Shukra · Ushanas
The teacher of the Asuras and father of Devayani.
Accounts of this vary across texts and traditions. This entry primarily follows Mahabharata, with other tellings (Puranic traditions (Harivamsha, Bhagavata Purana), Regional retellings) noted where relevant.
Shukracharya is the guru of the Asuras and the father of Devayani, the wife of Yayati.
He knew the Mritasanjivani mantra, which could revive the dead, and used it to revive Asuras killed by the gods. The gods sent Kacha, the son of Brihaspati, to learn it from him. This led to Kacha's relationship with Devayani.
He cursed his son-in-law Yayati with premature old age.
This entry is independently written for myVamsam using the sources listed above. Where traditions differ, this entry identifies the relevant tradition rather than presenting one account as universally established fact.