Shloka 25
ययाति–देवयानी संवादः
Yayāti–Devayānī Dialogue and Śukra’s Consent
स शीलयन् देवयानीं कन्यां सम्प्राप्तयौवनाम् । पुष्प: फलै: प्रेषणैश्न तोषयामास भारत,भारत! आचार्यकन्या देवयानी भी युवावस्थामें पदार्पण कर चुकी थी। कच उसके लिये फूल और फल ले आते तथा उसकी आज्ञाके अनुसार कार्य करते थे। इस प्रकार उसकी सेवामें संलग्न रहकर वे सदा उसे प्रसन्न रखते थे
sa śīlayan devayānīṃ kanyāṃ samprāptayauvanām | puṣpaiḥ phalaiḥ preṣaṇaiś ca toṣayām āsa bhārata ||
Vaiśampāyana sprach: Kaca, der Devayānī diente — dem Mädchen, das nun in die Jugend eingetreten war —, o Bhārata, hielt sie zufrieden, indem er ihr Blumen und Früchte brachte und die Botengänge ausführte, die sie ihm auftrug. So bewahrte er durch stetigen Dienst und Gehorsam ihr Wohlgefallen.
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights how sustained, respectful service—expressed through helpful actions and attentiveness—can win goodwill. Ethically, it points to the power of conduct (śīla) and dutiful responsiveness, while also inviting reflection on the motives behind service in relationships.
Kaca is staying near Devayānī as she reaches youth and regularly brings her flowers and fruits and runs her errands. By such attentive service he keeps her pleased, setting the stage for the developing relationship and the tensions that later arise around Kaca’s purpose and loyalties.