King Yayati Rescues Devayani from the Well
While hunting, King Yayati comes to a dry well, seeking water for himself and his horses. Instead, he finds a radiant, grieving maiden inside. He learns she is the daughter of the powerful priest Shukra and pulls her to safety.
Nahusha’s son, King Yayati, came to that part of the forest while hunting. He was thirsty, and his two horses were tired. He saw a well and approached it, hoping for water, but found it dry. Instead, he saw a maiden inside, as radiant as the flames of a fire.
Seeing her there, the king addressed her. He pacified her with soft words and asked, “O one with nails the shade of copper! O one with the dusky complexion! Who are you? Why are you in such deep grief? How did you come to fall into this well?”
Devayani replied, “I am Shukra’s daughter. He uses his knowledge to revive the daityas when they are killed by the gods. He does not know what has become of me. O king! Here is my right hand. You seem to have been born into a good family. I know you to be gentle, brave, and famous. Grasp me by the hand and pull me out.”
Having learned she was a Brahmana’s daughter, King Yayati grasped her by the right hand and pulled her out of the well. After pulling the one with beautiful hips to safety, Yayati gently bid her farewell and returned to his capital.