Shloka 26
ययाति–देवयानी संवादः
Yayāti–Devayānī Dialogue and Śukra’s Consent
देवयान्यपि तं विप्रं नियमव्रतधारणम् । गायन्ती च ललन्ती च रह: पर्यचरत् तथा,देवयानी भी नियमपूर्वक ब्रह्मचर्य धारण करनेवाले कचके ही समीप रहकर गाती और आमोद-प्रमोद करती हुई एकान्तमें उनकी सेवा करती थी
devayānī api taṃ vipraṃ niyamavrata-dhāriṇam | gāyantī ca lalantī ca rahaḥ paryacarat tathā ||
Vaiśampāyana said: Devayānī too attended upon that brāhmaṇa youth, Kaca, who was steadfast in disciplined vows. Singing and playfully delighting him, she served him in seclusion—staying close to him while he maintained his rule-bound celibacy.
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights the ethical tension between attraction and restraint: even amid intimate attention and playful allure, the vow-holder is defined by disciplined observance (niyama, vrata), underscoring the Mahābhārata’s emphasis on self-control as a form of dharma.
Devayānī stays near Kaca—who is committed to strict vows—serving him privately while singing and engaging in playful, charming behavior, indicating her growing attachment and an attempt to win his affection despite his disciplined conduct.