King Yayati, afflicted by old age, approached his sons one by one, seeking a way to regain his youth. He first turned to his son Turvasu, saying, “O king, you have many sons who are dearer to you than I am. Choose another son, O knower of dharma, to accept old age in your stead.” But Yayati, reminding Turvasu of their deep bond, replied, “If you, born from my heart, do not give me your youth, then, because of this maternal connection, your offspring will be wicked.” Turvasu, however, refused, declaring, “I do not desire old age, father, which destroys enjoyment of pleasures, brings an end to strength and beauty, and ruins intelligence.” Yayati warned him, “If you do not give me your youth, your lineage will come to an end. You will become king among people who are mixed in conduct, who act contrary to dharma, and who eat flesh. You will rule among those attached to their teachers’ wives, engaged in animal births, behaving like beasts, among outcasts and the wicked.” Having thus cursed Turvasu, Yayati turned to Druhyu, the eldest son of Sharmishtha. He said to Druhyu, “Druhyu, you accept old age, which destroys color and form, for a thousand years; give me your youth. But when a thousand years are complete, I will give you back your youth, and I will again take on sin together with old age.” Druhyu, too, refused, saying, “An old man enjoys neither kingdom, nor chariot, nor horse, nor woman; he feels no passion—such old age I do not desire.” Yayati warned Druhyu, “If you do not give me your youth, you will never obtain what you love and desire. Where travel is always by boat over floods, there you and your descendants will be known as those who do not enjoy sovereignty.” Yayati next approached Anu, saying, “Anu, take upon yourself old age along with its affliction; let me live for a thousand years with your youth.” Anu replied, “A worn-out man, like a child, takes food at the wrong time, as if impure; he does not offer oblations into the fire at the proper time—such old age I do not desire.” Yayati declared, “You do not give me your youth; you have spoken of the fault of old age, and so you must accept it. Your offspring, having attained youth, perish, O Anu; you too will become like this, when your fire is extinguished.” Finally, Yayati turned to Puru, saying, “Puru, take upon yourself old age along with its affliction; you are dearer to me than a son, and you shall become greater. Old age and wrinkles, dear child, and gray hairs have come upon me because of the curse of Kāvya Uśanas, and I am not yet satisfied with youth. Let me enjoy sensual pleasures for a little while with your vigor; when a thousand years are complete, I will return your youth and take back old age with its affliction.” Puru replied to his father without hesitation: “As you say, great king, so I will do your bidding. I will take upon myself, O king, old age with its affliction; receive youth from me and enjoy pleasures as you desire. Covered by old age, I will bear your form and age; having given you my youth, I will live as you wish.” Yayati, deeply pleased, blessed him: “Puru, I am pleased with you, my child; I grant you this boon: your progeny will be prosperous in all desires and wealth.” Thus, remembering the great vow of Kāvya, the royal sage Yayati transferred old age to his noble son Puru. Yayati, now endowed with Puru’s youth, delighted in pleasures, enjoying his beloved pursuits with vigor and happiness. He satisfied the gods with sacrifices, his ancestors with offerings, the distressed with acts of compassion, and the best of the twice-born with desired gifts. He honored guests with food and drink, protected his people, showed kindness, and subdued the Shudras and robbers. By righteousness, Yayati delighted all his subjects, ruling as another Indra in person. The king, lion-like in stride, youthful and engaged in pleasures, enjoyed supreme happiness without violating righteousness. Having attained his auspicious desires, Yayati was satisfied yet weary, and remembered the time when a thousand years would end. Knowing the proper time and reflecting upon the divisions of time, he considered the period to be complete and thus spoke to his son Puru: “Desire is never quenched by the enjoyment of objects; like fire fed with ghee, it only grows all the more. Whatever rice, barley, gold, cattle, or women exist on earth—all of that is not enough for one man; considering this, one should seek contentment. O subduer of foes, with joy, with vigor, and as I wished, I have enjoyed the pleasures of youth, my son, together with you. Puru, I am pleased; blessings to you! Accept this, your own youth, and also accept this kingdom, for you are my beloved son.” Then King Yayati, son of Nahusha, accepted old age, and Puru received back his youth. When the king wished to anoint his younger son Puru, the classes headed by the Brahmins gathered and spoke these words, marking a new beginning for Puru’s reign.