The episode revolves around Yavakrida, the son of the sage Bharadwaja, who seeks to attain Vedic knowledge through severe penance rather than traditional study. Despite warnings from the god Indra to pursue knowledge through learning rather than asceticism, Yavakrida persists in his extreme self-mortification. Eventually, after encountering Indra in disguise and demonstrating humility, Yavakrida receives the divine blessing of wisdom. The story underscores the importance of dedicated learning and the futility of seeking shortcuts to knowledge.