"Vaishampaayana said, 'King Yayaati, the son of Nahusha, having thus installed his dear son (Pooru) on the throne, became exceedingly happy, and entered into the forest to lead the life of a Vaanaprasta. Having lived for some time into forest in the company of Brahmanas, observing many rigid vows, eating fruits and roots, patiently bearing hardships of all sorts, the monarch at last ascended to heaven. Having ascended to heaven he lived there in joy. But soon, however, he (Yayaati) was hurled down by (Lord) Indra. O king (Janamejaya), it has been heard by me that, though hurled from heaven, Yayaati, without reaching the surface of the Earth, stayed in the sky. I have heard that some time after he again entered Devaloka in company with Vasuma, Ashtaka, Pratarddana, and Shibi.'
"Janamejaya said, 'I desire to hear from you in detail why Yayaati, having first obtained admission into heaven, was hurled from that place, and why also he gained re-admittance. O Brahmana (Rishi Vaishampaayana), let all this be narrated by you in the presence of these Dwija Rishis (Dwija means twice-born, while the first time the birth is natural, the second birth occurs upon the realisation of the Supreme Soul). Yayaati, lord of Earth, was, indeed, like the chief of Devas (Lord Indra). The ancestor of the extensive race of the Kurus (Yayaati), 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 well-respected, and of world-wide celebrity and of wonderful achievements.'
"Vaishampaayana said, 'Indeed, I shall recite to you the excellent story of Yayaati's adventures on Earth and in heaven. That story is sacred and destroys the sins of those that hear it.
"King Yayaati, the son of Nahusha, having installed his youngest son, Pooru, on the throne after casting his sons with Yadu for their eldest amongst the Mlechchhas, entered the forest to lead the life of a Vaanaprasta. The king (Yayaati) eating fruits and roots lived for some time in the forest. Having his mind and passions under complete control, the king pleased by yagnas the Pitris and the Devas. He poured offerings of clarified butter upon the fire according to the rites prescribed for those leading the Vaanaprasta mode of life. The illustrious one entertained guests and strangers with the fruit of the forest and clarified butter, while he himself supported life by obtaining scattered corn seeds. The king (Yayaati) led this sort of life for a full thousand years. Observing the vow of silence (Mounavratha in Sanskrit) and with mind under complete control he passed one full year, living upon air alone and without sleep. He passed another year practising the severest Tapas in the midst of four fires around and the Sun overhead. Living upon air alone, he stood erect upon one leg for six months. The king (Yayaati) of sacred actions ascended to heaven, covering heaven as well as the Earth (with the fame of his achievements).'"
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