Srimad Bhagavatam — Navama Skandha, Shloka 21
Yayāti’s Renunciation: The Allegory of the He-Goat and She-Goat
इत्युक्त्वा नाहुषो जायां तदीयं पूरवे वय: । दत्त्वा स्वजरसं तस्मादाददे विगतस्पृह: ॥ २१ ॥
ity uktvā nāhuṣo jāyāṁ tadīyaṁ pūrave vayaḥ dattvā sva-jarasaṁ tasmād ādade vigata-spṛhaḥ
Śukadeva Gosvāmī said: After speaking in this way to his wife, Devayānī, King Yayāti, who was now free from all material desires, called his youngest son, Pūru, and returned Pūru’s youth in exchange for his own old age.
FAQs
This verse highlights that when craving is removed (vigata-spṛhaḥ), one can accept even old age without lamentation—showing true detachment from bodily enjoyment.
In the narrative, Nāhuṣa fulfills an agreement by transferring youth and other royal enjoyments, while taking old age in return—illustrating the temporary nature of bodily pleasures and the consequences of desire.
Recognize that youth and pleasure are temporary; practice self-control and devotion so that your decisions are guided by dharma rather than craving.