Introduction
Nahusha is a king of the lunar dynasty, the son of Ayus and the father of Yayati.
This article primarily follows the Mahabharata. Where a well-known detail comes from a Puranic or later source, the article identifies it.
Family
Indra's throne
The Udyoga Parva tells that while Indra hid after killing Vritra, Nahusha was chosen by the gods to rule heaven. His power made him arrogant and he demanded Indra's wife Shachi. He forced the sages to carry his palanquin. When he kicked the sage Agastya, Agastya cursed him to fall from heaven and become a snake.
Release
In the Vana Parva, Nahusha, in the form of a snake, seizes Bhima. Yudhishthira answers his questions, and Nahusha is freed from the curse.