When King Yayati was afflicted with the burden of old age, he found himself unable to perform his duties, disregarded in his later years, and beset by many fears. This state of existence, he lamented, was not one he wished for. Turning to his beloved sons, he addressed Yadu first, saying, “O King, you have many sons dearer to you than I am. Let those who know righteousness accept your old age—choose another son, for I do not wish for this fate.” Hearing these words from Yadu, Yayati, the best among speakers, was seized with intense anger. He rebuked his eldest son harshly, asking, “What other hermitage is there, or what other rule of righteousness do you follow, that you, O foolish one, disregard your own father and speak as though you had a new teacher?” Thus, filled with wrath, Yayati cursed Yadu: “You, who were born from my heart, refuse to give me your youth. Therefore, O fool, you shall have no share in the kingdom, nor will you have descendants. Let Turvasu accept the sin of old age along with it.” Turning then to Turvasu, Yayati said, “Take upon yourself my old age.” But Turvasu replied, “Father, I do not desire old age, which destroys all enjoyment and brings many faults, especially for those who indulge in drinking and eating. Therefore, O King, I am not able to accept your old age.” Yayati, angered again, declared, “You, who were born from my heart, refuse to give me your youth; therefore, Turvasu, your lineage will be cut off. You will be unmingled in righteousness, marry against the proper order, eat flesh and other such things, and still be king. You will be attached to the wives of elders, to those born in animal wombs, to animal-like conduct, and to foreigners—of this there is no doubt.” Thus, having cursed Turvasu, Yayati turned to Druhyu, the son of Sharmishtha. He said, “Druhyu, you must accept old age, which destroys caste and beauty, for a thousand years; give me your youth. When your thousand years are complete, I will return your youth to you and again take upon myself the sin of old age.” But Druhyu replied, “There is no attachment to it, so I do not desire old age.” Yayati, displeased, said, “You, who were born from my heart, refuse to give me your youth; therefore, Druhyu, you will never attain your beloved desire. There will never be passage by boat across the waters there; your lineage will always be without a king in that land.” He then addressed Anu, “You, Anu, take upon yourself this sin along with old age, so that I may live for a thousand years enjoying your youth.” But Anu replied, “The fire does not burn at the proper time because of old age; therefore, I do not desire it.” Yayati said, “You, who are born from my heart, do not give me your youth; you have mentioned the fault of old age, so it will return to you. Your offspring, having attained youth, will perish because of this; and you will also become one who neglects the sacred fire.” At last, Yayati turned to Puru: “You, Puru, take upon yourself this sin along with old age.” Wrinkles and grey hairs appeared on the king’s body as he spoke. “Because of the curse of Kāvya Uśanas, I am not satisfied with youth; let me experience sensual pleasures for a while with your youth. When a thousand years are complete, I will return your youth to you, and again take upon myself this sin along with old age.” Puru, devoted and straightforward, replied, “As you wish, father, so I shall do. I will take upon myself your sin along with old age; receive youth from me and enjoy pleasures as you desire. Covered by old age, I will bear your form and appearance; having given you youth, I will live accordingly.” Yayati was pleased with Puru and said, “Puru, I am pleased with you; may good come to you. Because I am pleased, I grant you this: your progeny will flourish in the kingdom, endowed with all desires.” With Puru’s consent, King Yayati, by the grace of Bhārgava, transferred his own old age to his son. Endowed now with youth and vigor, Yayati, the son of Nahusha, delighted in his regained strength and enjoyed the pleasures of life as he wished. With enthusiasm and happiness, and without violating dharma, the king lived as was fitting, delighting in all that was proper. He satisfied the gods with sacrifices and the ancestors with śrāddha offerings. He gratified the poor with gifts, and the best of the twice-born with desired boons. He honored guests with food and drink, protected the Vaiśyas, showed compassion to the Śūdras, and subdued the robbers. By righteousness, Yayati delighted all his subjects as was proper, ruling like another Indra himself. Young and lion-like in stride, the king lived in supreme happiness, seeking pleasures but also seeing their faults. For a time, he delighted in the splendid Nandana forest, trusting in its joys. But when he saw old age approaching again, he returned to his city and accepted his own old age. Having enjoyed all pleasures, the king was satisfied yet weary; for a thousand years he had remembered the passage of time. Counting the days and moments, and knowing the period was complete, he spoke to his son Puru: “O subduer of enemies, my son, I have enjoyed pleasures as I wished, with vigor and in due season, through your youth. Puru, I am pleased; blessings to you! Take back your own youth, and the kingdom, O prince.” The Brahmins and the other classes, led by the Brahmins, then spoke in praise of Puru’s virtue and Yayati’s fulfillment of dharma.