Yayati - A Classic Tale of Lust

Yayati is a landmark of modern Indian literature and the magnum opus of Jnanpith Award-winning author V. S. Khandekar. Inspired by a story from the Mahabharata this powerful novel reimagines the tragic tale of King Yayati cursed with untimely old age. In his desperate refusal to accept the frailty of the human body Yayati compels his son to exchange youth for his own decrepitude—a choice that sets in motion a profound exploration of unchecked desire ambition and moral conflict.Khandekar’s masterful storytelling transforms an ancient epic into a timeless reflection on the human condition questioning the pursuit of pleasure and the true meaning of fulfillment. Rich in philosophy and emotion Yayati resonates across generations making it a must-read for lovers of literature mythology and classic Indian fiction.