Asst. Prof. Bhosale Akshata Sambhaji Rajgad Dnyanpeeth Shri Chhatrapati Shivajiraje College of Engineering, Dhangwadi Yayati, a classic Marathi novel written by Vishnu Sakharam Khandekar, stands as one of the most profound works in Indian literature. First published in 1959, it reinterprets the mythological story of King Yayati from the Mahabharata, weaving an intricate narrative about human desires, moral choices, aging, and the passage of time. The novel explores the tension between individual desires and familial responsibilities while questioning the nature of life and youth.
The central premise of Yayati is rooted in a famous myth from the Mahabharata, where King Yayati, cursed with old age, is given a chance to exchange his condition with one of his sons. He takes the offer, and the story follows his moral and emotional journey after trading his old age for the youthful vigor of his son, Puru. However, what follows is not merely a transaction of physical attributes, but a deep exploration of the consequences of his actions, not just on himself but on his sons, his kingdom, and his very soul.
Khandekar’s portrayal of King Yayati is multifaceted and psychologically nuanced. Yayati is presented as a man driven by an insatiable desire for life and youth, and this thirst for pleasure becomes a metaphor for the human condition itself. The novel’s strength lies in how it captures the complexity of human emotions, desires, and decisions, illustrating the internal conflict faced by Yayati as he grapples with his choices. Khandekar does not simply present Yayati as a tragic figure, but as someone whose flawed decisions resonate with everyone who has ever wrestled with the impermanence of life and the consequences of their desires.
The novel also delves into Yayati’s relationships with his sons, particularly his youngest son, Puru, who bears the brunt of his father’s actions. The emotional and philosophical rift between father and son forms the heart of the novel. Puru, who willingly sacrifices his youth for his father, is depicted as a figure of quiet dignity, enduring the consequences of a decision he did not make. In contrast, Yayati’s recklessness and selfishness push him toward an existential crisis, ultimately leading him to question the meaning of his actions.
Khandekar uses the myth of Yayati not just as a basis for a moral fable but as a platform for a deeper philosophical reflection on life and aging. The idea of exchanging youth for old age becomes a powerful metaphor for the human struggle with time. The novel speaks to the universal human experience—the desire for immortality, the burden of aging, and the inevitable confrontation with mortality. It compels the reader to examine how human desires, when unchecked, can lead to tragic outcomes, not only for the individual but also for those around them.
The beauty of Yayati lies in Khandekar’s ability to fuse myth with modern psychological insights, making the story not just relevant to its historical context but also profoundly contemporary. The novel engages with timeless themes that transcend its mythological roots, making it resonate deeply with readers, regardless of age or background. The exploration of themes like time, human limitations, and the search for meaning in life make Yayati not just a tale of one man’s folly but a philosophical exploration of the human condition.

Asst. Prof. Bhosale Akshata Sambhaji Rajgad Dnyanpeeth Shri Chhatrapati Shivajiraje College of Engineering, Dhangwadi Yayati, a classic Marathi novel written by Vishnu Sakharam Khandekar, stands as one of the most profound works in Indian literature. First published in 1959, it reinterprets the mythological story of King Yayati from the Mahabharata, weaving an intricate narrative about human desires, moral choices, aging, and the passage of time. The novel explores the tension between individual desires and familial responsibilities while questioning the nature of life and youth.
The central premise of Yayati is rooted in a famous myth from the Mahabharata, where King Yayati, cursed with old age, is given a chance to exchange his condition with one of his sons. He takes the offer, and the story follows his moral and emotional journey after trading his old age for the youthful vigor of his son, Puru. However, what follows is not merely a transaction of physical attributes, but a deep exploration of the consequences of his actions, not just on himself but on his sons, his kingdom, and his very soul.
Khandekar’s portrayal of King Yayati is multifaceted and psychologically nuanced. Yayati is presented as a man driven by an insatiable desire for life and youth, and this thirst for pleasure becomes a metaphor for the human condition itself. The novel’s strength lies in how it captures the complexity of human emotions, desires, and decisions, illustrating the internal conflict faced by Yayati as he grapples with his choices. Khandekar does not simply present Yayati as a tragic figure, but as someone whose flawed decisions resonate with everyone who has ever wrestled with the impermanence of life and the consequences of their desires.
The novel also delves into Yayati’s relationships with his sons, particularly his youngest son, Puru, who bears the brunt of his father’s actions. The emotional and philosophical rift between father and son forms the heart of the novel. Puru, who willingly sacrifices his youth for his father, is depicted as a figure of quiet dignity, enduring the consequences of a decision he did not make. In contrast, Yayati’s recklessness and selfishness push him toward an existential crisis, ultimately leading him to question the meaning of his actions.
Khandekar uses the myth of Yayati not just as a basis for a moral fable but as a platform for a deeper philosophical reflection on life and aging. The idea of exchanging youth for old age becomes a powerful metaphor for the human struggle with time. The novel speaks to the universal human experience—the desire for immortality, the burden of aging, and the inevitable confrontation with mortality. It compels the reader to examine how human desires, when unchecked, can lead to tragic outcomes, not only for the individual but also for those around them.
The beauty of Yayati lies in Khandekar’s ability to fuse myth with modern psychological insights, making the story not just relevant to its historical context but also profoundly contemporary. The novel engages with timeless themes that transcend its mythological roots, making it resonate deeply with readers, regardless of age or background. The exploration of themes like time, human limitations, and the search for meaning in life make Yayati not just a tale of one man’s folly but a philosophical exploration of the human condition.
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