At the appointed hour for the sacred sacrifice, King Yayati’s queen, Sharmishtha, brought forth a son whose eyes shone like lotuses and whose presence seemed touched by divinity, as if he were born of the gods themselves. The auspicious alignment of stars and the radiant lunar mansion filled the emperor with joy, and he celebrated this blessed event together with Sharmishtha. Sharmishtha became as dear to Yayati as the goddess of prosperity is to humankind, while Devayani, his other wife, seemed to him like a fierce serpent. In Yayati’s heart, Sharmishtha was as vital as rain to crops or nectar to the gods, and so, lost in his affection for her, he neglected Devayani. When Devayani heard of the birth of Sharmishtha’s son, she, though gentle and pure-smiling, was filled with sorrow and began to ponder deeply about Sharmishtha’s circumstances. Driven by her feelings, she sought out Sharmishtha and spoke to her directly. She said, “A certain sage, righteous and learned in the Vedas, once came to me. According to dharma, I asked him for a boon. Wishing for a child, I accepted him, but not out of any improper desire. Therefore, my child is truly the son of that sage—I tell you this sincerely.” Sharmishtha replied, “If that is so, then let me know who this brahmin is. Tell me his name, lineage, and family—I wish to know.” Devayani answered, “He was radiant with ascetic power, blazing like the sun. I did not have the strength to question him, so I do not know more.” Hearing this, Sharmishtha said, “If this is truly so, and your child is from a superior and elder brahmin, then I bear no anger toward you.” Having spoken thus, the two women smiled together, and Devayani, accepting her words as truth, returned to her chamber. In time, King Yayati fathered two sons with Devayani—Yadu and Turvasu—who shone with the splendor of Indra and Vishnu themselves. On one occasion, Yayati offered Devayani, the daughter of Shukra, a cup of wine mixed with honey. The golden-hued Devayani drank deeply, and, intoxicated, lost consciousness. In her inebriated state, Devayani wept, sang, and danced repeatedly, uttering many incoherent words. She turned to the king and said, “You appear in the form and dress of a king—why have you come here? For what purpose have you arrived in this lonely, dense forest? O best of Brahmins, the mighty and fearsome king Yayati is here; if you wish for your welfare, Brahmin, flee from this place.” As Devayani spoke thus, Nahusha rebuked her, judging her words to be improper and sinful. He then ordered those among his attendants who were mute, crippled, aged, or lame to care for and protect Devayani. Meanwhile, King Nahusha, wise and discerning, took Sharmishtha as his companion and enjoyed great happiness with her for a long time. From their union, Sharmishtha bore three sons—Druhyu, Anu, and Puru. At a certain time later, Devayani, still pure and gentle-smiling, went with Yayati to a secluded forest. There she saw several boys, radiant and confident, playing together. Astonished by their divine appearance, she asked Yayati, “Whose children are these, O King, beautiful as sons of the gods? By their radiance and form, I think they resemble you.” She questioned the king, and then turned to the boys themselves. Their nurse, hearing this, prompted them, “Why do you not tell, boys, who your father is, the best of Brahmins?” The boys replied, “Our father is a sage, a brahmin, and of twice-born lineage; Sharmishtha does not speak falsely. Devayani, forgive us.” Devayani pressed them further, “What is the name and lineage of your brahmin father, dear children? Tell me the truth quickly—who is he and where does he dwell? Tell me exactly as it is, for I wish to hear of him.” The boys, thus addressed by Devayani, pointed toward King Yayati and indicated Sharmishtha as their mother. Having revealed the truth, they all approached the king together. However, Yayati did not welcome them in Devayani’s presence. Saddened, the boys went to Sharmishtha in tears, while Devayani, her lovely eyes cast down, silently approached the king and stood nearby, her face turned away. Seeing the affection of the children for him, the king felt some shame and was unable to speak. Understanding the situation, Sharmishtha addressed Devayani: “You once said a sage was coming to me. By such means you sought to protect the king; but I had already spoken before, and you have acted wrongly. Though you are under my authority, why did you do what displeases me? You have adopted the conduct of demons and do not fear me.” Devayani replied, “What was said, ‘a sage is coming,’ is true, O lovely-smiling one. Acting according to justice and righteousness, I do not fear you. When you chose a husband, I too chose at that time. By righteousness, the husband of a friend becomes one’s own husband, O graceful one.” Thus, the truth of their actions and choices came to light, and the destinies of their sons—Yadu, Turvasu, Druhyu, Anu, and Puru—were set in motion, shaping the future of the royal lineage.