The Mahabharata of Krishna-Dwaipayana Vyasa BOOK 1 ADI PARVA SECTION LXXXVI (Sambhava Parva continued)

 The Mahabharata of

Krishna-Dwaipayana Vyasa BOOK 1

ADI PARVA

 SECTION LXXXVI

(Sambhava Parva continued)

"Vaisampayana said, 'King Yayati, the son of Nahusha, having thus

installed his dear son on the throne, became exceedingly happy, and

entered into the woods to lead the life of a hermit. And having lived for

some time into forest in the company of Brahmanas, observing many rigid

vows, eating fruits and roots, patiently bearing privations of all sorts,

the monarch at last ascended to heaven. And having ascended to heaven he

lived there in bliss. But soon, however, he was hurled down by Indra. And

it hath been heard by me, O king, that, though hurled from heaven,

Yayati, without reaching the surface of the Earth, stayed in the

firmament. I have heard that some time after he again entered the region

of the celestials in company with Vasuman, Ashtaka, Pratarddana, and

Sivi.'

"Janamejaya said, 'I desire to hear from thee in detail why Yayati,

having first obtained admission into heaven, was hurled therefrom, and

why also he gained re-admittance. Let all this, O Brahmana, be narrated

by thee in the presence of these regenerate sages. Yayati, lord of Earth,

was, indeed, like the chief of the celestials. The progenitor of the

extensive race of the Kurus, he was of the splendour of the Sun. I desire

to hear in full the story of his life both in heaven and on Earth, as he

was illustrious, and of world-wide celebrity and of wonderful

achievements.'

"Vaisampayana said, 'Indeed, I shall recite to thee the excellent story

of Yayati's adventures on Earth and in heaven. That story is sacred and

destroyeth the sins of those that hear it.

"King Yayati, the son of Nahusha, having installed his youngest son,

Puru, on the throne after casting his sons with Yadu for their eldest

amongst the Mlechchhas, entered the forest to lead the life of a hermit.

And the king eating fruits and roots lived for some time in the forest.

Having his mind and passions under complete control, the king gratified

by sacrifices the Pitris and the gods. And he poured libations of

clarified butter upon the fire according to the rites prescribed for

those leading the Vanaprastha mode of life. And the illustrious one

entertained guests and strangers with the fruit of the forest and

clarified butter, while he himself supported life by gleaning scattered

corn seeds. And the king; led this sort of life for a full thousand

years. And observing the vow of silence and with mind under complete

control he passed one full year, living upon air alone and without sleep.

And he passed another year practising the severest austerities in the

midst of four fires around and the Sun overhead. And, living upon air

alone, he stood erect upon one leg for six months. And the king of sacred

deeds ascended to heaven, covering heaven as well as the Earth (with the

fame of his achievements).'"