Section XI - King Nahusha: Coronation and Fall – The Story of Nahusha becoming the King of the Gods
Book index: Mahabharata (English)
This page contains a summary of the Mahabharata Section XI including examples of moral lessons in daily life. The Maha-Bharata is one of the largest epics ever written containing roughly 100,000 Sanskrit verses. It deals with the legendary history of ancient India and contains a large number of interwoven tales.
Short summary of the chapter:
Salya narrated the story of how Nahusha was crowned as the king of the gods by the Rishis and superior gods, despite his initial reluctance. He eventually accepted the position and became the ruler of all the worlds, surrounded by celestial beings and indulging in various pleasures in heavenly abodes. However, Nahusha's character took a turn for the worse when he became enamored with Indra's queen and demanded her presence in his court, causing distress to the goddess and prompting her to seek refuge with Vrihaspati.
The goddess expressed her fear of Nahusha and sought protection from Vrihaspati, who assured her that she would soon be reunited with Indra. Meanwhile, Nahusha learned of the goddess seeking refuge with the Brahmana and became enraged, determined to have her brought back to his court at all costs. His obsession with Indra's queen led him to lose sight of his duties as the king of the gods and indulge in reckless behavior, creating turmoil in the heavenly realms.
Despite Vrihaspati's assurances and attempts to calm the situation, Nahusha's anger and desire for Indra's queen continued to grow, threatening the peace and harmony of the heavens. The story illustrates the consequences of lust and obsession, as Nahusha's downfall from a virtuous ruler to a power-hungry and reckless king is highlighted. The ensuing conflict and tension between Nahusha, Indra, and the goddess ultimately lead to a dramatic turn of events in the celestial realm.
Full English translation:
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Section XI, online text
English translation by Kisari Mohan Ganguli.
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Mahabharata (English Summary)
by Kisari Mohan Ganguli | ISBN-10: 8121505933
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FAQ of Mahabharata, Section XI:
What led Nahusha to become the king of the gods in heaven?
Nahusha became king due to his power, renown, and devotion to virtue. He was crowned after being chosen by the Rishis and superior gods.
Why did Nahusha's behavior change after becoming king of the gods?
Nahusha's behavior changed after becoming king as he became sensual and indulged in various pleasures, neglecting his virtuous disposition. He surrounded himself with celestial nymphs and damsels, indulging in enjoyments which led to his downfall.
Daily life: King Nahusha: Coronation and Fall – The Story of Nahusha becoming the King of the Gods:
The story of Nahusha becoming the king of the gods teaches us the importance of humility, virtue, and respect for others. Nahusha, despite initial hesitations, assumes the throne with a promise to prioritize virtue. However, as he settles into power, he loses sight of these values and gives in to sensual pleasures and arrogance, leading to unethical demands and actions. This tale underscores how power can corrupt, making it crucial to stay grounded and remember our core values even in positions of influence.
In daily life, this story reminds us to be cautious of letting success or power alter our behavior towards others negatively. It teaches us that true leadership involves protecting and respecting those we lead, rather than exploiting our position for personal gain. It emphasizes the significance of staying true to our ethical principles, no matter the temptations that might come our way. Staying humble and virtuous, like Nahusha at the beginning, is key to sustaining respect and authority.