Page:The Mahabharata of Krishna-Dwaipayana Vyasa (Volume 1).pdf/222

208 those of Turvasu have come to be called the Yavanas. And the sons of Drahyu are the Bhojas, while those of Anu, the Mlechchhas. The progeny of Puru, however, are the Pauravas, amongst whom. O monarch, thou art born, in order to rule for a thousand years with thy passions under complete control !"

Thus ends the eighty-fifth section in the Sambhava Parva of the Adi Parva.

Vaisampayana said, "King Yayati, the son of Nahusha, having thus installed his dear son on the throne, became exceedingly happy, and entered into the woods to lead the life of a hermit. And having lived for some time into forest in the company of Brahmanas, observing many rigid vows, eating fruits and roots, patiently bearing privations of all sorts, the monarch at last ascended to heaven. And having ascended to heaven he lived there in bliss. But soon, however, he was hurled down by Indra. And it hath been heard by me, o king, that, though hurled from heaven, Yayati, without reaching the surface of the Earth, stayed in the firmament. I have heard that sometime after he again entered the region of the celestials in company with Vasuman, Ashtaka, Pratarddana, and Sivi."

Janamejaya said,"I desire to hear from thee in detail why Yayati, having first obtained admission into heaven, was hurled therefrom, and why also he gained re-admittance. Let all this, O Brahmana, be narrated by thee in the presence of these regenerate sages. Yayati, lord of Earth was, indeed, like the chief of the celestials. The progenitor of the extensive race of the Kurus, he was of the splendour of the Sun ! I desire to hear in full the story of his life both in heaven and on Earth, as he was illustrious, and of world-wide celebrity and of wonderful achievements !""

Vaisampayana said.--"Indeed, I shall recite to thee excellent story of Yayati's adventures on Earth and in heaven. That story is sacred and destroyeth the sins of those that hear it."

"King Yayati che son of Nabusha, having installed his youngest son, Puru, on the throne after casting his sons with Yadu for their eldest amongst the Mlechchhas, entered the forest to lead the life of a hermit. And the king eating fruits and roots lived for some time in the forest. Having his mind and passions under complete control, the king gratified by sacrifices the Pitris and the gods. And he poured libations of clarified