Once, there lived a remarkable man whose food, though cooked just once each day, never diminished, no matter how many millions he fed from sunrise onward. This miraculous abundance was one of many wonders in the lineage that began when the wise Marut united with the maiden Mitrājyoti. From their union were born children of immense strength—knowers of dharma and seers who realized liberation. These offspring, renouncing all household duties, embraced a life of detachment. Through ascetic discipline, they attained the highest state, becoming one with Brahman. Among them was born Anapāya, a great giver of dharma, from whom the kṣatriya duty itself arose. From this sacred duty was born Pratipakṣa, a mighty ascetic, whose son was the renowned Sañjaya. Sañjaya’s line continued with his son Jaya, then Vijaya, followed by another Jaya, whose son was Haryandva. From Haryandva came the valiant King Sahadeva, whose righteous son was the illustrious Adīna. Adīna’s son was Jayasena, followed by Saṃkṛti, and then by the virtuous Kṛtadharma—each a worthy bearer of the kṣatriya line of Nahuṣa. Nahuṣa himself, shining with the splendor of Indra, had six sons by the noble Virajā: Yati, Yayāti, Saṃyāti, Āyāti, and the twins Tudvaya. Yati was the eldest, with Yayāti following him. At that time, a sage took as his wife the maiden Gā, daughter of Kakutstha, and through forbearance and renunciation, attained union with Brahman. Of Nahuṣa’s sons, Yayāti, lord of the earth, married Devayānī, the daughter of Uśanas. Devayānī bore him Yadu and Turvasu. Yayāti also wed Śarmiṣṭhā, daughter of Vṛṣaparvan, who gave birth to Druhyu, Anu, and Pūru—sons of great might, likened to the children of the gods. In time, Rudra, pleased with Yayāti, bestowed upon him a radiant, divine chariot—golden, unassailable, inexhaustible, and equipped with mighty weapons. Harnessed to horses as swift as thought, Yayāti rode forth, carrying away his bride and conquering the earth with that magnificent chariot. Invincible in battle against gods, Dānavas, and mortals, he became the chariot-warrior for all the Paurava kings. This legendary chariot was later possessed by Janamejaya, the Kaurava, son of King Kuru and grandson of Parīkṣit, born in Vatsadeśa. Yet, the chariot met its end through the curse of the sage Gārgya, for Janamejaya, still a boy and lacking judgment, had wronged Lohagandha, son of Gārgya. The noble Lohagandha, fleeing from city to countryside, was abandoned by all and found no peace. In his suffering, he cursed the sage Hetuka, who was a refuge for many. The sage Indrota, noble-minded, then caused Janamejaya, son of Śaunaka, to perform the Aśvamedha sacrifice for his purification. Afterward, Lohagandha disappeared upon reaching his dwelling, and the divine chariot passed to Vasu, king of the Cedis. Later, Śakra, pleased, gave it to Bṛhadratha. When Bhīma slew Jarāsandha, the Kaurava prince affectionately bestowed the chariot upon Vāsudeva. As time passed, Yayāti, son of Nahuṣa, was overtaken by old age. He called his eldest and most excellent son, Yadu, and said, “My son, old age and gray hairs have come upon me. Because of the curse of Kāvya Uśanas, I am not satisfied with my youth. Take my old age and its affliction upon yourself.” But Yadu replied, “Father, I have promised alms to a Brāhmaṇa, and must fulfill my vow through exertion. I cannot accept your old age. Old age brings many faults, especially for those who indulge in drinking and eating. I am not able to accept it. With white hair and beard, weakened and frail, unable to perform duties, disregarded by the young, and beset by fears—such old age I do not desire. You have many sons, O King, who are dearer to you than I am. Let them, who know righteousness, accept your old age. Choose another son.” Hearing this, Yayāti was filled with intense anger and rebuked Yadu, “What other hermitage or rule of righteousness do you follow, that you speak to me as if you had another teacher?” In his wrath, he cursed Yadu, “You, born from my heart, refuse to give me your youth. Therefore, you shall have no share in the kingdom, nor will your descendants. Let Turvasu accept the sin of old age.” When Yayāti turned to Turvasu, Turvasu replied, “Father, I do not desire old age, which destroys all enjoyment. Old age brings many faults, especially for those who indulge in drinking and eating. Therefore, O King, I am not able to accept your old age.” Yayāti then said, “You, too, born from my heart, refuse to give me your youth. Therefore, Turvasu, your lineage will be cut off. You will stray from righteousness, marry out of order, eat flesh, and indulge in unrighteous ways. You will be attached to the wives of elders, to those born in animal wombs, to animal-like conduct, and to foreigners—this is certain.” Thus, the story of Yayāti and his sons unfolded, as the lineages of ancient kings and sages continued, shaped by their choices, virtues, and the inexorable flow of dharma.