Shloka 31
ययाति–देवयानी संवादः
Yayāti–Devayānī Dialogue and Śukra’s Consent
देवयान्युवाच आहुतं चाम्निहोत्रं ते सूर्यश्चास्तं गत: प्रभो । अगोपाश्चागता गाव: कचस्तात न दृश्यते,शुक्राचार्य और कच देवयानी बोली--प्रभो! आपने अग्निहोत्र कर लिया और सूर्यदेव भी अस्ताचलको चले गये। गौएँ भी आज बिना रक्षकके ही लौट आयी हैं। तात! तो भी कच नहीं दिखायी देते हैं
devayāny uvāca | āhutaṃ cāgnihotraṃ te sūryaś cāstaṃ gataḥ prabho | agopāś cāgatā gāvaḥ kacas tāta na dṛśyate ||
Devayānī thưa: “Bạch phụ thân, lễ Agnihotra buổi chiều của người đã được cử hành trọn vẹn, và mặt trời cũng đã lặn. Đàn bò hôm nay cũng trở về mà không có người chăn. Thế nhưng Kaca, thưa cha kính yêu, lại chẳng thấy đâu.”
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.