be a sharer with us in sacrificial offerings.'"
And thus ends the seventy-seventh Section in the Sambhava of the Adi Parva.