Yayati: A Timeless Masterpiece of Marathi Literature Yayati, a seminal 1959 Marathi novel by V.S. Khandekar, is more than just a retelling of a mythological tale; it is a profound exploration of human lust, the futility of insatiable desire, and the quest for spiritual peace. As a cornerstone of Indian literature, it has earned the prestigious Jnanpith Award (1974) and the Sahitya Akademi Award (1960).