Mahabharata – 123

by 

Sankar Mukherjee

&

Dr Ramesh Chandra Mukhopadhyaya
                                   Aadivamsavatarana Parva

Each one of the sons of Yayati generated a race.The sons of Yadu are known by the name  Yadavas,while those of Turvasu have come to be called the Yavanas. And the sons of Drahyu are the Bhojas,while those of Anu Mlechchhas.

The  progeny of Puru, however, are the Pauravas, amongst whom, Oh king!, you are born,said the narrator Vaisampayana addressing the king Janamejaya at the site of the snake sacrifice. They were supposed to rule for a thousand years with the passions under complete control.This is a significant information. It tells us that the whole humanity is divided into different ethnic groups or races. But they are in fact brothers springing from the common ancestor Yayati.So the strife between the several races in the world today is pointless if the Mahabharata is to be believed.

Even the kings observed the ideals  of  chaturashrama. In the childhood the people of he Mahabharata society were devoted to the studies.During the youth they got married & earned their livelihood. During old age they would go to the forest & lead the life of an ascetic. This is rather good. The old parents should not interfere with the affairs of the younger generation. They should give away their property to their children & live in the forest.Finally they would doff their mortal bodies plunged in the contemplation of the unnamable.   

Accordingly King Yayati, the son of Nahusha, having bestowed the throne on his dear son became exceedingly happy, and entered into the woods to lead the life of a hermit. And having lived in the  forest for some time  in the company of Brahmanas,observing many rigid vows,eating fruits and roots, patiently bearing all sorts hardship,at last ascended to heaven.And having ascended to heaven he lived there in bliss.

But soon, however, he was thrown down by Indra.However, he did not reach  the surface of the earth.He stayed in the skies only.We also heard that some time after he again entered the region of the celestials in company with Vasuman, Ashtaka, Pratarddana, and Sivi.