(Sambhava Parva continued)
"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 some time 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 the 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, the son of Nahusha, 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 butter upon
the fire according to the rites prescribed for those leading the
Vanaprastha mode of life. And the illustrious one entertained guests and
strangers with the fruit of the forest and clarified butter, while he
himself supported life by gleaning scattered corn seeds. And the king led
this sort of life for a full thousand years. And observing the vow of
silence and with mind under complete control he passed one full year,
living upon air alone and without sleep. And he passed another year
practising the severest austerities in the midst of four fires around and
the Sun overhead. And, living upon air alone, he stood erect upon one leg
for six months. And the king of sacred deeds ascended to heaven, covering
heaven as well as the Earth (with the fame of his achievements).'"