Those who fail to honor the guru—the one who is to be worshipped, the best among treasures and boons, whose forehead shines like the blazing Himalayan peak—such people, unstable in their ways, fall into sinful worlds. There are those who, by making another drink liquor through deception and causing the loss of consciousness and reason, lead the deluded to drink, attracted by the appearance of the glass and the allure of the liquor. Witnessing such a wrong, the powerful Kavya—Shukra himself—rose in anger, wishing to address the injustice done to Ushanas. Suspecting the act of drinking liquor, he spoke these words: “Any Brahmin who, from this day onward, out of delusion drinks liquor, being dull-witted and fallen from dharma, is indeed a slayer of Brahmins, condemned in this world and the next. I have established this boundary of Brahmin conduct in all the worlds; let all virtuous Brahmins, attentive to their teachers, and all gods and demons, listen.” Having thus declared, that one of immeasurable brilliance, the treasure of ascetics, gathered together the Danavas, who harbored hidden intentions, and addressed them: “O Danavas, you are childish. Kacha, the disciple, will remain with me. Having obtained the knowledge of Sanjivani from me, this Brahmin, equal in power, will become like Brahma himself.” So, Kacha, having lived near his guru for a hundred years, with his teacher’s permission, wished to return to the abode of the gods. When his vow was complete and he was released by Shukra, as he set out for the dwelling of the gods, Devayani approached him and spoke: “O grandson of Angiras, you shine by conduct, by birth, by knowledge, by austerity, and by self-restraint. Just as my illustrious ancestor, the sage Angiras, is honored, so too is my father Brihaspati worthy of my worship. Knowing this, understand my words, O steadfast one, as I conduct myself toward you. Now that you have completed your studies, do not abandon me, your devoted one; take my hand in the proper way, with the prescribed mantras. Just as my father is worthy of honor and respect, so too are you, O faultless one, most worthy of worship.” Kacha replied, “By life and breath, you are most dear to the great-souled Bhargava. By righteousness, O guru’s daughter, you are always worthy of my honor. Just as my guru Shukra, your father, is always honored by me, so too are you, O Devayani; you should not speak otherwise. You are to me as a guru’s daughter, not as my father’s daughter; therefore, you are also to be honored and respected by me.” Devayani reminded him, “When you, Kacha, were repeatedly slain by the Asuras, remember the affection I had for you from that time onward. You know my supreme devotion, both in affection and love; do not abandon your innocent devotee.” But Kacha answered gently, “O virtuous lady, you assign me to a task where I should not be assigned; be gracious, for you are more venerable than even the guru. Where you, with your moon-like face, have dwelled, there I too have dwelled, O gentle lady, within the womb of Kavya. By dharma, you are my sister, O auspicious-faced one; do not speak thus. I have dwelled with you happily, and I bear no anger. I take leave of you; I shall depart. May my journey be auspicious. Without violating dharma, remember me in another tale. Always be vigilant and devoted, and worship my guru.” Devayani, still pained, said, “You were slain by the demons, yet I protected you with the resolve of a husband. If you reject me for the sake of dharma, desire, and wealth, then so be it. Then, Kacha, this knowledge will not attain its fulfillment for you.” Kacha replied, “Declaring myself as the guru’s son, I shall reject you, not out of fault. Having been permitted by the guru, curse me as you wish. I speak the ancient dharma, just as you do. I am not fit to be cursed by you, O blessed one, either by desire or by dharma today. Therefore, the desire you have will not be fulfilled. No son of a sage will ever take your hand in marriage. My knowledge will not bear fruit, as you have said. Yet, I shall teach it to another, and for him, the knowledge will bear fruit.” Having spoken thus, Kacha swiftly journeyed to the abode of the lord of the gods. Seeing him arrive, the gods, led by Indra, honored Kacha and joyfully spoke to Brihaspati: “O Kacha, you have performed a great and wondrous deed for our benefit. Your fame will not perish, and you shall receive your share.” When Kacha had mastered the knowledge and returned, the gods were delighted. Learning from Kacha that he had accomplished his purpose, all the gods assembled and addressed Shatakratu, saying, “Now is the time for your valor; slay the enemies, O Purandara.” Thus urged, Maghavan agreed and set forth. As he moved through the forest, he saw women at play, their gathering resembling the celestial garden of Chaitraratha. Suddenly, the wind, taking form, scattered all their garments. The maidens, emerging from the water together, gathered their garments, each taking what was hers, but in various ways. In that moment, Sharmishtha, daughter of Vrishaparvan, unknowingly took Devayani’s garment, not realizing her mistake. Because of this, a conflict arose between Devayani and Sharmishtha. Devayani, aggrieved, said, “Why do you take my garment, having become my disciple, O Asuri? Lacking proper conduct, you will not attain any good.