Mahabharata 1.76.31 — Adi Parva, Adhyaya 76, Shloka 31
ययाति–देवयानी संवादः
Yayāti–Devayānī Dialogue and Śukra’s Consent
देवयान्युवाच आहुतं चाम्निहोत्रं ते सूर्यश्चास्तं गत: प्रभो । अगोपाश्चागता गाव: कचस्तात न दृश्यते
devayāny uvāca | āhutaṃ cāgnihotraṃ te sūryaś cāstaṃ gataḥ prabho | agopāś cāgatā gāvaḥ kacas tāta na dṛśyate ||
देवयानी उवाच—आहुतं चाग्निहोत्रं ते सूर्यश्चास्तं गतः प्रभो। अगोपाश्चागता गावः कचस्तात न दृश्यते॥
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse foregrounds dharmic order in daily life: sacred duties (Agnihotra) and worldly responsibilities (protecting cattle) mark the rhythm of a well-governed household/āśrama. When these markers are complete yet a person is missing, it signals a moral urgency to inquire and protect—responsibility does not end with ritual; vigilance and care for dependents and guests/students are also part of dharma.
At evening, after Śukrācārya has completed the Agnihotra and the sun has set, Devayānī notes an ominous sign: the cows have returned without their cowherd, and Kaca is not visible. Her words alert Śukra that something abnormal has occurred and that Kaca may be in danger.
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