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).'"
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