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
Après avoir ainsi parlé à son épouse Devayānī, le roi Yayāti, fils de Nahusha, désormais affranchi de tout désir matériel, fit venir son plus jeune fils Pūru et, donnant sa propre vieillesse, reçut en échange la jeunesse de Pūru.
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.