Sampoorna Mahabharata • సంపూర్ణ శ్రీమహాభారతము • Episode 48

Yayati’s story
Vaiśampayana said, ‘O King! Hear the stories of Daksha, Vaivasvata Manu, Bharata, Puru & Kuru, which grant merit, auspiciousness, fame & wealth.
The 10 saintly sons of Pracetās burnt down all trees with the fire from their mouth. Their son Daksha became the father of all creatures. Thus, Daksha is the grandfather for this creation. From wife Virini (Asikni), Daksha had 1000 sons who were tough in austerities like him. Maharishi Narada imparted Sānkhya-jnana to them. With this they turned dispassionate and went to forests. Daksha then had 50 daughters. Of them 10 were married to Lord Dharma; 13 to Maharishi Kaśyapa & 27 to Moon-god.
Kaśyapa begot Adityas, Devatas including Indra and Sun-god (Vivaswan) from wife Aditi. Vivaswan’s sons were Yama & Manu. Humans consisting of the 4 castes were progeny of Manu. From then, Brahmins and Kshatriyas lived in harmony. Brahmins studied Vedas and protected the universe.
Among Manu’s 10 sons was Ila. In addition, Manu had 50 other sons who died due to infighting. Ila’s son Pururava ruled 13 islands in the ocean. Due to his power and might, he fought with Brahmins. Not caring for their tears, he stole their wealth. Sanatkumara descended from Brahmaloka and warned him against it. Pururava disregarded this advice. With this, Sanaka and other saints cursed him and he died. Pururava had become greedy. Intoxicated by power his wisdom eroded.
He was the one who brought the 3 fires and apsara Urvashi to earth. From Urvashi he begot Āyu and other sons. Ayu’s son Nahusha ruled over Devatas, celestials and humans.
With his penance, prowess & energy, he conquered the Gods and obtained Indra’s position. When he was in that position, he treated Rishis like animals and made them carry him due to which he was ruined. His sons were Yati, Yayati & others.
Among them, Yati took the path of Yoga and attained supreme oneness. Yayati became the king. He performed many yagnas, worshipped Gods and ancestors. He had 2 wives - Devayani & Sarmiṣtha. From Devayani he begot Yadu & Turvasu; from Sharmiṣta - Drahyu, Anu & Puru.
Once when he lost his youthfulness and had turned old, he said to his sons, ‘I want to regain my youthfulness and enjoy with maidens. Give me your youth and accept this old-age. I have performed many long yagas. Due to Shukra’s curse I could not enjoy pleasures properly. I am agonized as my desires are not fulfilled. Please help me’.
His sons thought, ‘After ruling and enjoying for 100’s of years he is not happy.’ Only the youngest Puru agreed to his request. Others refused.
Yayati accepted Puru’s youth and gave him his old age. For 1000 years Yayati enjoyed all pleasures. He went to Kubera’s garden and sported with apsara vishvaci. But even after enjoying pleasures for long, he was not content. He then pondered deeply over it and said,
‘Desires never abate merely because they are indulged in. Just as fire intensifies when ghee is added, the desire gets further fuelled with enjoyment. A desire-filled person is not satisfied even after possessing the entire earth filled with gems, cattle & women. Therefore, it is important to restrain the senses. Only when the person does not commit mental, physical or verbal sin in respect of any living entity, he attains oneness with them all’.
Old age arises so that a person can give up sexual and other desires. The 4 stages of life are to help the intellect slowly tune towards the Supreme. There are many who have a painful old-age as their food & other desires have not abated.
‘When he fears nothing and none fear him; when he desires nor loathes none, he attains oneness with brahma’- the wise Yayati thus understood that desires lack essence. With his intellect he calmed his mind, returned youth back to Puru and took back his old-age.
Saying, ‘Henceforth this lineage will be known by your name’, he crowned Puru as king and then going to forests he engaged in many good deeds. After a long time, along with his wives, he took up the vow of fasting and reached heaven.
Janmejaya asked, ‘How could Yayati marry Devayani, the daughter of Shukra? Also I seek to know about all the kings of this dynasty’.
Vaiśampayana said, ‘At one time, a fierce battle broke out between Devatas and demons. Seeking victory in this war, the Devatas appointed Brihaspati as their priest. Demons appointed Shukra. Shukra and Brihaspati are enemies. Shukra was reviving the dead demons using his knowledge. Brihaspati could not do so. Due to this, the demons were stronger. Knowing this, the Devatas were aggrieved. They came up with a plan.
They approached Kacha, Brihaspati’s son and said, ‘Please go to Shukra and learn that Sanjivani vidya. Please save us’.