Shukra Confronts King Vrishaparva over Kacha's Death

Shukra — Kavya, the best of the Bhrigu lineage — was in a rage. He went straight to where King Vrishaparva sat and spoke without hesitation. "O king! The fruits of evil actions are not like a cow that gives milk immediately," he said. "But they are certainly manifested. If not in one's own self, then in one's son or in one's grandson. They are like a heavy meal in the stomach. You killed the Brahmana Kacha, descended from Angirasa, when he lived with me. He was devoted to dharma, committed no sin, and served me. You killed one who did not deserve to die. You caused injury to my daughter. For this reason, I have to forsake you and your relatives. I can no longer live with you in your territory. Do not take me for one who utters a falsehood. Why do you overlook the faults of your own and not check them?" Vrishaparva was terrified. "O descendant of the Bhrigu lineage! I have never known falsehood or non-adherence to dharma in you. Dharma and truth are established in you. Please show me your grace. If you forsake us and depart, we will have no refuge and will drown in the ocean." Shukra was unmoved. "O asura! I do not care whether you sink to the bottom of the ocean or disappear in the various directions. I cannot tolerate any unpleasant act directed at my daughter, whom I love. Pacify Devayani, because my life is based on her. Just as Brihaspati ensures Indra's welfare, my ascetic powers are for your protection." The king tried another approach, acknowledging Shukra's supreme authority. "O descendant of the Bhrigu lineage! You are the master of everything that belongs to the lord of the asuras — riches, elephants, cattle, horses. You are their lord, even of me." "O great asura," Shukra replied, "if it is true that I am the lord of everything possessed by the lord of the daityas, go and try to pacify Devayani." The demand was passed to Devayani. She was not satisfied with second-hand assurances. "O father! If you are really the lord of all the wealth of the king and he himself, ask the king to come to me and state it himself. Otherwise, I won't accept it." Vrishaparva went to her. "O Devayani! O one with the beautiful smile! I will give you whatever you desire to possess, regardless of how difficult it is to obtain." Devayani had her price ready. "I desire that Sharmishtha, together with 1000 other ladies, should be my maid servants. She must also follow me when my father gives my hand in marriage." Sharmishtha was the king's own daughter. Vrishaparva did not hesitate. He sent a nurse to fetch her. "O fortunate one! Arise and do what is good for your relatives," the nurse told Sharmishtha. "Urged by Devayani, the Brahmana is about to forsake his disciples. You must now do exactly what Devayani wishes." Sharmishtha's reply was pragmatic. "I will today do exactly what she desires. Because of me, Shukra and Devayani must not leave." Commanded by her father, she emerged from the palace on a palanquin, accompanied by 1000 maidens. She went to Devayani and declared, "I am your maid servant and will serve you, with 1000 other slaves. I will follow you wherever your father bestows you." Devayani could not resist twisting the knife. "I am the daughter of one who chants praises, begs and stretches out his hand for alms. You are the daughter of one who is praised. How can you be my slave?" Sharmishtha's answer was simple and final. "Whatever be the way, one must be prepared to bring about the welfare of one's afflicted relatives. I will follow you wherever your father bestows you." With that promise secured, Devayani turned to her father. "O supreme among Brahmanas! I will now enter the capital. I know that your knowledge and the strength of your learning are invincible." Pleased, the immensely famous Shukra entered the city with his daughter. All the danavas paid him homage.