Nahusha, an ancestor of the Pandavas, was the grandson of Puroorava and the son of Ayus, Puroorava’s eldest son. His own son was Yayati, a significant figure in Hindu mythology. Due to his virtuous deeds, Nahusha was rewarded with a place in heaven after his death. Additionally, he was granted a boon that allowed him to absorb half the power of anyone within his sight, rendering him nearly invincible.
When Indra was forced into exile due to a curse, the Devas selected Nahusha as their king. However, power corrupted Nahusha, leading him to covet Sachi, Indra’s consort, as his queen. In a bid to escape his advances, Sachi devised a plan, telling Nahusha that he must come to her in a chariot drawn by the Sapta Rishis (seven great sages).
Intoxicated by his desires, Nahusha ordered the revered sages to pull his chariot. Growing impatient during the journey, he shouted “Sarpa, Sarpa” (a word that means both “faster” and “snake” in Sanskrit) and kicked Agastya, one of the sages, who was hidden from Nahusha’s view due to his short stature. Angered by this disrespect, Agastya cursed Nahusha to become a snake.
Repentant, Nahusha pleaded for mercy. It was prophesied that his descendants, the Pandavas, would eventually free him from this curse. This prophecy was fulfilled when Nahusha, in his snake form, captured Bhima. Yudhishthira, Bhima’s brother, correctly answered all of Nahusha’s questions, thereby releasing him from the curse and restoring him to his former self.