Kacha

Kacha In the Hindu epic poem The Mahabharata, a man who wanted the power to restore the dead to life. Kacha studied with the sage Sukra (Usanas), who had the power of restoring the dead to life. 

Sukra, however, was a priest in the service of Demons and did not wish to pass on his magic powers to Kacha. So instead he killed his student. But each time he was killed, Kacha was restored to life by Sukra, who repented. 

The third time Kacha was killed, the Demons burned his body and mixed the ashes with Sukra’s wine. When Devayani, Sukra’s daughter, who loved Kacha, asked her father to restore Kacha to life again, he performed his magic feats but heard the voice of Kacha coming from his own stomach. 

To save his own life Sukra taught Kacha the charm. He then allowed himself to be ripped open, and Kacha, on coming out, performed the magic rite and restored Sukra to life. Kacha, however, was not in love with Devayani. 

She therefore cursed him, saying that his magic charms would have no power, and he in turn cursed her, saying she would marry a member of a lower caste instead of a priest.

SOURCE:

Encyclopedia of World Mythology and Legend, Third Edition – Written by Anthony S. Mercatante & James R. Dow-Copyright © 2009 by Anthony S. Mercatante