Introduction
Yayati is a king of the lunar dynasty, the son of Nahusha. He is the ancestor of both the Yadava and the Puru lines, from which the Kurus descend.
This article primarily follows the Mahabharata. Where a well-known detail comes from a Puranic or later source, the article identifies it.
Family
- Father: Nahusha
- Wives: Devayani, Sharmishtha
- Sons: Yadu, Puru
Marriages
Yayati married Devayani, the daughter of the Asura teacher Shukracharya, and Sharmishtha, the daughter of the Asura king Vrishaparva, who had been Devayani's servant. He had sons by both, and Devayani was angry when she found out.
The curse of old age
Shukracharya cursed Yayati to become old before his time. He was allowed to pass on the curse to a son who agreed. His elder sons, including Yadu, refused. His youngest son Puru accepted, and gave his youth to his father.
The succession
After enjoying the pleasures of life, Yayati took back his old age and gave the kingdom to Puru, and left for the forest. Yadu was cursed that his descendants would not rule.