When King Yayati was afflicted by the curse of Kāvya Uśanas, he turned to his son Puru and said, “My son, take upon yourself this sin of mine, along with old age.” Instantly, wrinkles and grey hairs appeared on the body of Puru’s father, marking the burden he wished to shed. Yayati continued, “Because of the curse, I am not able to enjoy the vigor of youth. Let me experience the pleasures of the senses for a while, borrowing your youth. After a thousand years, I will return your youth to you, and once again take back my old age and the sin that comes with it.” Hearing these words, Sūta narrates, Puru replied to his father without hesitation, “As you wish, father, so shall it be. I will take upon myself your sin and your old age. Receive my youth and enjoy the pleasures you desire. Covered by your old age, I will bear your form and appearance; having given you my youth, I will live accordingly.” Yayati was deeply pleased with Puru and blessed him, saying, “Because you have pleased me, may all good come to you. Your descendants will flourish in this kingdom, blessed with every desire fulfilled.” With Puru’s consent, King Yayati transferred his old age to his son by the grace of Bhārgava. Thus, Yayati, son of Nahusha, regained the vigor and beauty of youth. Filled with delight, he enjoyed the pleasures of life as he wished, always with enthusiasm and happiness, and never violating dharma. He satisfied the gods through sacrifices, honored his ancestors with offerings, gave generously to the poor, and granted boons to the best among the twice-born. Guests were welcomed with food and drink, Vaiśyas were protected, Śūdras received his compassion, and robbers were subdued. Yayati ruled his subjects righteously, delighting them as another Indra might. Lion-like in his stride, young and immersed in pleasures, he lived in supreme happiness, ever mindful of righteousness. Seeking enjoyment, he explored the splendid Nandana forest, delighting in its joys for a time, yet always aware of the limitations and faults of sensual pleasures. Eventually, as time passed and he saw the signs of age returning, Yayati returned to his city and accepted his own old age once more. Having enjoyed all the pleasures he had sought, he found himself satisfied but weary, remembering the passage of a thousand years. He carefully counted the divisions and moments of time, and when the appointed period was complete, he spoke to Puru, his son: “O subduer of enemies, my son, I have enjoyed all pleasures as I wished, with vigor and in due season, thanks to your youth. I am pleased with you, Puru. Blessings upon you! Now take back your youth and the kingdom, O prince.” The Brahmins and all the other classes, led by the Brahmins, spoke in agreement. Thus, King Yayati, son of Nahusha, accepted old age, and Puru regained his youth. Desiring to anoint his youngest son Puru as king, the Brahmins and other classes addressed Yayati, “O lord, how can you give the kingdom to Puru, passing over Yadu, your eldest son, born of Devayani and grandson of Shukra, who is considered the best? Yadu was born first, then Turvasu; from Sharmishtha came Druhyu, then Anu, and finally Puru. How does the youngest deserve the kingdom, passing over the elders? We remind you to uphold righteousness.” Yayati addressed the assembled Brahmins and people, “Listen to my words. In my view, the kingdom should not necessarily go to the eldest. A son who obeys his mother and father is praised. My eldest, Yadu, did not follow my command. He who acts against his father is not considered a true son by the virtuous, but he who behaves as a son towards his parents is truly a son. I was disrespected by Yadu, and likewise by Turvasu, Druhyu, and Anu. Thus, I was greatly dishonored. But Puru fulfilled my word and especially honored me; though the youngest, he is my heir, for he bore my old age and accomplished all that I asked of him.” He continued, “A boon was given by Shukra, the sage Usanas: ‘The son who follows you, he shall be king.’ With your approval, let Puru be consecrated as king. The son who is virtuous and devoted to his parents deserves all good things, even if he is the youngest; he is the true lord. Pūru is worthy of this kingdom, for he is dear and does what is dear. I cannot say otherwise, for Śukra’s boon must be fulfilled.” Thus, with the approval of the people and the Brahmins, Yayati, son of Nahusha, consecrated Puru as king over his own kingdom. He settled Turvasu in the southeast, Yadu in the southwest, Druhyu in the northwest, and Anu in the north. Yayati, having conquered the earth with its seven continents and oceans, divided it into five parts among his sons. Each protected their region righteously, according to dharma. Having entrusted the earth to his sons, Yayati, his prosperity now passed to them, became content. Laying down his bow and arrows and relinquishing the kingdom, he rested, his burdens now borne by his relatives.