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{{short description|Ancestor of Pandavas and Kauravas in Mahabharata}}
{{short description|King in Hindu tradition}}
{{About||Yayati, the 1938 film|Yayathi|Marathi novel|Yayati (novel)}}
{{About||Yayati, the 1938 film|Yayathi|Marathi novel|Yayati (novel)}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=May 2016}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=May 2016}}
{{Use Indian English|date=May 2016}}
{{Use Indian English|date=May 2016}}


{{Infobox character
{{Infobox deity
| type = Hindu
| image = Emperor Yayati gray.jpg
| image = Emperor Yayati gray.jpg
| alt = Yayāti
| caption = Yayati seated on a throne
| caption = Yayati upon his throne
| family = {{ubl|[[Nahusha]] (father)|Viraja or [[Ashokasundari]] (mother)}}
| parents = {{ubl|[[Nahusha]] (father)|Viraja or [[Ashokasundari]] (mother)}}
| spouse = [[Devayani]], [[Sharmishtha]], Ananta
| consorts = [[Devayani]], [[Sharmishtha]]
| children = [[Yadu]], Turvashu, Anu, [[Druhyu]], [[Prachinvata]] and [[King Puru|Puru]] (Sons)<br>Madhavi (Daughter)
| children = [[Yadu (legendary king)|Yadu]], Turvashu, Anudruhyu, [[Druhyu]], [[King Puru|Puru]] (Sons)<br>Madhavi (Daughter)
| dynasty = [[Chandravamsha]]
| info-hdr=Information
| texts = [[Mahabharata]]
| color = #FFC569}}
}}
'''Yayāti''' ({{lang-sa|ययाति}}), in Hindu Purana , was a [[Chandravanshi]] king. He was one of the ancestors of [[Yadava]]s and [[Pandava]]s . He was the son of King [[Nahusha]] and his wife [[Ashokasundari]],<ref>Bibek Debroy, Dipavali Debroy (2002). ''The holy Puranas''. p. 152. "''Nahusha and Ashokasundari had a son named Yayati''.”</ref> daughter of [[Shiva]] and [[Parvati]], however, early sources state that Virajas, daughter of the Pitris, was the mother of Yayati. He had five brothers: Yati, Samyati, Ayati, Viyati and Kriti. Yayāti had conquered the whole world and was the ''[[Chakravartin]] Samrat'' ("Universal Monarch" or "World Emperor"). He married [[Devayani]] and took [[Sharmishtha]], daughter of king [[Vrishparva]] and maid of [[Devayani]] as his mistress. Devayani was the daughter of [[Shukracharya]], the priest of the ''[[Asura]]s''. Upon hearing of his relationship with Sharmishtha, Devayani complains to her father Shukracharya, who in turn curses Yayāti to old age in the prime of life, but later allows him to exchange it with his son, [[King Puru|Puru]]. His story finds mention in the ''[[Mahabharata]]''-[[Adi Parva]], in the ''[[Bhagavata Purana]]'' & also in the [[Matsya Purana]].
<ref>''[http://www.mythfolklore.net/india/encyclopedia/yayati.htm Laura Gibbs: Yayati]''</ref>


'''Yayati''' ({{lang-sa|ययाति|translit=Yayāti}}), is a king in [[Hinduism|Hindu tradition]]. He is described to be a [[Chandravanshi|Chandravamsha]] king. He is regarded to be the progenitor of the races of the [[Yadava]]s and the [[Pandava]]s.<ref>{{Cite web |last=www.wisdomlib.org |date=2012-06-24 |title=Yayati, Yāyati, Yayāti: 18 definitions |url=https://www.wisdomlib.org/definition/yayati |access-date=2022-10-07 |website=www.wisdomlib.org |language=en}}</ref>
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==Genealogy and early life==
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[[Brahma|Brahma's]] son was [[Atri]], a ''[[Brahmarshi]]''. Atri's son was [[Chandra]], the Moon god. Chandra gave rise to the [[lunar dynasty]]. Chandra's son was [[Budha]]. Budha had a son with [[Vaivasvata Manu|Vaivasvaita Manu's]] daughter [[Ila (Hinduism)|Ila]]. Ila's son was [[Pururavas]], who studied under Sage [[Kashyapa]]. [[Pururavas]] ruled over the city of Pratishthana. He married ''Apsara'' [[Urvashi]] and had many sons, of whom Ayus was the eldest. Ayus completed his education from Sage [[Chyavana]] and married the ''Asura'' princess Prabha. [[Ayus|Ayus's]] son was [[Nahusha]] who was educated by the Sage [[Vashistha]].


He is considered in some texts to the son of King [[Nahusha]], and his wife, [[Ashokasundari]],<ref>Bibek Debroy, Dipavali Debroy (2002). ''The holy Puranas''. p. 152. "''Nahusha and Ashokasundari had a son named Yayati''.”</ref> daughter of [[Shiva]] and [[Parvati]]; however, early sources state that Virajas, daughter of Ajyapas, was the mother of Yayati. He had five brothers: Yati, Samyati, Ayati, Viyati, and Kriti. Yayati had conquered the whole world and was the ''[[Chakravartin|Chakravarti]]'' ("Universal Monarch" or "World Emperor").<ref>{{Cite web |last=www.wisdomlib.org |date=2020-11-14 |title=Account of the King Yayati [Chapter 30] |url=https://www.wisdomlib.org/hinduism/book/harivamsha-purana-dutt/d/doc485507.html |access-date=2022-10-07 |website=www.wisdomlib.org |language=en}}</ref>
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Upon [[Indra]]'s loss of power, the gods asked Nahusha to be the new Indra. Nahusha ruled over the three worlds with the guidance of Sage [[Brihaspati]] for 100,000 years. Nahusha's sons headed by Yati and Yayāti were educated by thousands of Brahmarshis and the gods who used to wait upon their father. [[Nahusha]] eventually became arrogant and was punished severely as he was cursed by the [[Saptarishi|saptrishi]] (seven sages) to be snake and to live further in the [[naraka]] (the hell). Indra was once more reinstated as the King of Gods.

He married [[Devayani]], the daughter of [[Shukra]], and also took [[Sharmishtha]], daughter of king [[Vrishparva|Vrishaparvan]], and the maid of [[Devayani]], as his mistress. Upon hearing of his relationship with Sharmishtha, Devayani complained to her father, who in turn cursed Yayati to old age in the prime of life, but later allowed him to exchange it with his son, [[King Puru|Puru]]. His story finds mention in the ''[[Mahabharata]]'s'' [[Adi Parva]], as well as in the ''[[Bhagavata Purana]]'' and the [[Matsya Purana]].<ref>''[http://www.mythfolklore.net/india/encyclopedia/yayati.htm Laura Gibbs: Yayati]''</ref>

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==Genealogy and early life==
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[[Brahma|Brahma's]] son was [[Atri]], a ''[[Brahmarshi]]''. Atri's son was [[Chandra]], the moon god. Chandra lent his name to the [[Lunar dynasty]] (Chandravaṃśa). Chandra's son was [[Budha]]. Budha had a son with [[Vaivasvata Manu|Vaivasvaita Manu's]] daughter, [[Ila (Hinduism)|Ila]]. Ila's son was [[Pururavas]], who studied under Sage [[Kashyapa]]. Pururavas married the [[Apsara|a''psara'']] [[Urvashi]] and had many sons, of whom Ayus was the eldest. Ayus completed his education from Sage [[Chyavana]] and married the ''[[asura]]'' princess Prabha. [[Ayus]]'s son was [[Nahusha]], who was educated by the Sage [[Vashistha]].


⚫
Upon [[Indra]]'s loss of power, the devas asked Nahusha to be the new Indra. Nahusha ruled over the three worlds with the guidance of Sage [[Brihaspati]] for 100 years. Nahusha's sons, headed by [[Yati]] and Yayati, were educated by thousands of Brahmarshis and the devas who used to wait upon their father. [[Nahusha]] eventually became arrogant, and was punished severely, as he was cursed by the [[Saptarishi|saptrishi]] (seven sages) to be snake and to live further in [[Naraka]] (Hell). Indra was once more reinstated as the king of the devas.
#[[Brahma|Lord Brahma]]
#[[Brahmarshi]] [[Atri]]
#[[Chandra]] [[Deva (Hinduism)|Deva]]
#[[Budha]] ([[Mercury (planet)|Mercury]])
#[[Pururavas]]
#[[Ayus]]
#[[Nahusha]]
#Yayati


The ''Mahabharata'' mentions about Yayati's achievements. He performed 100 ''[[Rajasuya]]s'', 100 ''[[Ashvamedha|Ashwamedhas]]'', 100 ''[[Vajapeya]]s'', 1000 ''Atiratras'', 1000 ''Pundarikas'' and innumerable ''Agnishthomas'' and ''Chaturmasyas''. Wherever he hurled as Shami stick, he performed as sacrifice. He gave away mountains of gold and billions of cows to Brahmanas.
The ''Mahabharata'' mentions about Yayati's achievements. He performed 100 ''[[Rajasuya]]s'', 100 ''[[Ashvamedha|Ashvamedhas]]'', 100 ''[[Vajapeya]]s'', 1000 ''Atiratras'', 1000 ''Pundarikas'' and innumerable ''Agnishthomas'' and ''Chaturmasyas''. Wherever he hurled as Shami stick, he performed as sacrifice. He gave away mountains of gold and billions of cows to Brahmanas.{{Citation needed|date=October 2022}}


==The story==
==Legend==
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The legend of Yayati appears in the eighteenth and nineteenth chapters of the ninth canto of the ''[[Bhagavata Purana]]''.<ref name=SunyPress>{{cite book|last=Venkatesananda|title=The Concise Śrīmad Bhāgavataṁ|date=31 March 2010 |publisher=[[SUNY Press]]|pages=227–229|isbn=9781438422831|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=zLkrkjn1Yv0C&pg=PA22}}</ref>
[[File:Yayathi ka Shap.jpg|thumb|The cursed Yayāti begs forgiveness of Shukracharya]]
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The story of Yayāti appears in the eighteenth and nineteenth chapters of the ninth canto of the ''[[Bhagavata Purana]]''.<ref name=SunyPress>{{cite book|last=Venkatesananda|title=The Concise Śrīmad Bhāgavataṁ|publisher=[[SUNY Press]]|pages=227–229|isbn=9781438422831|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=zLkrkjn1Yv0C&pg=PA22}}</ref>


Yayāti's father, [[Nahusha]] is transformed into a [[python (genus)|python]] by a curse uttered by the sages as punishment for his arrogance. Yayāti's elder brother, Yati, is initially given the kingdom, but turns it down and instead becomes an [[ascetic]]. Yayāti then becomes king in his place and rules the earth. He appoints his four younger brothers to rule the world's [[cardinal direction]]s.
Yayati's father, [[Nahusha]], is transformed into a python by a curse uttered by the sages, as punishment for his arrogance. Yayati's elder brother, Yati, is initially given the kingdom, but turns it down, and instead becomes an [[ascetic]]. Yayati then becomes king in his place and rules the earth. He appoints his four younger brothers to rule the world's cardinal directions.


=== Marriage ===
One day Sharmishtha, daughter of the [[Danava (Hinduism)|Danava]] king [[Vrishparva]] & Devayani, daughter of the [[Daitya]] sage [[Shukra]]charya, go with Sharmishtha's retinue to bathe in a forest pool not far from their home. After bathing, Devayani confuses Sharmishtha's [[sari]] with hers and puts it on instead. Sharmishtha returns, scolds Devayani for her mistake. Devyani belittles her with the jibe that she is the daughter of Shukracharya (Shukracharya being a sage and high priest and indeed the [[guru]] of all the [[Asuras]] - no mere employee) and Vrishparva's and their Kingdom lives on his blessings. This slur on herself and her father Vrishparva infuriates Sharmishtha. With the help of her servants, Sharmishtha throws the naked Devayani into a well and leaves the forest with her retinue. Later Yayāti, son of Nahusha, comes to the well for water and helps Devayani to climb out of it. Devayani requests Yayati to accept her as his wife. Yayati, considering this to be the will of providence, accepts her proposal.
One day, Sharmishtha, daughter of the [[daitya]] king [[Vrishparva|Vrishaparvan]], and Devayani, daughter of Shukra, go with Sharmishtha's retinue to bathe in a forest pool not far from their home. While they bathe, [[Indra]] transforms himself into a strong wind, collecting their clothes upon the stream's banks, and depositing them in a heap. In the ensuing confusion, the two women accidentally don each other's clothes. In the quarrel that ensued, Sharmishtha throws the naked Devayani into a well, and leaves the forest with her retinue. Later, Yayati, son of Nahusha, chanced upon the pool after hunting, and helps Devayani to climb out of it, before returning to his kingdom. Devayani sent her maid, Ghurnika, to her father, and informed him about the quarrel. Shukra is enraged, and to placate him, Vrishaparvan agrees to offer a thousand maids, along with his daughter Sharmishtha, to serve Devayani. Some time afterwards, Yayati meets Devayani again, and the two fall in love. After Shukra offers his consent, the two marry.<ref>{{Cite web |last=www.wisdomlib.org |date=2019-01-28 |title=Story of Yayāti |url=https://www.wisdomlib.org/hinduism/compilation/puranic-encyclopaedia/d/doc242086.html |access-date=2022-10-07 |website=www.wisdomlib.org |language=en}}</ref>


Devayani resolves to make Sharmishtha her servant in revenge for trying to kill her by throwing her into the well. Sharmishtha's father, [[Vrishparva]] agrees to this, since he fears that the continued security of his kingdom would be in doubt without the sage counsel of Devayani's father Shukracharya. Sharmishtha also agrees to this to save the kingdom and becomes Devayani's maidservant. When Devayani moves to Yayati's palace after her marriage, Sharmishta, the maidservant, also goes along. Shukracharya, however, sternly warns Yayati never to have sex with Sharmishta.
When Devayani moves to Yayati's palace after her marriage, Sharmishtha, now her maidservant, also goes along. Shukra, however, sternly warns Yayati never to have any affairs with Sharmishtha.


=== Curse ===
After a long while, Sharmishtha comes to Yayāti and requests him to give her a child. He refuses and says that, if he were to do so, he could not face the wrath of Shukracharya. Nevertheless, Sharmishtha manages finally to convince him, saying that it would be against [[Dharma]] if he were to refuse her request; he being the king, it is his responsibility to ensure the needs of the citizens and she is desperate to have a child. He reluctantly agrees and they begin a relationship, in the hopes that she will conceive. In due course, Devayani gives birth to two sons Yadu and Turvasu while Sharmishtha begets three sons Druhyu, Anu and Puru.
After a long while, Sharmishtha comes to Yayati, and requests him to give her a child. He refuses, stating that if he were to do so, he would face the wrath of Shukra. Nevertheless, Sharmishtha manages to convince him, saying that it would be against [[dharma]] if he were to refuse her request; he being the king, it was his responsibility to ensure the needs of the citizens, and she is desperate to have a child. He reluctantly agrees, and they begin an affair, in the hopes that she would conceive. In due course, Devayani gives birth to two sons: Yadu and Turvasu, while Sharmishtha begets three sons: Druhyu, Anudruhyu, and Puru.


Eventually Devayani learns of her husband's affair with Sharmishtha and complains to her father. Enraged at his son-in-law's disobedience, Shukracharya curses Yayāti with premature old age in punishment for inflicting such pain upon his daughter. However on learning Sharmishta's desire to become a mother, he later relents, telling Yayāti that if he can persuade one of his (Yayāti's) sons to swap ages with him he will be able to escape the curse and regain his lost youth for a while. Yayāti asks his sons if one of them will give up his youth to rejuvenate his father, but all refuse except the youngest, Puru (one of his sons by Sharmishtha). In grateful recognition of Puru's filial devotion, Yayāti makes him his legitimate heir and it is from the line of Puru - later [[King Puru]] - that the 'Kuru vamsha' (Kuru dynasty) later arises.<ref>{{cite book |last= Prabhupada |first= Bhaktivedanta Swami|author-link= Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada|date= 1995 |title= Srimad Bhagavatam - Canto Nine |publisher= The Bhaktivedanta Book Trust |pages= 551–623 |isbn= 978-81-8957491-8}}</ref>
Eventually, Devayani learns of her husband's affair with Sharmishtha, and complains to her father. Enraged at his son-in-law's disobedience, Shukra curses Yayati with premature old age in punishment for inflicting such pain upon his daughter. However, on learning Sharmishtha's desire to become a mother, he later relents, telling Yayati that if he could persuade one of his (Yayati's) sons to swap ages with him, he will be able to escape the curse, and regain his lost youth for a while. Yayati asks his sons if one of them would give up his youth to rejuvenate his father, but all refuse except the youngest, Puru (one of his sons by Sharmishtha). In grateful recognition of Puru's filial devotion, Yayati makes him his legitimate heir, and it is from the line of Puru - later [[King Puru]] - that the Kuruvamsha (Kuru dynasty) later arises.<ref>{{cite book |last= Prabhupada |first= Bhaktivedanta Swami|author-link= Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada|date= 1995 |title= Srimad Bhagavatam - Canto Nine |publisher= The Bhaktivedanta Book Trust |pages= 551–623 |isbn= 978-81-8957491-8}}</ref>


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In the words of the story, Yayati enjoys all the pleasures of the senses 'for a thousand years' and, by experiencing [[Passions (philosophy)|passion]] to the full, comes to realise its utter futility, saying: "Know this for certain... not all the food, wealth and women of the world can appease the [[lust]] of a single man of uncontrolled senses. Craving for sense-pleasures is not removed but aggravated by indulgence even as [[ghee]] poured into fire increases it....One who aspires to peace and happiness should instantly renounce craving and seek instead that which neither grows old, nor ceases - no matter how old the body may become."<ref name="SunyPress"/> Having found wisdom by following the road of excess, Yayati gratefully returns the youth of his son Puru, and takes back his old age in return, renouncing the world to spend his remaining days as a forest ascetic. His spiritual practices are, at long last, blessed with success and, alone in the deep woods, he is rewarded with ascension to ''[[Svarga]]'' - the heavenly realm of the righteous, ruled by [[Indra]], that is but one step below the ultimate liberation of ''[[moksha]]''.<ref name="SunyPress"/>
[[File:Yayati ascend to Heaven.jpg|thumb|Yayāti ascends to Heaven]]
⚫
In the words of the story, Yayāti enjoys all the pleasures of the senses 'for a thousand years' and, by experiencing [[Passions (philosophy)|passion]] to the full, comes to realise its utter futility, saying: "Know this for certain... not all the food, wealth and women of the world can appease the [[lust]] of a single man of uncontrolled senses. Craving for sense-pleasures is not removed but aggravated by indulgence even as [[ghee]] poured into fire increases it....One who aspires to peace and happiness should instantly renounce craving and seek instead that which neither grows old, nor ceases - no matter how old the body may become."<ref name="SunyPress"/> Having found wisdom by following the road of excess, Yayāti gratefully returns the youth of his son Puru and takes back his old age in return, renouncing the world to spend his remaining days as a forest ascetic. His spiritual practices are, at long last, blessed with success and, alone in the deep woods, he is rewarded with ascension to ''[[svarga]]'' - the heavenly realm of the righteous, ruled by [[Indra]], that is but one step below the ultimate liberation of ''[[moksha]]''.<ref name="SunyPress"/>


=== Afterlife ===
=== Afterlife ===
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Yayati ascended to heaven due to his virtues. He was so virtuous that he could travel to many celestial regions. Sometimes, he went to the region of Brahma and sometimes stayed at Amaravati, the region of [[Indra]]. One day, when Yayati and Indra were conversing, Indra asked him questions. Indra asked him how many sacrifices he did and whom he was equal to in sacrifices. Yayati boastingly said the number of his sacrifices was innumerable, and proclaimed his superiority. Indra was angered by this bragging, and threw Yayati out of heaven. Yayati begged his pardon, so Indra said even though he would be thrown out of heaven, he would fall amidst virtuous and wise humans. Thus, while Yayati fell from the celestial region, he got stuck in the firmament. His grandsons: Ashtaka, Vasuman, Prattarddana, and Sivi (kings and sons of Mamata or Madhavi) met him. They enquired who he was, and why he was thus. They asked about heaven, about hell, about rebirth. Yayati recited everything. Then, out of compassion, they offered their own meritorious powers to Yayati. With these merits, Yayati attained again the realm of heaven. Five golden chariots arrived and took them to the region of eternal bliss, because of the merits of his grandsons and his own.
[[File:Fall of Yayathi.jpg|thumb|Yayati falls from Heaven]]
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Yayati ascended to heaven due to his virtues. He was so virtuous that he could travel many celestial regions. Sometimes he went to the region of Brahma and sometimes stayed at Amravati, the region of [[Indra]]. One day when Yayati and Indra were conversing, Indra asked him questions. As such once Indra asked him how many sacrifices he did and whom he was equal in sacrifices. Yayati boastingly said the number of sacrifices is innumerable and he is superior to others. Indra was angered by this bragging and threw Yayati out of heaven. Yayati begged pardon, so Indra said even though he would be thrown out of heaven he would fall amidst virtuous and wise humans. Thus while Yayati fell from the celestial region he got stuck in the firmament. His grandsons: Ashtaka, Vasuman, Prattarddana, and Sivi (kings and sons of Mamata or Madhavi) met him. They enquired who he was, and why he was thus. They asked about heaven, about hell, about rebirth. Yayati recited everything. Then they out of compassion offered their own meritorious powers to Yayati. With these merits, Yayati attained again the realm of heaven. Five golden chariots arrived and took them to the region of eternal bliss, Yayati because of the merits of his grandchildren and the grandsons because of their merit of gifting their virtues.


==Descendants==
==Descendants==
===Children of Devayani===
===From Devayani===
*[[Yadu]] gave rise to ''Yadu vamsha'', and one of his descendants is [[Krishna]].
*[[Yadu]] gave rise to the ''Yaduvamsha'', the ancestral lineage of [[Krishna]]
* [[Yavana|Turvasu]] and his descendants formed the [[Yavana Kingdom]]
* [[Yavana|Turvasu]] and his descendants formed the [[Yavana Kingdom]]
* Madhavi or Mamata married four times and had one son with each husband. She married Haryyashwa, who founded the from Iksu ((sanskrit), Pali: Okkāka dynasty (Sanskrit; ikṣvāku, from Sanskrit ikṣu; Pali: Okkāka)); Divodasa, King of Kashi; Ushinara, Bhoja King of Kashi and the [[Maharishi]] [[Vishwamitra]].
* Madhavi or Mamata married four times and had one son with each husband. She married Haryaśva, who belonged to the [[Solar dynasty|Suryavamsha]] dynasty; [[Divodasa]], King of Kashi; Ushinara, King of Bhoja, and the [[Maharishi]] [[Vishwamitra|Vishvamitra]].
**With the Ikshvaku King Haryyashwa, she had a son named Vasumanas who became a wealthy king and practised charity.
**With the Ikshvaku King Haryaśva, she had a son named Vasumanas, who became a wealthy king, and practised charity
** With Divodasa, the King of Kaśi, she had the mighty warrior King Pratarddana who acquired weapons from Sage [[Bharadwaja]] and defeated the Haihayas and the Videhas in battle.
** With Divodasa, the King of Kaśi, she had the mighty warrior King Pratarddana who acquired weapons from Sage [[Bharadwaja|Bharadvaja]], and defeated the Haihayas and the Videhas in battle
** With the Bhoja King Ushinara, she had Shibi, who became a Chakravartin Samrat and conquered the world, practised Dharma and charity.
** With the Bhoja king Ushinara, she had [[Shibi (king)|Shibi]], who became a Chakravarti and conquered the world, and practised dharma and charity
** With Sage Vishwamitra, she had a son named Ashtaka, who became famous for performing sacrifices and charity.
** With Sage Vishvamitra, she had a son named Ashtaka, who became famous for performing sacrifices and charity
According to historian Nishant Chandravanshi, the four sons of Madhavi didn't like Yayāti's self-righteousness, but each one used their powers to send Yayāti to heaven. Madhavi herself lost interest in marriage and performed penances in the forest for the rest of her life. Madhavi's four sons, after ruling their kingdoms, joined their mother and lived with her in the forest until her death.


===Sons of Sharmishtha===
===From Sharmishtha===
* [[Druhyu]] and his descendants, the ''Vaibhoja Vansha'', are believed to have formed the [[Twipra Kingdom]].<ref>A sper [[Rajmala]], the ancient royal chronicle of the [[Kings of Tripura]].</ref>
* [[Druhyu]] and his descendants, the ''Vaibhoja Vamsha'', according to [[Tripura]] tradition, are believed to have formed the [[Twipra Kingdom]].<ref>A sper [[Rajmala]], the ancient royal chronicle of the [[Kings of Tripura]].</ref>
* [[Turvasu Druhyu and Anu Dynasties|Anu]] gave rise to a [[Mleccha]] tribe, [[Tusharas]] (Tukharas), with their kingdom located in the north west of India as per the epic [[Mahabharata]]. (Mbh 1:85) Further on [[Kekaya]], a warrior on the [[Pandava]] side into whose chariot [[Bhima]] got during the fighting on the sixth day. As per ''[[Bhagavata Purana]]'' the [[Usinara Kingdom|Uśīnara]]s, the Sibi, the [[Madra Kingdom|Madra]]s, and the [[Kekaya]]s were the direct descendants of Anu. Sibi or Sivi is stated to be son of Usinara.<ref>"Anu, the fourth son of Yayāti, had three sons, named Sabhanara, Caksu and Paresnu. From Sabhanara came a son named Kalanara, and from Kalanara came a son named Srnjaya. From Srnjaya came a son named Janamejaya. From Janamejaya came Mahasala; from Mahasala, Mahamana; and from Mahamana two sons, named Usinara and Titiksu. The four sons of Usinara were Sibi, Vara, Krmi and Daksa, and from Sibi again came four sons, named Vrsadarbha, Sudhira, Madra and atma-tattva-vit Kekaya...." (Bhagavata Purana, 9.23.1-4).</ref>
* [[Turvasu Druhyu and Anu Dynasties|Anudruhyu]] gave rise to a [[Mleccha]] tribe, [[Tusharas]] (Tukharas), with their kingdom being located in the north west of India as per the epic [[Mahabharata]]. In ''[[Bhagavata Purana]],'' the [[Usinara Kingdom|Uśīnara]]s, the Sibi, the [[Madra Kingdom|Madra]]s, and the [[Kekaya]]s are the direct descendants of Anudruhyu. Sibi or Sivi is stated to be son of Usinara.<ref>"Anu, the fourth son of Yayāti, had three sons, named Sabhanara, Caksu and Paresnu. From Sabhanara came a son named Kalanara, and from Kalanara came a son named Srnjaya. From Srnjaya came a son named Janamejaya. From Janamejaya came Mahasala; from Mahasala, Mahamana; and from Mahamana two sons, named Usinara and Titiksu. The four sons of Usinara were Sibi, Vara, Krmi and Daksa, and from Sibi again came four sons, named Vrsadarbha, Sudhira, Madra and atma-tattva-vit Kekaya...." (Bhagavata Purana, 9.23.1-4).</ref>
*[[King Puru]]
*[[King Puru|Puru]]


Another one of his descendants (through [[King Puru|Puru]]) was King [[Bharata (Mahabharata)|Bharata]], son of King [[Dushyanta]] and [[Shakuntala]], and after whom, India's ancient name ''[[Bharatvarsha]]'' was kept. Further descendants were part of the [[Kuru Kingdom]], including [[Shantanu]], [[Dhritarashtra]], [[Pandu]], [[Yudhishthira]], [[Abhimanyu]] and [[Parikshit]].
Another one of his descendants (through [[King Puru|Puru]]) was King [[Bharata (Mahabharata)|Bharata]], the son of King [[Dushyanta]] and [[Shakuntala]]. Further descendants were part of the [[Kuru Kingdom]], including [[Shantanu]], [[Dhritarashtra]], [[Pandu]], [[Yudhishthira]], [[Abhimanyu]], and [[Parikshit]].


==Influence==
==Influence==
In modern language and usage, trading conscientious behaviour for external gain is sometimes called '''Yayāti Syndrome'''.<ref>[http://qualitydigest.com/IQedit/QDarticle_text.lasso?articleid=10128 Management and the Bhagavad Gita]</ref><ref>[http://www.dailypioneer.com/columnist1.asp?main_variable=Columnist&file_name=JAIN90.txt&writer=JAIN&validit=yes BJP's Yayati Syndrome]</ref>
In modern language and usage, trading conscientious behaviour for external gain is sometimes called Yayati Syndrome.<ref>[http://qualitydigest.com/IQedit/QDarticle_text.lasso?articleid=10128 Management and the Bhagavad Gita]</ref><ref>[http://www.dailypioneer.com/columnist1.asp?main_variable=Columnist&file_name=JAIN90.txt&writer=JAIN&validit=yes BJP's Yayati Syndrome]</ref>


''[[Yayati (novel)|Yayati]]'', a Marathi novel by [[V. S. Khandekar]], won him the [[Sahitya Akademi Award]] (1960), and a [[Jnanpith Award]] (1974).<ref>[http://jnanpith.net/laureates/index.html Jnanpith website – list of laureates] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071013122739/http://jnanpith.net/laureates/index.html |date=13 October 2007 }}</ref>
''[[Yayati (novel)|Yayati]]'', a Marathi novel by [[V. S. Khandekar]], won him the [[Sahitya Akademi Award]] (1960), and a [[Jnanpith Award]] (1974).<ref>[http://jnanpith.net/laureates/index.html Jnanpith website – list of laureates] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071013122739/http://jnanpith.net/laureates/index.html |date=13 October 2007 }}</ref>


Playwright [[Girish Karnad]]'s debut play ''Yayati'' (1961) is based on the story of King Yayāti found in the ''[[Mahabharata]]''.<ref>{{cite book |title=The World Encyclopedia of Contemporary Theatre: Asia|author=Don Rubin |publisher=Taylor & Francis|year=1998|isbn=0-415-05933-X |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=-MUiXjMUl34C&q=hindi+theatre&pg=PA219 |page=196|ref=Ru }}</ref>
Playwright [[Girish Karnad]]'s debut play ''Yayati'' (1961) is based on the story of King Yayati found in the ''[[Mahabharata]]''.<ref>{{cite book |title=The World Encyclopedia of Contemporary Theatre: Asia|author=Don Rubin |publisher=Taylor & Francis|year=1998|isbn=0-415-05933-X |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=-MUiXjMUl34C&q=hindi+theatre&pg=PA219 |page=196|ref=Ru }}</ref>


==See also==
==See also==
* [[Lunar dynasty]]
* [[Lunar dynasty]]
* [[Kuru dynasty|Kuru]]
* [[King Puru|Puru]]
* [[Yadu|Yaduvamsha]]


==Further reading==
==Further reading==
* ''[[Mahabharata]], [[Adiparva]]'', verse. 71-80.
* ''[[Mahabharata]], [[Adiparva]]'', verse. 71-80.
* ''Yayati'' (Marathi). 1959. {{ISBN|978-81-7161-588-9}}
* ''Yayati'' (Marathi). 1959. {{ISBN|978-81-7161-588-9}}
* ''[https://books.google.com/books?id=quX57xnaGaoC&printsec=frontcover&dq=Yayati&hl=en&ei=9Q2PTfuBPIuGvAOF88W-DQ&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=1&ved=0CCwQ6AEwAA#v=onepage&q&f=false Yayati: A Classic Tale of Lust, by V. S. Khandekar]'' (English), Tr. by Y. P. Kulkarni. Orient Paperbacks. {{ISBN|81-222-0428-7}}.
* ''[https://books.google.com/books?id=quX57xnaGaoC&q=Yayati Yayati: A Classic Tale of Lust, by V. S. Khandekar]'' (English), Tr. by Y. P. Kulkarni. Orient Paperbacks. {{ISBN|81-222-0428-7}}.
* ''Yayati'', by [[Girish Karnad]]. Oxford University Press.
* ''Yayati'', by [[Girish Karnad]]. Oxford University Press.


Line 96: Line 93:
* [http://www.mahabharataonline.com/stories/mahabharata_story.php?id=13 Story of King Yayati from Mahabharata]
* [http://www.mahabharataonline.com/stories/mahabharata_story.php?id=13 Story of King Yayati from Mahabharata]
* [http://www.celextel.org/storiesandanecdotes/devayaniandyayati.html Devayani and Yayati] Retold by P. R. Ramachander
* [http://www.celextel.org/storiesandanecdotes/devayaniandyayati.html Devayani and Yayati] Retold by P. R. Ramachander
* [https://books.google.com/books?id=J2c6-tAt4vwC&pg=PA239&dq=Yayati&hl=en&ei=9Q2PTfuBPIuGvAOF88W-DQ&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=8&ved=0CEgQ6AEwBw#v=onepage&q=Yayati&f=false Yayati] in ''[[Brahma Purana]]''
* [https://books.google.com/books?id=J2c6-tAt4vwC&dq=Yayati&pg=PA239 Yayati] in ''[[Brahma Purana]]''


{{Mahabharata}}
{{Mahabharata}}

Revision as of 03:25, 18 February 2024

For Yayati, the 1938 film, see Yayathi. For Marathi novel, see Yayati (novel).

Yayati
Yayati upon his throne
TextsMahabharata
Personal information
Parents
ConsortsDevayani, Sharmishtha
ChildrenYadu, Turvashu, Anudruhyu, Druhyu, Puru (Sons)
Madhavi (Daughter)
DynastyChandravamsha

Yayati (Sanskrit: ययाति, romanized: Yayāti), is a king in Hindu tradition. He is described to be a Chandravamsha king. He is regarded to be the progenitor of the races of the Yadavas and the Pandavas.[1]

He is considered in some texts to the son of King Nahusha, and his wife, Ashokasundari,[2] daughter of Shiva and Parvati; however, early sources state that Virajas, daughter of Ajyapas, was the mother of Yayati. He had five brothers: Yati, Samyati, Ayati, Viyati, and Kriti. Yayati had conquered the whole world and was the Chakravarti ("Universal Monarch" or "World Emperor").[3]

He married Devayani, the daughter of Shukra, and also took Sharmishtha, daughter of king Vrishaparvan, and the maid of Devayani, as his mistress. Upon hearing of his relationship with Sharmishtha, Devayani complained to her father, who in turn cursed Yayati to old age in the prime of life, but later allowed him to exchange it with his son, Puru. His story finds mention in the Mahabharata's Adi Parva, as well as in the Bhagavata Purana and the Matsya Purana.[4]

Genealogy and early life

Brahma's son was Atri, a Brahmarshi. Atri's son was Chandra, the moon god. Chandra lent his name to the Lunar dynasty (Chandravaṃśa). Chandra's son was Budha. Budha had a son with Vaivasvaita Manu's daughter, Ila. Ila's son was Pururavas, who studied under Sage Kashyapa. Pururavas married the apsara Urvashi and had many sons, of whom Ayus was the eldest. Ayus completed his education from Sage Chyavana and married the asura princess Prabha. Ayus's son was Nahusha, who was educated by the Sage Vashistha.

Upon Indra's loss of power, the devas asked Nahusha to be the new Indra. Nahusha ruled over the three worlds with the guidance of Sage Brihaspati for 100 years. Nahusha's sons, headed by Yati and Yayati, were educated by thousands of Brahmarshis and the devas who used to wait upon their father. Nahusha eventually became arrogant, and was punished severely, as he was cursed by the saptrishi (seven sages) to be snake and to live further in Naraka (Hell). Indra was once more reinstated as the king of the devas.

The Mahabharata mentions about Yayati's achievements. He performed 100 Rajasuyas, 100 Ashvamedhas, 100 Vajapeyas, 1000 Atiratras, 1000 Pundarikas and innumerable Agnishthomas and Chaturmasyas. Wherever he hurled as Shami stick, he performed as sacrifice. He gave away mountains of gold and billions of cows to Brahmanas.[citation needed]

Legend

The legend of Yayati appears in the eighteenth and nineteenth chapters of the ninth canto of the Bhagavata Purana.[5]

Yayati's father, Nahusha, is transformed into a python by a curse uttered by the sages, as punishment for his arrogance. Yayati's elder brother, Yati, is initially given the kingdom, but turns it down, and instead becomes an ascetic. Yayati then becomes king in his place and rules the earth. He appoints his four younger brothers to rule the world's cardinal directions.

Marriage

One day, Sharmishtha, daughter of the daitya king Vrishaparvan, and Devayani, daughter of Shukra, go with Sharmishtha's retinue to bathe in a forest pool not far from their home. While they bathe, Indra transforms himself into a strong wind, collecting their clothes upon the stream's banks, and depositing them in a heap. In the ensuing confusion, the two women accidentally don each other's clothes. In the quarrel that ensued, Sharmishtha throws the naked Devayani into a well, and leaves the forest with her retinue. Later, Yayati, son of Nahusha, chanced upon the pool after hunting, and helps Devayani to climb out of it, before returning to his kingdom. Devayani sent her maid, Ghurnika, to her father, and informed him about the quarrel. Shukra is enraged, and to placate him, Vrishaparvan agrees to offer a thousand maids, along with his daughter Sharmishtha, to serve Devayani. Some time afterwards, Yayati meets Devayani again, and the two fall in love. After Shukra offers his consent, the two marry.[6]

When Devayani moves to Yayati's palace after her marriage, Sharmishtha, now her maidservant, also goes along. Shukra, however, sternly warns Yayati never to have any affairs with Sharmishtha.

Curse

After a long while, Sharmishtha comes to Yayati, and requests him to give her a child. He refuses, stating that if he were to do so, he would face the wrath of Shukra. Nevertheless, Sharmishtha manages to convince him, saying that it would be against dharma if he were to refuse her request; he being the king, it was his responsibility to ensure the needs of the citizens, and she is desperate to have a child. He reluctantly agrees, and they begin an affair, in the hopes that she would conceive. In due course, Devayani gives birth to two sons: Yadu and Turvasu, while Sharmishtha begets three sons: Druhyu, Anudruhyu, and Puru.

Eventually, Devayani learns of her husband's affair with Sharmishtha, and complains to her father. Enraged at his son-in-law's disobedience, Shukra curses Yayati with premature old age in punishment for inflicting such pain upon his daughter. However, on learning Sharmishtha's desire to become a mother, he later relents, telling Yayati that if he could persuade one of his (Yayati's) sons to swap ages with him, he will be able to escape the curse, and regain his lost youth for a while. Yayati asks his sons if one of them would give up his youth to rejuvenate his father, but all refuse except the youngest, Puru (one of his sons by Sharmishtha). In grateful recognition of Puru's filial devotion, Yayati makes him his legitimate heir, and it is from the line of Puru - later King Puru - that the Kuruvamsha (Kuru dynasty) later arises.[7]

In the words of the story, Yayati enjoys all the pleasures of the senses 'for a thousand years' and, by experiencing passion to the full, comes to realise its utter futility, saying: "Know this for certain... not all the food, wealth and women of the world can appease the lust of a single man of uncontrolled senses. Craving for sense-pleasures is not removed but aggravated by indulgence even as ghee poured into fire increases it....One who aspires to peace and happiness should instantly renounce craving and seek instead that which neither grows old, nor ceases - no matter how old the body may become."[5] Having found wisdom by following the road of excess, Yayati gratefully returns the youth of his son Puru, and takes back his old age in return, renouncing the world to spend his remaining days as a forest ascetic. His spiritual practices are, at long last, blessed with success and, alone in the deep woods, he is rewarded with ascension to Svarga - the heavenly realm of the righteous, ruled by Indra, that is but one step below the ultimate liberation of moksha.[5]

Afterlife

Yayati ascended to heaven due to his virtues. He was so virtuous that he could travel to many celestial regions. Sometimes, he went to the region of Brahma and sometimes stayed at Amaravati, the region of Indra. One day, when Yayati and Indra were conversing, Indra asked him questions. Indra asked him how many sacrifices he did and whom he was equal to in sacrifices. Yayati boastingly said the number of his sacrifices was innumerable, and proclaimed his superiority. Indra was angered by this bragging, and threw Yayati out of heaven. Yayati begged his pardon, so Indra said even though he would be thrown out of heaven, he would fall amidst virtuous and wise humans. Thus, while Yayati fell from the celestial region, he got stuck in the firmament. His grandsons: Ashtaka, Vasuman, Prattarddana, and Sivi (kings and sons of Mamata or Madhavi) met him. They enquired who he was, and why he was thus. They asked about heaven, about hell, about rebirth. Yayati recited everything. Then, out of compassion, they offered their own meritorious powers to Yayati. With these merits, Yayati attained again the realm of heaven. Five golden chariots arrived and took them to the region of eternal bliss, because of the merits of his grandsons and his own.

Descendants

From Devayani

  • Yadu gave rise to the Yaduvamsha, the ancestral lineage of Krishna
  • Turvasu and his descendants formed the Yavana Kingdom
  • Madhavi or Mamata married four times and had one son with each husband. She married Haryaśva, who belonged to the Suryavamsha dynasty; Divodasa, King of Kashi; Ushinara, King of Bhoja, and the Maharishi Vishvamitra.
    • With the Ikshvaku King Haryaśva, she had a son named Vasumanas, who became a wealthy king, and practised charity
    • With Divodasa, the King of Kaśi, she had the mighty warrior King Pratarddana who acquired weapons from Sage Bharadvaja, and defeated the Haihayas and the Videhas in battle
    • With the Bhoja king Ushinara, she had Shibi, who became a Chakravarti and conquered the world, and practised dharma and charity
    • With Sage Vishvamitra, she had a son named Ashtaka, who became famous for performing sacrifices and charity

From Sharmishtha

Another one of his descendants (through Puru) was King Bharata, the son of King Dushyanta and Shakuntala. Further descendants were part of the Kuru Kingdom, including Shantanu, Dhritarashtra, Pandu, Yudhishthira, Abhimanyu, and Parikshit.

Influence

In modern language and usage, trading conscientious behaviour for external gain is sometimes called Yayati Syndrome.[10][11]

Yayati, a Marathi novel by V. S. Khandekar, won him the Sahitya Akademi Award (1960), and a Jnanpith Award (1974).[12]

Playwright Girish Karnad's debut play Yayati (1961) is based on the story of King Yayati found in the Mahabharata.[13]

See also

Further reading

  • Mahabharata, Adiparva, verse. 71-80.
  • Yayati (Marathi). 1959. ISBN 978-81-7161-588-9
  • Yayati: A Classic Tale of Lust, by V. S. Khandekar (English), Tr. by Y. P. Kulkarni. Orient Paperbacks. ISBN 81-222-0428-7.
  • Yayati, by Girish Karnad. Oxford University Press.

References

  1. ^ www.wisdomlib.org (24 June 2012). "Yayati, Yāyati, Yayāti: 18 definitions". www.wisdomlib.org. Retrieved 7 October 2022.
  2. ^ Bibek Debroy, Dipavali Debroy (2002). The holy Puranas. p. 152. "Nahusha and Ashokasundari had a son named Yayati.”
  3. ^ www.wisdomlib.org (14 November 2020). "Account of the King Yayati [Chapter 30]". www.wisdomlib.org. Retrieved 7 October 2022.
  4. ^ Laura Gibbs: Yayati
  5. ^ a b c Venkatesananda (31 March 2010). The Concise Śrīmad Bhāgavataṁ. SUNY Press. pp. 227–229. ISBN 9781438422831.
  6. ^ www.wisdomlib.org (28 January 2019). "Story of Yayāti". www.wisdomlib.org. Retrieved 7 October 2022.
  7. ^ Prabhupada, Bhaktivedanta Swami (1995). Srimad Bhagavatam - Canto Nine. The Bhaktivedanta Book Trust. pp. 551–623. ISBN 978-81-8957491-8.
  8. ^ A sper Rajmala, the ancient royal chronicle of the Kings of Tripura.
  9. ^ "Anu, the fourth son of Yayāti, had three sons, named Sabhanara, Caksu and Paresnu. From Sabhanara came a son named Kalanara, and from Kalanara came a son named Srnjaya. From Srnjaya came a son named Janamejaya. From Janamejaya came Mahasala; from Mahasala, Mahamana; and from Mahamana two sons, named Usinara and Titiksu. The four sons of Usinara were Sibi, Vara, Krmi and Daksa, and from Sibi again came four sons, named Vrsadarbha, Sudhira, Madra and atma-tattva-vit Kekaya...." (Bhagavata Purana, 9.23.1-4).
  10. ^ Management and the Bhagavad Gita
  11. ^ BJP's Yayati Syndrome
  12. ^ Jnanpith website – list of laureates Archived 13 October 2007 at the Wayback Machine
  13. ^ Don Rubin (1998). The World Encyclopedia of Contemporary Theatre: Asia. Taylor & Francis. p. 196. ISBN 0-415-05933-X.

External links

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