The Tale of Kacha and Devayani: Love, Betrayal, and the Gift of Immortality

In the ancient world, there was an unending conflict between the devas (gods) and the asuras (demons). The devas, led by Indra, constantly clashed with the asuras, who sought power and supremacy over the heavens. To gain an advantage over the devas, the asuras had acquired the knowledge of *mrityu sanjeevani*, a powerful mantra capable of reviving the dead. This secret was known only to Shukracharya, the guru and spiritual guide of the asuras.

Desperate to counter this advantage, the devas devised a plan. They approached Kacha, the son of Brihaspati, the teacher of the devas, and requested that he learn the *mrityu sanjeevani* mantra from Shukracharya. Kacha agreed, understanding that the knowledge would greatly benefit the devas in their fight against the asuras.

With a mission in mind, Kacha journeyed to Shukracharya’s ashram, where he humbly approached the sage and offered himself as a disciple. Shukracharya, unaware of Kacha’s true purpose, accepted him as his student. Over time, Kacha proved himself to be diligent and obedient, winning the respect and trust of Shukracharya. He also won the admiration of Shukracharya’s daughter, Devayani.

Devayani, charmed by Kacha’s dedication and kindness, gradually fell in love with him. They spent time together in the ashram, sharing laughter, stories, and their dreams. Devayani cherished Kacha’s company and began to envision a future with him. Kacha, however, remained focused on his mission, concealing his true purpose for being at the ashram.

As Kacha’s time in the ashram passed, the asuras grew suspicious of his presence. They realized that Kacha, being the son of Brihaspati, was likely sent by the devas to learn the secret of *mrityu sanjeevani*. Determined to protect their advantage, the asuras decided to kill Kacha.

One day, as Kacha was grazing Shukracharya’s cattle in the forest, the asuras ambushed and killed him. They then destroyed his body, scattering his remains in the forest. When Kacha did not return, Devayani grew anxious. She pleaded with her father, Shukracharya, to use his *mrityu sanjeevani* mantra to bring Kacha back to life. Shukracharya, moved by his daughter’s love, chanted the mantra and resurrected Kacha.

Though Kacha returned to life, the asuras were relentless. They killed him several more times, each time using different methods to prevent him from returning. But each time, Devayani, distressed and desperate, implored her father to revive him. Shukracharya, bound by his love for his daughter, used the *mrityu sanjeevani* mantra to resurrect Kacha repeatedly.

Finally, in a last effort to ensure Kacha’s demise, the asuras devised a cunning plan. They killed Kacha and, this time, ground his body to ashes and mixed it into a drink, which they then offered to Shukracharya himself. Unaware of their actions, Shukracharya consumed the drink, unknowingly ingesting Kacha’s remains.

When Devayani discovered Kacha’s absence yet again, she pleaded with her father to revive him. Shukracharya, who could not refuse his beloved daughter, attempted to resurrect Kacha once more. To his surprise, he heard Kacha’s voice coming from within his own stomach. Kacha explained that the asuras had mixed his ashes into Shukracharya’s drink, and he was now inside Shukracharya’s body.

Realizing the severity of the situation, Shukracharya faced a dilemma. If he resurrected Kacha, it would mean Kacha would emerge from his body, which would lead to his own death. But Shukracharya, wise and resourceful, instructed Kacha to learn the *mrityu sanjeevani* mantra from within his body. Once Kacha had mastered the mantra, Shukracharya chanted the resurrection spell one final time, allowing Kacha to emerge from his body. Though the process caused Shukracharya’s death, Kacha used the *mrityu sanjeevani* mantra to revive his teacher, restoring him to life.

Having fulfilled his mission and learned the secret of *mrityu sanjeevani*, Kacha was ready to return to the devas. But Devayani, who had loved him deeply, was heartbroken. She confessed her feelings to Kacha, asking him to marry her and stay by her side. But Kacha, bound by his duty to the devas and his role as a disciple of Shukracharya, gently refused her offer. He explained that, as Shukracharya’s student and Devayani’s friend, it would be inappropriate for him to marry her.

Devayani, feeling betrayed and devastated by Kacha’s rejection, cursed him in her anguish. She declared, “You may have learned the *mrityu sanjeevani* mantra, but it will never work for your own benefit!” Saddened but understanding her pain, Kacha accepted her curse and returned to the heavens, carrying with him the knowledge that would aid the devas in their battles.

### Moral:

The tale of Kacha and Devayani teaches us about the complexities of love, duty, and sacrifice. Kacha’s devotion to his mission and respect for his teacher guided his actions, even when faced with personal loss. Devayani’s story reminds us of the pain that unrequited love can bring, as well as the importance of understanding and respecting others’ responsibilities and choices. The tale ultimately underscores the values of loyalty, duty, and respect for the roles we play in each other’s lives, even when they lead to difficult paths.