A Classical Dictionary of Hindu Mythology and Religion, Geography, History, and Literature c5.1220

c5.1220

NAHUSHA. Son of Āyus the eldest son of Purūravas, and father of Yayāti. This king is mentioned by Manu as having come into conflict with the Brāhmans, and his story is repeated several times with variations in different parts of the Mahābhārata as well as in the Purāṇas, the aim and object of it evidently being to exhibit the retribution awaiting any man who derogates from the power of Brāhmans and the respect due to them. “By sacrifices, austere fervour, sacred study, self-restraint, and valour, Nahusha acquired the undisturbed sovereignty of the three worlds. . . Through want of virtuous humility the great king Nahusha was utterly ruined.”—Manu. One version of the story says that he aspired to the possession of Indrāṇī, wife of Indra, when that god had concealed himself for having killed a Brāhman. A thousand great Rishis bore the car of Nahusha through the air, and on one occasion he touched with his foot the great Agastya, who was carrying him The sage in his anger cried out, “Fall, thou serpent,” and Nahusha fell from his glorious car and became a serpent. Agastya, at the supplication of Nahusha, put a limit to the curse; and according to one version, the doomed man was released from it by the instrumentality of Yudhi-shṭhira, when he threw off “his huge reptile form, became clothed in a celestial body, and ascended to heaven.”