In ancient times, the illustrious Manu had many sons—among them Kāruṣa, Śaryāti, and the eighth, Ilila. The ninth was Pṛṣadhra, known for his steadfast devotion to the duties of a Kshatriya. Nābhāga and Ariṣṭa were the tenth sons, but in truth, Manu’s progeny numbered fifty, and still more were born upon the earth. Yet, as fate would have it, discord arose among these brothers. Their mutual strife led to their destruction, as the wise have recounted. In the wake of this calamity, Pururavas, a man of great wisdom, was born of Ila—who was both his mother and his father, a marvel spoken of in ancient lore. Pururavas grew in might and, it is said, he consumed the thirteen islands of the sea. Though born human, his fame spread far and wide, and he was often surrounded by beings who were not of this world. Drunk with his own power, he entered into conflict with the Brahmins, seizing their sacred jewels even as they cried out in distress. In response to these deeds, Sanatkumara himself descended from the world of Brahma to confront Pururavas. Pururavas performed the rite of anudarsha, but he refused to accept its results. Angered by his arrogance, the great sages cursed him, and he vanished from their midst. Overwhelmed by greed and intoxicated by power, the king lost his senses. Thus, Virata remained in the realm of the Gandharvas together with Urvashi. In due course, Pururavas brought the sacred fires for the prescribed rites in the threefold manner. From Caila, six sons were born to him: Ayu, Dhiman, Amavasu, Dridhayu, Vanayu, and Shatayu—all sons of Urvashi. There were others as well—Nahusha, Vriddhasharma, Raji, Gaya, and Anenasa—born from the daughter of Svarbhanu. Among Ayu’s sons, Nahusha stood out for his wisdom and valor. Nahusha, lord of the earth, ruled a vast kingdom with righteousness. He protected the ancestors, gods, sages, brahmins, gandharvas, serpents, and rakshasas alike. He safeguarded the brahmins, kshatriyas, and all his people, and by slaying bands of robbers, he made the sages free from fear. Yet, in time, Nahusha’s pride swelled. He compelled even the sages to carry him on their backs like cattle and, having overpowered the dwellers of heaven, made himself Indra, king of the gods. But his arrogance was his undoing. Cursed by the sages for his insolence, Nahusha was instantly transformed into a serpent. He left behind six sons: Yati, Yayati, Samyati, Ayati, Mayati, and Dhruva—all gentle of speech. Of these, Yati embraced the path of yoga and became a sage united with Brahman. Yayati, however, inherited the throne. Yayati was a sovereign of true valor, ruling the earth and performing many great sacrifices. With utmost devotion, he always worshipped the ancestors and gods in purity, and he cared deeply for all his subjects. Yayati’s sons were mighty archers, endowed with every virtue. From his wife Devayani were born Yadu and Turvasu; from Sharmishtha came Druhyu, Anu, and Puru. Yayati ruled for many years, upholding righteousness, but eventually, the inexorable force of old age—so destructive of beauty—overtook him. Afflicted by age, the king spoke to his sons—Yadu, Puru, Turvasu, Druhyu, and Anu—saying, “Though I am old, I still wish to enjoy the pleasures of youth. My sons, can one of you help me fulfill this desire?” His eldest son Yadu replied, “What use is your youth to us?” Undeterred, Yayati pleaded, “Let one of you accept my old age, and with your youth, I will enjoy the pleasures of the senses. Because of my long sacrifices and the curse of the sage Usanas, my desire has not abated; thus, I am afflicted. Let one of you rule the kingdom in my stead, while I enjoy youth once more.” None of his sons agreed—until Puru, the youngest and true to his word, stepped forward. “O King,” Puru said, “you may enjoy youth again; I will take on your old age and govern the kingdom as you command.” Pleased, Yayati, by the power of his austerity, transferred his old age to his noble son. With Puru’s youth restored to him, Yayati reveled again in the vigor of his prime, while Puru, bearing his father’s age, ruled the kingdom with steadfast devotion. For a thousand years, Yayati, unconquered and mighty as a tiger, delighted in life and pleasure. He spent time with his wives and, in the Chaitraratha forest, enjoyed the company of Vishvachi. Yet, even after so much indulgence, Yayati found no satisfaction in desires. Realizing this, he reflected deeply and spoke these words: “Desire is never quenched by enjoyment, but only grows stronger—like fire fed with clarified butter. All the rice, barley, gold, cattle, and women in the world would not suffice for one man; therefore, one should seek contentment. When a person commits no sin toward any being—by deed, mind, or speech—he attains Brahman. When one neither fears nor causes fear, neither desires nor hates, then one attains Brahman.” Thus, pondering the futility of desire, the wise king steadied his mind and accepted old age back from his son. At the end of a thousand years, Yayati, still unconquered, restored youth to Puru and installed him as king. Though his desires remained unfulfilled, he spoke to his son Puru, imparting wisdom born of long experience.