When Kacha, the son of Brihaspati, found himself within the belly of the great sage Shukra, the sage addressed him with wonder: “By what means have you come here, and why do you dwell in my belly? Speak, O Brahmin! For at this very moment, having destroyed the Asuras, I am going to the gods.” Kacha replied with gratitude and fortitude, “By your grace, O revered one, my memory remains unshaken—I remember all that has happened. Were it not for this, my austerities would be lost. Thus, I endure this terrible suffering.” He continued, “The Asuras, having killed, burned, and ground me, mixed me into the drink of the gods and gave me to you, O Kavya. Yet, neither the Brahmin’s magic nor the Asura’s magic could surpass your own, while you remain.” Moved, Shukra spoke kindly, “What favor can I grant you today, my child? Only by my own death could Kacha live again; for Kacha, who is within me, can only be seen by Devayani if my belly is split open.” He lamented, “Two griefs burn within me like twin fires—the loss of Kacha and your own destruction. If Kacha perishes, I have no happiness; if you are harmed, I cannot live.” Then Shukra addressed Kacha directly, “You are accomplished, O son of Brihaspati, for Devayani, steadfast and devoted, seeks you. Obtain from me the knowledge that grants life; otherwise, today you will become Indra in Kacha’s form. No one else, once alive, has ever returned from my belly except a Brahmin. Therefore, receive this knowledge.” He instructed, “Having become my son, honor me as one who is honored. After emerging from my body, my child, observe proper conduct, and, having obtained knowledge from your teacher, be learned.” Kacha, having received the knowledge from his teacher, split open Shukra’s belly and emerged, radiant and handsome, like the full moon at the end of the bright fortnight. Seeing Shukra fallen, a mass of Brahmanic energy, Kacha revived the sage with the perfected knowledge he had gained. Then, having paid his respects, Kacha spoke with reverence to his teacher: “He who pours the nectar of knowledge into the ears of the ignorant, as you have done for me, O noble one, I regard as both father and mother. To such a one, knowing his deed, one should never act with hostility.” He continued, “He who gives the supreme truth, the best of treasures, is the true treasure among treasures for those who have gained knowledge. Those who do not honor the venerable teacher go to worlds of sinners, unstable and without foundation.” Remembering the events that led to Kacha being swallowed due to the Asuras’ trickery and the influence of wine, Shukra, rising in anger, was deeply moved by what had occurred. Wishing to establish a rule for all time, he declared, “From today onward, any Brahmin who, out of delusion and dullness of mind, drinks liquor, abandoning righteousness and Brahmanhood, will be condemned in this world and beyond.” He proclaimed, “I have established this boundary of Brahmin duty for all the worlds. Let virtuous Brahmins, attentive to their teachers, and all the gods and beings hear it.” Having spoken thus, Shukra, the great-souled sage, called together the Danavas, whose minds were bewildered by the gods, and addressed them: “O Danavas, you are childish. The accomplished Kacha will remain with me. Having obtained the Sanjivani knowledge, that great-souled Brahmin, equal in brilliance and become Brahman, will stay.” He praised Kacha: “Kacha performed this difficult deed for the sake of the gods; his fame will not fade with age, and he will be worthy of sacrifice.” With these words, the descendant of Bhrigu fell silent, and the Danavas, struck with wonder, returned to their own abode. After dwelling with his teacher for a hundred years, Kacha, having received permission, sought to return to the abode of the gods. As he prepared to depart, Devayani approached him and spoke: “O grandson of Angiras, you shine by conduct, lineage, knowledge, austerity, and self-restraint. Just as Angiras, my father’s father, is honored and renowned, so too is my father, Brihaspati, esteemed and worthy of worship. Knowing this, understand what I say, O ascetic, as I have always acted toward you, steadfast in vows and discipline.” She pleaded, “You, accomplished in learning, ought to accept me, your devoted one; take my hand in proper form, with the prescribed mantra. Just as your father is honored and revered by you, so you, flawless one, are even more worthy of worship by me.” But Kacha, with gentle firmness, replied, “You are dearer than life itself to the great-souled descendant of Bhrigu. As my teacher’s daughter, you are always worthy of reverence from me according to righteousness. Just as my teacher, Shukra, your father, is always honored by me, so, Devayani, are you. You should not speak to me in this way.” He explained, “You are the daughter of my teacher, and I am the son of your father’s student; therefore, you are worthy of honor and respect from me, O best of the twice-born.” Devayani, recalling the many times the Asuras had killed Kacha, implored him, “Remember today the affection I have had for you. You know my highest devotion in friendship and love; O knower of righteousness, do not abandon your devoted, blameless one.” Kacha replied, “O Devayani, you ought not to command me in what is not to be commanded. Be gracious to me, O fair-browed one, for you are even more venerable to me than my teacher, O auspicious lady. Wherever you, O wide-eyed one with a face like the moon, have dwelt, there have I also dwelt, even within the womb of Kavya, O radiant one. By law, you are my sister, O slender-waisted one; do not speak thus. I have dwelt happily, O gentle lady, and I bear no anger.” He took his leave, “I take leave of you and will depart; wish me well on my journey. Without violating righteousness, remember me when the story is told again. Ever rise with care and serve my teacher devotedly.” Devayani, wounded, spoke a curse: “If, when entreated for the sake of righteousness and desire, you reject me, then, O Kacha, this knowledge will not attain its fruition for you.” Kacha accepted her words with composure, “I have refused you, considering you as the teacher’s daughter, and not out of fault; nor was I permitted by my teacher. Therefore, curse me as you wish.” He concluded, “Speaking in accordance with the ancient law, O Devayani, I have been cursed by you undeservedly, out of desire today, not according to righteousness. Therefore, the desire you have will not be fulfilled in that way; no son of a sage will ever take your hand in marriage.” Thus, the tale of Kacha and Devayani unfolded, marked by duty, devotion, and the unyielding bonds of teacher and student.