Nahusha

In Hindu mythology, a king of the lunar
dynasty, and a paradigm for a person
454
Nageshvar
afflicted with self-pride. Through
amassing religious merits, Nahusha succeeds to the throne of Indra, the king of
the gods, who has gone into hiding
because of an evil deed. Nahusha is
filled with lust for Indra’s wife, Indrani.
He tries to act on it despite the obvious
improprieties of approaching another
man’s wife and a mortal making a claim
on a goddess. Nahusha sets off for
Indrani’s palace in a palanquin. In his
impatience, he whips the palanquin
bearers, saying “Sarpa, sarpa” (“Move!
Move!”). Unfortunately for Nahusha,
one of the bearers is Agastya, the sage.
For Nahusha’s lust and disrespect,
Agastya curses him to become a
snake (sarpa). Nahusha remains a
serpent for many years but is released
from the curse by the sight of the
Pandava brothers.