Liṅga Mahāpurāṇa - Pūrva-bhāga
Chapter 66 - The Story of Yayāti
सूत उवाच
त्रिधन्वा देवदेवस्य प्रसादात्तण्डिनस्तथा ।
अश्वमेधसहस्रस्य फलं प्राप्य प्रयत्नतः ॥ १ ॥
गाणपत्यं दृढं प्राप्तः सर्वदेवनमस्कृतः ।
आसीत्त्रिधन्वनश्चापि विद्वांस्त्रय्यारुणो नृपः ॥ २॥
sūta uvāca
tridhanvā devadevasya prasādāttaṇḍinastathā |
aśvamedhasahasrasya phalaṃ prāpya prayatnataḥ || 1 ||
gāṇapatyaṃ dṛḍhaṃ prāptaḥ sarvadevanamaskṛtaḥ |
āsīttridhanvanaścāpi vidvāṃstrayyāruṇo nṛpaḥ || 2||
Sūta said— Through the grace of Devadeva (the Supreme Lord) and the blessings of the exalted sage Taṇḍin, Tridhanvā attained the fruit of a thousand Aśvamedha sacrifices, an immense merit secured through his ceaseless devotion and effort. Having acquired an unshakable position among the Gaṇas (divine attendants of Śiva), he became venerated by all the gods. In his distinguished lineage was born the wise and learned king Trayyāruṇa.
तस्य सत्यव्रतो नाम कुमारोऽभून्महाबलः ।
तेन भार्या विदर्भस्य हृता हत्वामितौजसम् ॥३॥
पाणिग्रहणमंत्रेषु निष्ठामप्रापितेष्विह ।
तेनाधर्मेण संयुक्तं राजा त्रय्यारुणोऽत्यजत् ॥४॥
tasya satyavrato nāma kumāro’bhūnmahābalaḥ |
tena bhāryā vidarbhasya hṛtā hatvāmitaujasam ||3||
pāṇigrahaṇamaṃtreṣu niṣṭhāmaprāpiteṣviha |
tenādharmeṇa saṃyuktaṃ rājā trayyāruṇo’tyajat ||4||
To him was born a son named Satyavrata, endowed with immense strength and valor. However, in a reckless act, he slew the mighty king of Vidarbha and forcibly abducted his wife, taking her as his own before the proper performance of the Vedic marriage rites. This grave violation of Dharma deeply displeased his father, and so King Trayyāruṇa, unable to condone such an unrighteous act, renounced his own son and cast him away.
पितरं सोब्रवीत्त्यक्तः क्व गच्छामीति वै द्विजाः ।
पिता त्वेनमथोवाच श्वपाकैः सह वर्तय ॥५॥
pitaraṃ sobravīttyaktaḥ kva gacchāmīti vai dvijāḥ |
pitā tvenamathovāca śvapākaiḥ saha vartaya ||5||
Forsaken by his father, Satyavrata approached him and asked, "O father, where shall I go?" In response, his father, unwavering in his resolve, commanded him, "Go and dwell among the Cāṇḍālas, outcastes, dog-eaters!"
इत्युक्तः स विचक्राम नगराद्वचनात् पितुः ।
स तु सत्यव्रतो धीमाञ्छ्वपाकावसथान्तिके ॥६॥
पित्रा त्यक्तोऽवसद्वीरः पिता चास्य वनं ययौ ।
सर्वलोकेषु विख्यातस्त्रिशंकुरिति वीर्यवान् ॥७॥
वसिष्ठकोपात्पुण्यात्मा राजा सत्यव्रतः पुरा ।
विश्वामित्रो महातेजा वरं दत्त्वा त्रिशङ्कवे ॥ ८ ॥
राज्येऽभिषिच्यं तं पित्र्ये याजयामास तं मुनिः ।
मिषतां देवतानां च वसिष्ठस्य च कौशिकः॥९॥
सशरीरं तदा तं वै दिवमारोपयद्विभुः ।
तस्य सत्यव्रता नाम भार्या कैकयवंशजा ॥ १० ॥
कुमारं जनयामास हरिश्चंद्रमकल्मषम् ।
हरिश्चंद्रस्य च सुतो रोहितो नाम वीर्यवान् ॥ ११॥
ityuktaḥ sa vicakrāma nagarādvacanāt pituḥ |
sa tu satyavrato dhīmāñchvapākāvasathāntike ||6||
pitrā tyakto’vasadvīraḥ pitā cāsya vanaṃ yayau |
sarvalokeṣu vikhyātastriśaṃkuriti vīryavān ||7||
vasiṣṭhakopātpuṇyātmā rājā satyavrataḥ purā |
viśvāmitro mahātejā varaṃ dattvā triśaṅkave || 8 ||
rājye’bhiṣicyaṃ taṃ pitrye yājayāmāsa taṃ muniḥ |
miṣatāṃ devatānāṃ ca vasiṣṭhasya ca kauśikaḥ||9||
saśarīraṃ tadā taṃ vai divamāropayadvibhuḥ |
tasya satyavratā nāma bhāryā kaikayavaṃśajā || 10 ||
kumāraṃ janayāmāsa hariścaṃdramakalmaṣam |
hariścaṃdrasya ca suto rohito nāma vīryavān || 11||
Thus commanded, Satyavrata abandoned the city and wandered away, forsaken by his father. The intelligent prince took refuge among the Cāṇḍālas and resided in their settlements. Meanwhile, his father, Trayyāruṇa, renounced worldly life and retreated to the forest.
Over time, Satyavrata, famed for his unmatched valor, became known throughout the three worlds as Triśaṅku.
However, due to the curse of the great sage Vasiṣṭha, Triśaṅku found himself plunged into grave misfortune. But the powerful ascetic Viśvāmitra, filled with divine radiance, took compassion upon him and granted him a boon.
Restoring his lost sovereignty, Viśvāmitra reinstated him as the rightful king of his ancestral kingdom. In defiance of the gods and the will of Vasiṣṭha, the mighty sage performed a yajña on his behalf, determined to elevate Triśaṅku to heaven in his very mortal body.
Through the sheer force of his yogic power, Viśvāmitra caused Triśaṅku to ascend bodily to heaven, an act unparalleled in all creation.
Meanwhile, Triśaṅku’s queen, Satyavratā, a noblewoman from the illustrious Kaikaya lineage, continued the royal line.
From her was born Hariścandra, a ruler renowned for his blameless virtue and unwavering adherence to truth. To Hariścandra was born a mighty son, Rohita, who was celebrated for his unparalleled valor and strength.
हरितो रोहितास्याथ धुंधुर्हारित उच्यते ।
विजयश्च सुतेजाश्च धुंधुपुत्रौ बभूवतुः ॥१२॥
harito rohitāsyātha dhuṃdhurhārita ucyate |
vijayaśca sutejāśca dhuṃdhuputrau babhūvatuḥ ||12||
Harita was the son of Rohita, and Dhundhu was another son of Rohita, known for his strength. Dhundhu had two sons—Vijaya and Sutejas.
जेता क्षत्रस्य सर्वत्र विजयस्तेन स स्मृतः ।
रुचकस्तस्य तनयो राजा परमधार्मिकः ॥ १३ ॥
jetā kṣatrasya sarvatra vijayastena sa smṛtaḥ |
rucakastasya tanayo rājā paramadhārmikaḥ || 13 ||
Vijaya, having subjugated all Kṣatriya kings, became known by that very name, Vijaya (the victorious one). His son Rucaka was a righteous and highly virtuous king.
रुचकस्य वृकः पत्रस्तस्माद्वाहुश्च जज्ञिवान् ।
सगरस्तस्य पुत्रोभूद्राजा परमधार्मिकः ॥१४॥
rucakasya vṛkaḥ patrastasmādvāhuśca jajñivān |
sagarastasya putrobhūdrājā paramadhārmikaḥ ||14||
Rucaka’s son was Vṛka, and his son was Bāhu. Sagara, the renowned monarch, was the son of Bāhu and was a supremely righteous ruler.
सरस्यापि प्रभा भानुमती तथा ।
ताभ्यामाराधितः पूर्वमौर्वोग्निः पुत्रकाम्यया॥१५॥
sarasyāpi prabhā bhānumatī tathā |
tābhyāmārādhitaḥ pūrvamaurvogniḥ putrakāmyayā||15||
Sagara had two queens—Prabhā and Bhānumatī. Both of them, desiring sons, worshipped the powerful sage Aurva, who possessed the brilliance of fire.
और्वस्तुष्टस्तयोः प्रादाद्यथेष्टं वरमुत्तमम् ।
एका षष्टिसहस्राणि सुतमेकं परा तथा ॥ १६ ॥
अगृह्णाद्वंशकर्तारं प्रभागृह्णात्सुतान्बहून् ।
एकं भानुमतिः पुत्रमगृह्णदसमञ्जसम्॥१७॥
aurvastuṣṭastayoḥ prādādyatheṣṭaṃ varamuttamam |
ekā ṣaṣṭisahasrāṇi sutamekaṃ parā tathā || 16 ||
agṛhṇādvaṃśakartāraṃ prabhāgṛhṇātsutānbahūn |
ekaṃ bhānumatiḥ putramagṛhṇadasamañjasam||17||
Pleased with their devotion, Aurva granted them boons according to their desires. One of them bore sixty thousand sons, while the other had a single son who would perpetuate the lineage. Prabhā was blessed with numerous sons, whereas Bhānumatī gave birth to a single son, Asamañjasa.
ततः षष्टिसहस्राणि सुषुवे सा तु वै प्रभा ।
खनंतः पृथिवीं दग्धा विष्णुहुङ्कारमार्गणैः॥१८॥
tataḥ ṣaṣṭisahasrāṇi suṣuve sā tu vai prabhā |
khanaṃtaḥ pṛthivīṃ dagdhā viṣṇuhuṅkāramārgaṇaiḥ||18||
In due course, Prabhā bore sixty thousand sons. However, while digging the earth in search of their lost ancestor, they were all reduced to ashes by the fiery arrows and thunderous Huṁkāra of Lord Viṣṇu.
असमञ्जस्य तनयः सोंशुमान्नाम विश्रुतः ।
तस्य पुत्री दिलीपस्तु दिलीपात्तु भगीरथः॥१९॥
येन भागीरथी गङ्गा तपः कृत्वाऽवतारिता ।
भगीरथसुतश्चापि श्रुतो नाम बहूब वै ॥ २० ॥
asamañjasya tanayaḥ soṃśumānnāma viśrutaḥ |
tasya putrī dilīpastu dilīpāttu bhagīrathaḥ||19||
yena bhāgīrathī gaṅgā tapaḥ kṛtvā’vatāritā |
bhagīrathasutaścāpi śruto nāma bahūba vai || 20 ||
The son of Asamañjasa was Aṁśumān, a prince of great renown. He, in turn, had a son named Dilīpa, and Dilīpa’s son was Bhagīratha, the most illustrious among them all.
It was Bhagīratha, through intense penance, who brought down the celestial Gaṅgā to Earth in order to liberate the souls of his ancestors. This divine river was thereafter named Bhāgīrathī in his honor.
Bhagīratha’s son was Śruta, a ruler of great fame and prowess.
नाभागस्तस्य दायादो भवभक्तः प्रतापवान् ।
अंबरीषः सुतस्तस्य सिंधुद्वीपस्ततोभवत् ॥ २१ ॥
nābhāgastasya dāyādo bhavabhaktaḥ pratāpavān |
aṃbarīṣaḥ sutastasya siṃdhudvīpastatobhavat || 21 ||
Śruta’s son was Nābhāga, who was glorious and a devout devotee of Lord Śiva. His son Ambarīṣa became famous as a righteous and mighty king. From Ambarīṣa was born Sindhudvīpa, who ruled over a vast kingdom.
नाभागेनांबरीषेण भुजाभ्यां परिपालिता ।
बभूव वसुधात्यर्थं तापत्रयविवर्जिता ॥ २२ ॥
nābhāgenāṃbarīṣeṇa bhujābhyāṃ paripālitā |
babhūva vasudhātyarthaṃ tāpatrayavivarjitā || 22 ||
Under the rule of Nābhāga’s son, Ambarīṣa, the earth was governed with great strength and righteousness. Through the might of his arms, he eradicated the threefold afflictions (ādhyātmika, ādhibhautika, and ādhidaivika), and thus, the world became entirely free from suffering.
अयुतायुः सुतस्तस्य सिन्धुद्वीपस्य वीर्यवान् ।
पुत्रोऽयुतायुषो धीमानृतुपर्णो महायशाः ॥ २३ ॥
ayutāyuḥ sutastasya sindhudvīpasya vīryavān |
putro’yutāyuṣo dhīmānṛtuparṇo mahāyaśāḥ || 23 ||
The mighty Ayutāyuṣa was born as the son of Sindhudvīpa. He, in turn, had a wise and illustrious son, Ṛtuparṇa, who became widely renowned for his virtues and intellect.
दिव्याक्षहृदयज्ञो वै राजा नलसखो बली ।
नौ द्वावेव विख्यातौ पुराणेषु दृढव्रतौः ॥ २४ ॥
वीरसेनसुतश्चान्यो यश्चेक्ष्वाकुकुलोद्भवः ।
ऋतुपर्णस्य पुत्रोभूत्सार्वभौमः प्रजेश्वरः ॥ २५ ॥
divyākṣahṛdayajño vai rājā nalasakho balī |
nau dvāveva vikhyātau purāṇeṣu dṛḍhavratauḥ || 24 ||
vīrasenasutaścānyo yaścekṣvākukulodbhavaḥ |
ṛtuparṇasya putrobhūtsārvabhaumaḥ prajeśvaraḥ || 25 ||
Ṛtuparṇa was a powerful king, a master of divine gambling, and a close companion of King Nala. In the Purāṇas, two kings named Nala are prominently mentioned, both renowned for their unwavering resolve.
One Nala was the son of Vīrasena, belonging to the Ikṣvāku lineage, while the other was a universal monarch, the son of Ṛtuparṇa, ruling over all living beings.
सुदासस्तस्य तनयो राजा त्विन्द्रसमोभवत् ।
सुदासस्य सुतः प्रोक्तः सौदासो नाम पार्थिवः ॥ २६
sudāsastasya tanayo rājā tvindrasamobhavat |
sudāsasya sutaḥ proktaḥ saudāso nāma pārthivaḥ || 26
Ṛtuparṇa’s son was King Sudāsa, a ruler of Indra-like prowess. Sudāsa’s son was the famous King Saudāsa, also known as Mitrasaha and Kalmāṣapāda.
ख्यातः कल्माषपादो वै नाम्ना मित्रसहश्च सः ।
वसिष्ठस्तु महातेजाः क्षेत्रे कल्माषपादके ॥ २७॥
अश्मकं जनयामास इक्ष्वाकुकुलवर्धनम् ।
अश्मकस्योत्तरायां तु मूलकस्तु सुतोभवत् ॥ २८॥
khyātaḥ kalmāṣapādo vai nāmnā mitrasahaśca saḥ |
vasiṣṭhastu mahātejāḥ kṣetre kalmāṣapādake || 27||
aśmakaṃ janayāmāsa ikṣvākukulavardhanam |
aśmakasyottarāyāṃ tu mūlakastu sutobhavat || 28||
Saudāsa was also known as Kalmāṣapāda due to a curse he had incurred. His other name was Mitrasaha.
His wife, through the divine power of the great sage Vasiṣṭha, bore a son named Aśmaka, who further strengthened the Ikṣvāku lineage. From Aśmaka and his queen Uttarā, a son named Mūlaka was born.
स हि रामभयाद्राजा स्त्रीभिः परिवृतो वने ।
बिभर्ति त्राणमिच्छन्वै नारीकवचमुत्तमम्॥२९॥
मूलकस्यापि धर्मात्मा राजा शतरथः सुतः ।
तस्माच्छतरथाज्जझे राजा त्विरविलो बली ॥ ३०॥
sa hi rāmabhayādrājā strībhiḥ parivṛto vane |
bibharti trāṇamicchanvai nārīkavacamuttamam||29||
mūlakasyāpi dharmātmā rājā śatarathaḥ sutaḥ |
tasmācchatarathājjajhe rājā tviravilo balī || 30||
Due to the fear of Paraśurāma, King Mūlaka lived in exile within the forest, constantly surrounded by women. Seeking refuge, he adopted a unique strategy of protection, using women as his safeguard.
Mūlaka’s son was Śataratha, a highly righteous king. From Śataratha was born a mighty ruler named Ilavila.
आसीत्त्वैलविलिः श्रीमान्वृद्धशर्मा प्रतापवान् ।
पुत्रो विश्वसहस्तस्य पितृकन्या व्यजीजनत् ॥ ३१ ॥
āsīttvailaviliḥ śrīmānvṛddhaśarmā pratāpavān |
putro viśvasahastasya pitṛkanyā vyajījanat || 31 ||
The glorious and powerful ruler Ilavila became famous as Vṛddhaśarmā. The daughter of the divine Pitṛs bore him a son named Viśvasaha.
दिलीपस्तस्य पुत्रो भूत्खट्वाङ्ग इतिविश्रुतः ।
येन स्वर्गादिहागत्य मुहूर्तं प्राप्य जीवितम् ॥३२॥
योऽग्नयस्त्रयो लोका बुद्धया सत्येन वै जिताः ।
दीर्घबाहुः सुतस्तस्य रघुस्तस्मादजायत॥ ३३ ॥
dilīpastasya putro bhūtkhaṭvāṅga itiviśrutaḥ |
yena svargādihāgatya muhūrtaṃ prāpya jīvitam ||32||
yo’gnayastrayo lokā buddhayā satyena vai jitāḥ |
dīrghabāhuḥ sutastasya raghustasmādajāyata|| 33 ||
Viśvasaha’s son was the renowned King Dilīpa, who became famous as Khaṭvāṅga. He was granted life for only one muhūrta (a short period of time) after descending from heaven.
It was Khaṭvāṅga who, through his wisdom and truthfulness, conquered the three sacred fires and gained dominion over the three worlds. His son was Dīrghabāhu, from whom was born the mighty Raghu, a name that would later define the illustrious Raghu dynasty.
अजः पुत्रो रघोश्चापि तस्माज्जज्ञे च वीर्यवान्।
राजा दशरथस्तस्माच्छ्रीमानिक्ष्वाकुवंशकृत् ॥ ३४ ॥
ajaḥ putro raghoścāpi tasmājjajñe ca vīryavān|
rājā daśarathastasmācchrīmānikṣvākuvaṃśakṛt || 34 ||
From Raghu was born his mighty and valiant son, Aja. From Aja was born the illustrious Daśaratha, who upheld the Ikṣvāku lineage with great renown.
रामो दशरथाद्वीरो धर्मज्ञो लोकविश्रुतः ।
भरतो लक्ष्मणश्चैव शत्रुघ्नश्च महाबलः ॥३५॥
rāmo daśarathādvīro dharmajño lokaviśrutaḥ |
bharato lakṣmaṇaścaiva śatrughnaśca mahābalaḥ ||35||
From Daśaratha was born the heroic Rāma, an embodiment of Dharma, renowned throughout the three worlds. Likewise, his three brothers were born: Bharata, Lakṣmaṇa, and the mighty Śatrughna.
तेषां श्रेष्ठो महातेजा रामः परमवीर्यवान् ।
रावणं समरे हत्वा यज्ञैरिष्ट्वा च धर्मवित् ॥३६॥
दशवर्षसहस्राणि रामो राज्यं चकार सः ।
रामस्य तनयो जज्ञे कुश इत्यभिविश्रुतः ॥ ३७॥
लवश्च सुमहाभागः सत्यवानभवत्सुधीः ।
अतिथिस्तु कुशाज्जज्ञे निषधस्तस्य चात्मजः ॥ ३८ ॥
लस्तु निषधाज्जातो नभस्तस्मादजायत ।
नभसः पुण्डरीकाख्यः क्षेमधन्वा ततः स्मृतः ॥ ३९॥
teṣāṃ śreṣṭho mahātejā rāmaḥ paramavīryavān |
rāvaṇaṃ samare hatvā yajñairiṣṭvā ca dharmavit ||36||
daśavarṣasahasrāṇi rāmo rājyaṃ cakāra saḥ |
rāmasya tanayo jajñe kuśa ityabhiviśrutaḥ || 37||
lavaśca sumahābhāgaḥ satyavānabhavatsudhīḥ |
atithistu kuśājjajñe niṣadhastasya cātmajaḥ || 38 ||
lastu niṣadhājjāto nabhastasmādajāyata |
nabhasaḥ puṇḍarīkākhyaḥ kṣemadhanvā tataḥ smṛtaḥ || 39||
Among them, Rāma was the greatest—a being of immense splendor and supreme valor. After slaying Rāvaṇa in battle, he performed grand Vedic sacrifices and ruled the kingdom for ten thousand years, upholding Dharma in its purest form.
From Rāma was born his illustrious son, Kuśa, renowned throughout the world.
Rāma’s other son, Lava, was exceedingly blessed, truthful, and endowed with great wisdom.
From Kuśa was born Atithi, and Niṣadha was his son. Nala was born of Niṣadha, and his son was Nabhasa. From Nabhasa was born Puṇḍarīka, whose son was Kṣemadhanvan.
तस्य पुत्रोभवद्वीरो देवानीकः प्रतापवान् ।
अहीनरः सुतस्तस्य सहस्राश्वस्ततः परः ॥ ४०॥
शुभश्चंद्रावलोकश्च तारापीडस्ततो भवत् ।
तस्यात्मजश्चन्द्रगिरिर्भानुचन्द्रस्ततोभवत्॥४१॥
tasya putrobhavadvīro devānīkaḥ pratāpavān |
ahīnaraḥ sutastasya sahasrāśvastataḥ paraḥ || 40||
śubhaścaṃdrāvalokaśca tārāpīḍastato bhavat |
tasyātmajaścandragirirbhānucandrastatobhavat||41||
Kṣemadhanvan had a valiant and powerful son named Devānīka. His son was Ahīnara, whose son was Sahasrāśva.
From Sahasrāśva were born Śubha and Candrāvaloka, and Tārāpīḍa was born after them. Candrāvaloka’s son was Candragiri, and from him was born Bhānucandra.
श्रुतायुरभवत्तस्मद्बृहद्बलः इति स्मृतः ।
भारते यो महातेजाः सौभद्रेण निपातितः ॥ ४२॥
śrutāyurabhavattasmadbṛhadbalaḥ iti smṛtaḥ |
bhārate yo mahātejāḥ saubhadreṇa nipātitaḥ || 42||
From Bhānucandra was born Śrutāyu, and his son was Bṛhadbala, the renowned warrior. This mighty king met his end at the hands of Abhimanyu, the valiant son of Subhadrā, during the great battle of the Mahābhārata.
एते इक्ष्वाकुदायादा राजानः प्रायशः स्मृताः ।
वंशे प्रधान एतस्मिन्प्राधान्येन प्रकीर्तिताः ॥ ४३ ॥
ete ikṣvākudāyādā rājānaḥ prāyaśaḥ smṛtāḥ |
vaṃśe pradhāna etasminprādhānyena prakīrtitāḥ || 43 ||
These great kings were the prominent successors of the Ikṣvāku lineage. Among the many rulers of this mighty dynasty, only the most significant ones have been mentioned here.
सर्वे पाशुपते ज्ञानमधीत्य परमेश्वरम् ।
समभ्यर्च्य यथाज्ञानमिष्ट्वा यज्ञैर्यथाविधि ॥ ४४॥
दिवं गता महात्मानः केचिन्मुक्तात्मयोगिनः ।
नृगो ब्राह्मणशापेन कृकलासत्वमागतः॥४५॥
sarve pāśupate jñānamadhītya parameśvaram |
samabhyarcya yathājñānamiṣṭvā yajñairyathāvidhi || 44||
divaṃ gatā mahātmānaḥ kecinmuktātmayoginaḥ |
nṛgo brāhmaṇaśāpena kṛkalāsatvamāgataḥ||45||
All of them, having mastered the sacred knowledge of Pāśupata, worshipped Lord Śiva according to the precepts of their wisdom and performed sacrifices in the prescribed manner. The great souls among them ascended to heaven, while some, being liberated yogins, attained mokṣa. However, King Nṛga, as a consequence of a curse from a Brāhmaṇa, was transformed into a chameleon.
धृष्टश्च धृष्टकेतुश्च यमबालश्च वीर्यवान्
रणधृष्टश्च ते पुत्रास्त्रयः परमधार्मिकः॥४६॥
dhṛṣṭaśca dhṛṣṭaketuśca yamabālaśca vīryavān
raṇadhṛṣṭaśca te putrāstrayaḥ paramadhārmikaḥ||46||
King Dhṛṣṭa had three virtuous and valorous sons: Dhṛṣṭaketu, Yamabāla, and Raṇadhṛṣṭa, all of whom were deeply devoted to Dharma.
आनर्तो नाम शर्यातेः सुकन्या नाम दारिका ।
आनर्तस्या भवत् पुत्रो रोचमानः प्रतापवान् ॥ ४७॥
ānarto nāma śaryāteḥ sukanyā nāma dārikā |
ānartasyā bhavat putro rocamānaḥ pratāpavān || 47||
King Śaryāti had a son named Ānarta and a daughter named Sukanyā. Ānarta’s son was Rocamāna, a king of great prowess and valor.
रोचमानस्य रेवोभूद्रेवादैवत एव च ।
ककुद्मी चापरो ज्येष्ठपुत्रः पुत्रशतस्य तु॥४८॥
रेवती यस्य सा कन्या पत्नी रामस्य विश्रुता ।
नरिष्यन्तस्य पुत्रो भूज्जितात्मा तु महाबली ॥ ४९ ॥
rocamānasya revobhūdrevādaivata eva ca |
kakudmī cāparo jyeṣṭhaputraḥ putraśatasya tu||48||
revatī yasya sā kanyā patnī rāmasya viśrutā |
nariṣyantasya putro bhūjjitātmā tu mahābalī || 49 ||
From Rocamāna was born Reva, who was considered divine. His eldest son was Raivata (Kakudmī), the foremost among a hundred sons. His daughter Revatī became the famous wife of Balarāma, the mighty brother of Śrī Kṛṣṇa.
King Nariṣyanta had a son named Jitātman, a man of supreme self-control and immense strength.
नाभागादंबरीषस्तु विष्णुभक्तः प्रतापवान् ।
ऋतस्यस्य सुतः श्रीमान्सर्वधर्मविदांवरः ॥ ५०॥
कृतस्तस्य सुधर्माभूत्पृषितो नाम विश्रुतः ।
करूषस्य तु कारूषाः सर्वे प्रख्यातकीर्तयः ॥५१॥
nābhāgādaṃbarīṣastu viṣṇubhaktaḥ pratāpavān |
ṛtasyasya sutaḥ śrīmānsarvadharmavidāṃvaraḥ || 50||
kṛtastasya sudharmābhūtpṛṣito nāma viśrutaḥ |
karūṣasya tu kārūṣāḥ sarve prakhyātakīrtayaḥ ||51||
From Nābhāga was born Ambarīṣa, a glorious and powerful king, known for his unwavering devotion to Lord Viṣṇu. His son was Ṛta, a wise and illustrious ruler, regarded as the foremost among the knower of Dharma.
From Ṛta was born Kṛta, also known as Pṛṣita, a righteous and celebrated king. The sons of Karūṣa were known as Kārūṣas, and they became renowned throughout the land for their valor and deeds.
पृषितो हिंसयित्वा गां गुरोः प्रापसुकल्मषम् ।
शापाच्छूद्रत्वमापन्नश्च्यवनस्येति विश्रुतः ॥ ५२ ॥
pṛṣito hiṃsayitvā gāṃ guroḥ prāpasukalmaṣam |
śāpācchūdratvamāpannaścyavanasyeti viśrutaḥ || 52 ||
However, Pṛṣita committed a grave sin by killing the sacred cow of his preceptor. As a consequence of his guru’s curse, he was degraded to the status of a Śūdra. His fall became widely known in the land of Cyavana.
दिष्टपुत्रस्तु नाभागस्तस्मादपि भलंदनः ।
भलंदनस्य विक्रांतो राजासीदजवाहनः ॥५३॥
diṣṭaputrastu nābhāgastasmādapi bhalaṃdanaḥ |
bhalaṃdanasya vikrāṃto rājāsīdajavāhanaḥ ||53||
The son of Diṣṭa was Nābhāga, from whom Bhalandana was born. Bhalandana’s son was Ajavāhana, a mighty and fearless king.
एते समासतः प्रोक्ता मनुपुत्रा महाभुजाः ।
इक्ष्वाकोः पुत्रपौत्राद्या ऐलस्याथ वदामि वः ॥५४॥
ete samāsataḥ proktā manuputrā mahābhujāḥ |
ikṣvākoḥ putrapautrādyā ailasyātha vadāmi vaḥ ||54||
Thus, the illustrious descendants of Manu and the mighty kings of his lineage have been briefly recounted. The great line of Ikṣvāku has been narrated in some detail.
Now, I shall describe to you the lineage of Aila (the Lunar Dynasty).
सूत उवात
ऐलः पुरूरवा नाम रुद्रभक्तः प्रतापवान् ।
चक्रे त्वकण्टकं राज्यं देशे पुण्यतमे द्विजाः ॥५५ ॥
'उत्तरे यमुनातीरे प्रयागे मुनिसेविते ।
प्रतिष्ठानाधिपः श्रीमान्प्रतिष्ठाने प्रतिष्ठितः ॥५६॥
sūta uvāta
ailaḥ purūravā nāma rudrabhaktaḥ pratāpavān |
cakre tvakaṇṭakaṃ rājyaṃ deśe puṇyatame dvijāḥ ||55 ||
'uttare yamunātīre prayāge munisevite |
pratiṣṭhānādhipaḥ śrīmānpratiṣṭhāne pratiṣṭhitaḥ ||56||
Sūta said- O Brāhmaṇas, Purūravas, the mighty and valiant son of Ilā, was a devoted worshipper of Lord Rudra. He ruled his kingdom without obstacles, establishing his authority in the most sacred land of Prayāga, situated on the northern bank of the Yamunā, a place frequented by great sages. There, in the illustrious city of Pratiṣṭhāna, he reigned as its glorious sovereign, establishing his capital in this renowned seat of power.
तस्य पुत्राः संप्त भवन्सर्वे वितततेजसः ।
गंधर्वलोकविदिता भवभक्ता महाबलाः ॥५७॥
आयुर्मायुरमायुश्च विश्वायुश्चैव वीर्यवान् ।
श्रुतायुश्च शतायुश्च दिव्याश्चैवोर्वशीसुताः ॥५८॥
tasya putrāḥ saṃpta bhavansarve vitatatejasaḥ |
gaṃdharvalokaviditā bhavabhaktā mahābalāḥ ||57||
āyurmāyuramāyuśca viśvāyuścaiva vīryavān |
śrutāyuśca śatāyuśca divyāścaivorvaśīsutāḥ ||58||
He had six sons, all of whom radiated immense splendor. Their prowess was recognized even among the Gandharvas, and they were devout devotees of Lord Śiva, endowed with great strength and divine qualities. Being the sons of the celestial nymph Urvaśī, they were blessed with extraordinary might.
Their names were Āyu, Māyu, Amāyu, Viśvāyu, Śrutāyu, and Śatāyu.
आयुषस्तनया वीराः पञ्चैवासन्महौजसः ।
स्वर्भानुतनयायां ते प्रभायां जज्ञिरे नृपाः ॥ ५९॥
āyuṣastanayā vīrāḥ pañcaivāsanmahaujasaḥ |
svarbhānutanayāyāṃ te prabhāyāṃ jajñire nṛpāḥ || 59||
The valorous king Āyu had five mighty sons, all of whom were endowed with great power. These royal princes were born from Prabhā, the illustrious daughter of Svarbhānu, and each was destined to rule as a sovereign king.
नहुषः प्रथमस्तेषां धर्मज्ञो लोकविश्रुतः ।
नहुषस्य तु दायादाः षडिन्द्रोपमतेजसः ॥६०॥
nahuṣaḥ prathamasteṣāṃ dharmajño lokaviśrutaḥ |
nahuṣasya tu dāyādāḥ ṣaḍindropamatejasaḥ ||60||
Among them, Nahuṣa was the eldest, renowned for his deep knowledge of Dharma and unparalleled fame. The six sons of Nahuṣa, endowed with splendor comparable to Indra, were worthy heirs to his illustrious lineage.
उत्पन्नाः पितृकन्यायां विरजायां महौजसः ।
यतिर्ययातिः संयातिरायातिः पञ्चमोऽन्धकः॥६१॥
विजातिश्चेति षडिमे सर्वे प्रख्यातकीर्तयः ।
यतिर्ज्येष्ठश्च तेषां वै ययातिस्तु ततोऽवरः ॥ ६२॥
utpannāḥ pitṛkanyāyāṃ virajāyāṃ mahaujasaḥ |
yatiryayātiḥ saṃyātirāyātiḥ pañcamo’ndhakaḥ||61||
vijātiśceti ṣaḍime sarve prakhyātakīrtayaḥ |
yatirjyeṣṭhaśca teṣāṃ vai yayātistu tato’varaḥ || 62||
These six valorous sons were born of Virajā, the daughter of the Pitṛs. Their names were Yati, Yayāti, Saṅyāti, Āyāti, Andhaka, and Vijāti. All six were highly renowned for their fame and illustrious deeds.
Among them, Yati was the eldest, while Yayāti was younger but destined for great achievements.
ज्येष्ठस्तु यतिर्मोक्षार्थी ब्रह्मभूतोऽभवत्प्रभुः ।
तेषां ययातिः पञ्चानां महाबलपराक्रमः ॥६३॥
jyeṣṭhastu yatirmokṣārthī brahmabhūto’bhavatprabhuḥ |
teṣāṃ yayātiḥ pañcānāṃ mahābalaparākramaḥ ||63||
Yati, the eldest, renounced the throne, seeking the path of liberation (mokṣa). Having attained the state of Brahman, he withdrew from worldly life.
Among the remaining five, Yayāti was the most valorous and powerful, excelling in strength and heroism.
देवयानी मुशनसः सुतां भार्यामवाप सः ।
शर्मिष्ठामासुरीं चैव तनया वृषपर्वणः ॥ ६४॥
devayānī muśanasaḥ sutāṃ bhāryāmavāpa saḥ |
śarmiṣṭhāmāsurīṃ caiva tanayā vṛṣaparvaṇaḥ || 64||
Yayāti married Devayānī, the daughter of Śukrācārya (Muśanasa), the preceptor of the Asuras. He also took Śarmiṣṭhā, the daughter of Vṛṣaparvā, the Asura king, as his consort.
यदुं स तुर्वसुं चैव देवयानी व्यजायत ।
तावुभौ शुभकर्माण स्तुतौ विद्याविशारदौ ॥६५॥
yaduṃ sa turvasuṃ caiva devayānī vyajāyata |
tāvubhau śubhakarmāṇa stutau vidyāviśāradau ||65||
From Devayānī, Yayāti had two illustrious sons: Yadu and Turvasu.
Both excelled in noble deeds, earning praise and admiration for their wisdom and mastery of divine knowledge.
दुह्यं चानुं च पुरुं च शर्मिष्ठा वार्षपर्वणी ।
ययातये रथं तस्मै ददौ शुक्रः प्रतापवान् ॥ ६६॥
तोषितस्तेन विप्रेन्द्रः प्रीतः परमभास्वरम् ।
सुसङ्गं काञ्चनं दिव्यमक्षये च महेषुधी ॥ ६७ ॥
duhyaṃ cānuṃ ca puruṃ ca śarmiṣṭhā vārṣaparvaṇī |
yayātaye rathaṃ tasmai dadau śukraḥ pratāpavān || 66||
toṣitastena viprendraḥ prītaḥ paramabhāsvaram |
susaṅgaṃ kāñcanaṃ divyamakṣaye ca maheṣudhī || 67 ||
Śarmiṣṭhā, the daughter of Vṛṣaparvā, bore three sons—Druhya, Anu, and Puru.
Pleased with Yayāti, the glorious preceptor Śukrācārya bestowed upon him a celestial chariot, resplendent with gold, along with two inexhaustible bows, dazzling in their divine brilliance.
युक्तं मनोजवैरश्वैर्येन कन्यां समुद्वहन् ।
स तेन रथमुख्येन षण्मासेनाजयन्महीम्॥६८॥
yuktaṃ manojavairaśvairyena kanyāṃ samudvahan |
sa tena rathamukhyena ṣaṇmāsenājayanmahīm||68||
The chariot was yoked to horses that moved at the speed of the mind. Riding this celestial vehicle, Yayāti brought his bride to his palace.
With the aid of this unmatched chariot, he conquered the entire earth within six months.
ययातिर्युधि दुर्धर्षो देवदानवमानुषैः ।
भवभक्तस्तु पुण्यात्मा धर्मनिष्ठः समञ्जसः ॥६९॥
यज्ञयाजी जितक्रोधः सर्वभूतानुकंपनः ।
कौरवाणां च सर्वेषां स भवद्रथ उत्तमः ॥७०॥
यावन्नरेन्द्रप्रवरः कौरवो जनमेजयः ।
पूर्वंशस्य राज्ञस्तु राज्ञः पारीक्षितस्य तु ॥ ७१ ॥
yayātiryudhi durdharṣo devadānavamānuṣaiḥ |
bhavabhaktastu puṇyātmā dharmaniṣṭhaḥ samañjasaḥ ||69||
yajñayājī jitakrodhaḥ sarvabhūtānukaṃpanaḥ |
kauravāṇāṃ ca sarveṣāṃ sa bhavadratha uttamaḥ ||70||
yāvannarendrapravaraḥ kauravo janamejayaḥ |
pūrvaṃśasya rājñastu rājñaḥ pārīkṣitasya tu || 71 ||
Yayāti was an invincible warrior, unconquerable even by gods, demons, or men.
He was a devoted worshipper of Lord Śiva, a righteous soul, and firmly rooted in Dharma. He performed numerous yajñas, was free from anger, and compassionate to all living beings.
Among all the royal chariots of the Kauravas, his was the most superior, known as the Bhavadratha, unmatched in speed and splendor.
Until the time of King Janamejaya, the greatest among the Kauravas, and a descendant of Parīkṣita, the glorious Bhavadratha chariot remained undefeated.
जगाम स रथो नाशं शापाद्रर्गस्य धीमतः ।
गर्गस्य हि सुतं बालं स राजा जनमेजयः ॥ ७२ ॥
अक्रूरं हिंसयामास ब्रह्महत्यामवाप सः ।
लोहगंधी राजर्षिः परिधावन्नितस्ततः ॥ ७३ ॥
पौरजानपदैस्त्यक्तो न लेभे शर्म कर्हिचित् ।
ततः स दुःखसंतप्तो न लेभे संविदं क्वचित् ॥७४॥
जगाम शौनकमृषिं शरण्यं व्यथितस्तदा ।
इन्द्रेतिर्नाम विख्यातो योऽसौ मुनिरुदारधीः ॥ ७५ ॥
याजयामास चेंद्रितिस्तं नृपं जनमेजयम् ।
अश्वमेधेन राजानं पावनार्थं द्विजोत्तमाः ॥ ७६ ॥
jagāma sa ratho nāśaṃ śāpādrargasya dhīmataḥ |
gargasya hi sutaṃ bālaṃ sa rājā janamejayaḥ || 72 ||
akrūraṃ hiṃsayāmāsa brahmahatyāmavāpa saḥ |
lohagaṃdhī rājarṣiḥ paridhāvannitastataḥ || 73 ||
paurajānapadaistyakto na lebhe śarma karhicit |
tataḥ sa duḥkhasaṃtapto na lebhe saṃvidaṃ kvacit ||74||
jagāma śaunakamṛṣiṃ śaraṇyaṃ vyathitastadā |
indretirnāma vikhyāto yo’sau munirudāradhīḥ || 75 ||
yājayāmāsa ceṃdritistaṃ nṛpaṃ janamejayam |
aśvamedhena rājānaṃ pāvanārthaṃ dvijottamāḥ || 76 ||
However, it met its destruction due to a curse from the wise sage Garga. This fate was sealed when King Janamejaya harmed and killed Garga’s young son, Akrūra, thereby incurring a great sin.
By killing Akrūra, King Janamejaya incurred the terrible sin of Brahmahatyā (the slaying of a Brāhmaṇa).
The taint of this sin manifested physically, making him emit a foul, iron-like stench. Thus, he wandered aimlessly, tormented by his crime.
Rejected by his subjects and the people of his kingdom, he was plunged into deep sorrow, unable to find peace or relief anywhere.
In his state of despair, Janamejaya sought refuge in the great sage Śaunaka, renowned for his compassion and vast wisdom. This muni was also known as Indreti, a sage of profound intellect and kindness.
To purify Janamejaya of his great sin, Indreti performed an Aśvamedha sacrifice on his behalf, thereby absolving the king and restoring his spiritual purity.
स लोहगंधान्निर्मुक्त एनसा च महायशाः ।
यज्ञस्यावभृथे मध्ये यातो दिव्यो रथः शुभः ॥ ७७ ॥
तस्मद्वंशात्परिभ्रष्टो वसोश्चेदिपतेः पुनः ।
दत्तः शक्रेण तुष्टेन लेभे तस्माद्वृहद्रथः ॥ ७८ ॥
ततो हत्वा जरासंधं भीमस्तं रथमुत्तमम् ।
प्रददौ वासुदेवाय प्रीत्या कौरवनंदनः ॥७९॥
sa lohagaṃdhānnirmukta enasā ca mahāyaśāḥ |
yajñasyāvabhṛthe madhye yāto divyo rathaḥ śubhaḥ || 77 ||
tasmadvaṃśātparibhraṣṭo vasoścedipateḥ punaḥ |
dattaḥ śakreṇa tuṣṭena lebhe tasmādvṛhadrathaḥ || 78 ||
tato hatvā jarāsaṃdhaṃ bhīmastaṃ rathamuttamam |
pradadau vāsudevāya prītyā kauravanaṃdanaḥ ||79||
Thus, Janamejaya, the illustrious king, was finally freed from the foul stench of iron and the burden of sin. During the Avabhṛtha (ritual ablution at the conclusion of the Aśvamedha sacrifice), the splendid celestial chariot disappeared into the divine realms.
After being lost from the royal lineage, the celestial chariot was bestowed by Indra, pleased with his devotion, upon Vasu, the king of the Chedi kingdom. From Vasu, the great king Bṛhadratha later acquired the same divine chariot.
Thereafter, Bhīma, the mighty warrior of the Kuru dynasty, slew Jarāsandha, a descendant of Bṛhadratha, in battle. After the victory, out of deep affection and devotion, he offered the magnificent celestial chariot to Śrī Kṛṣṇa, the supreme lord.
सूत उवाच
अभ्यषिचत्पुरुं पुत्रं ययातिर्नाहुषः प्रभुः ।
कृतोपकारस्तेनैव पुरुणा द्विजसत्तमाः ॥ ८० ॥
अभिषेक्तुकामं च नृपं पुरुं कनीयसम् ।
ब्राह्मणप्रमुखा वर्णा इदं वचनमब्रुवन् ॥ ८१ ॥
कथं शुक्रस्य नप्तारं देवयान्याः सुतं प्रभो ।
ज्येष्ठं यदुमतिक्रम्य कनीयान्राज्यमर्हति ॥८२॥
एते संबोधयामस्त्वां धर्मं च अनुपालय ॥ ८३ ॥
sūta uvāca
abhyaṣicatpuruṃ putraṃ yayātirnāhuṣaḥ prabhuḥ |
kṛtopakārastenaiva puruṇā dvijasattamāḥ || 80 ||
abhiṣektukāmaṃ ca nṛpaṃ puruṃ kanīyasam |
brāhmaṇapramukhā varṇā idaṃ vacanamabruvan || 81 ||
kathaṃ śukrasya naptāraṃ devayānyāḥ sutaṃ prabho |
jyeṣṭhaṃ yadumatikramya kanīyānrājyamarhati ||82||
ete saṃbodhayāmastvāṃ dharmaṃ ca anupālaya || 83 ||
Sūta said- Yayāti, the mighty son of Nahuṣa, crowned his youngest son Puru as the heir to the throne. O noble Brāhmaṇas, it was Puru alone who had rendered great service to his father, which is why Yayāti chose him as his successor.
However, when Yayāti expressed his intent to crown his youngest son Puru, the Brāhmaṇas and other leading members of society approached him and questioned his decision, saying:
"O King! How can you deny the rightful claim of Yadu, the eldest son, born of Devayānī, the grandson of Śukra? How does the youngest son deserve the throne, while the eldest remains overlooked? O King, we urge you to reconsider and uphold the principles of Dharma in accordance with tradition."
इति श्रीलिङ्गमहापुराणे पूर्वभागे ययातिकथा नाम षट्षष्टितमोऽध्यायः ॥ ६६॥
iti śrīliṅgamahāpurāṇe pūrvabhāge yayātikathā nāma ṣaṭṣaṣṭitamo’dhyāyaḥ || 66||
Thus concludes Chapter 66 of the Liṅga Mahāpurāṇa, known as the Story of Yayāti, in the first section (Pūrvabhāga).
Full Synopsis of the Story of Yayāti
In this significant chapter of the Liṅga Mahāpurāṇa (Pūrvabhāga, Chapter 66), the narrative centers around the illustrious monarch Yayāti, a descendant of the Lunar Dynasty (Candravaṃśa) and the son of King Nahuṣa. Yayāti was renowned for his valour, righteousness, and devotion to dharma. The chapter opens with a description of his lineage and auspicious birth, highlighting his virtuous nature and affinity for divine worship, particularly his reverence for Lord Śiva.
Yayāti marries Devayānī, the noble daughter of the sage Śukra, the preceptor of the Asuras. Śukra warns Yayāti against associating with Śarmiṣṭhā, the daughter of the Daitya king Vṛṣaparvā, who served as Devayānī's companion. Despite this, Yayāti also marries Śarmiṣṭhā, moved by her loyalty and beauty. Their union leads to the birth of three sons, while two sons are born from Devayānī. When Śukra discovers the second marriage, he curses Yayāti with premature old age, declaring that his craving for sensual pleasures will be extinguished only through this affliction.
Stricken by the curse but still yearning for the joys of youth, Yayāti appeals to his sons to exchange their youth for his old age. One by one, the sons refuse, except for the youngest, Puru, who selflessly agrees. Grateful for this sacrifice, Yayāti regains his youth and resumes enjoyment of worldly pleasures for many years. However, over time, he comes to recognize the insatiable nature of desire. Disillusioned and enlightened, he returns Puru’s youth, blesses him, and renounces worldly life, taking refuge in asceticism and contemplation of Lord Śiva.
The narrative transitions to Yayāti’s political and spiritual accomplishments. With divine blessings, Yayāti performs numerous yajñas (sacrifices), conquers powerful enemies, and expands his dominion. The Brāhmaṇas praise Yayāti for upholding dharma and ensuring the prosperity of his people. Puru, for his filial piety and sacrifice, is declared the rightful heir, while the other sons are given distinct territories, leading to the formation of various lineages such as the Yādavas (from Yadu) and others.
This chapter serves as both a mythological history and a spiritual allegory, emphasizing the moral that desires are endless and cannot be satisfied by indulgence. It praises the virtues of filial duty, renunciation, and devotion to Śiva, underscoring the belief that liberation (mokṣa) lies not in fulfilling worldly desires, but in transcending them through self-control and divine wisdom. Through Yayāti’s transformation, the Purāṇa conveys a timeless message about the human condition and the path to spiritual elevation.
