A Classical Dictionary of Hindu Mythology and Religion, Geography, History, and Literature c5.749

c5.749

KACHA. A son of Brihaspati. According to the Mahābhārata he became a disciple of Sukra or Usanas, the priest of the Asuras, with the object of obtaining from him the mystic power of restoring the dead to life, a charm which Sukra alone possessed. To prevent this the Asuras killed Kacha again and again, but on both occasions he was restored to life by the sage at the intercession of Devayānī, his daughter, who had fallen in love with Kacha. They killed him a third time, burnt his body, and mixed his ashes with Sukra’s wine, but Devayānī again implored her father to bring back the young man. Unable to resist his daughter's importunity, Sukra once more performed the charm, and to his surprise heard the voice of Kacha come out from his own belly. To save his own life, Sukra taught his pupil the great charm. He then allowed himself to be ripped open, and Kacha, upon coming out, performed the charm, and restored his master to life. This incident is said to have caused Sukra to prohibit the use of wine to Brāhmans. Kacha resisted the proposals of Devayānī, and refused to make her his wife. She then cursed him, that the charms he had learnt from her father should be powerless, and he in return condemned her to be sought by no Brāhman, and to become the wife of a Kshatriya.