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Matsyapurana 26

English (machine translation) 26

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26.1

Śaunaka said:
As he had completed his vow, was dismissed by his guru,
and had set out for the abode of the gods, Devayānī said this to him:

26.2

Devayānī said:
Grandson of the sage Aṅgiras, by conduct and by lineage,
by learning, asceticism, and self-restraint, you shine.

26.3

Just as the renowned sage Aṅgiras is worthy of my father's respect,
so Bṛhaspati is equally respected and worshipped by me.

26.4

Knowing this, understand what I say, rich in ascetic power:
behold how I have behaved toward you while you observed vows and discipline.

26.5

Having completed your learning, you ought not to abandon me who am devoted to you;
take my hand according to rule, preceded by sacred mantras.

26.6

Kaca said:
Just as the venerable lord, your father, is worshipped and respected by me,
so are you, faultless one, regarded as most worthy of worship.

26.7

You are dearer than his own life to the great-souled Bhārgava;
blessed woman, by righteousness you are always my guru's daughter, worthy of worship.

26.8

Just as your father Śukra is my constantly respected guru,
Devayānī, so are you; you ought not to speak to me in this manner.

26.9

Devayānī said:
You are the son of my guru's son, not of my father;
therefore, best of the twice-born, you too are respected and worshipped by me.

26.10

When you were being slain again and again by the Asuras,
remember yourself that love of mine from that time on.

26.11

You know my supreme devotion in friendship and affection;
knower of righteousness, you ought not to abandon me, who am devoted and faultless.

26.12

Kaca said:
You urge me to an improper task, woman of auspicious vows;
be gracious to me, fair-browed one; you are greater to me than a guru, auspicious woman.

26.13

Where you dwelt, large-eyed woman, moon-faced one,
there I too dwelt, blessed one, within the belly of Kāvya, passionate lady.

26.14

By righteousness you are my sister; do not speak thus, woman of fair face;
I have lived here in happiness, blessed lady, and have no resentment.

26.15

I take leave of you; I shall go. May there be well-being on my path;
I am to be remembered in conversation without transgressing righteousness;
ever vigilant and diligent, serve my guru.

26.16

Devayānī said:
Because when you were killed by the Daityas, you were preserved by me thinking of you as a husband,
if you reject me who seek righteousness and desire, in the name of righteousness,

26.17

then, Kaca, this science of yours will not attain success.

26.18

Kaca said:
Considering you a guru's daughter, I refuse, not out of malice;
and permitted by my guru, curse me at your will.

26.19

Devayānī, while declaring the righteousness of the ṛṣis,
I do not deserve to be cursed by you today according to desire or righteousness, fortunate one.

26.20

Therefore, the desire you have shall not come to pass in that manner:
no son of a sage shall ever take your hand in marriage.

26.21

As for your word that my science will not bear fruit, so be it;
and the one whom I teach—for him the science will bear fruit.

26.22

Śaunaka said:
Having spoken thus to Devayānī, best of kings, Kaca,
that best of the twice-born, quickly went to the abode of the lord of the gods.

26.23

Seeing him arrive, the gods, headed by Indra,
having honoured Bṛhaspati, said this to Kaca filled with joy:

26.24

The gods said:
Kaca, you have accomplished a great and marvelous deed beneficial to us;
your fame will not perish, and you will become a sharer in sacrificial offerings.

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