05.011
Śalya spoke:
The sages and all the gods, along with the lords of the three worlds, declared that Nahuṣa, the prosperous one, should be anointed as the king of the gods. They then approached him and requested, "O earthly one, become our king."
Nahusha addressed the gods, sages, and ancestors together, expressing his desire for his own welfare, O king.
I am weak and lack the strength to protect you. The king becomes strong, for strength always resides in Indra.
All the gods, with the sages at the forefront, said to him again: "Endowed with our penance, protect the kingdom in heaven."
There is no doubt that we have a terrible fear of each other. Therefore, O king of kings, consecrate yourself and become the ruler of heaven.
You will gain the brilliance that is visible to the eyes of gods, demons, yakshas, sages, demons, ancestors, gandharvas, and spirits, and by seeing it, you will become strong.
Always prioritize duty and be the ruler of all realms. Protect the sages and gods in heaven.
After obtaining the rare boon and reaching the heavenly kingdom, the righteous person, who was always virtuous, became indulgent in desires.
In all the divine gardens, including the groves of Nandana, and on the mountains like Kailasa, the back of the Himalayas, Mandara, the white mountain, Sahya, Mahendra, Malaya, as well as in the oceans and rivers.
Nahusha, having become the king of gods, was then surrounded by Apsaras and divine maidens, engaging in various playful activities.
Listening to various divine stories that are pleasing to the ears, along with all musical instruments and sweet melodies.
Viśvāvasu, Nārada, along with groups of Gandharvas and Apsarases, as well as the six seasons and the embodied Indra, were present.
Thus, while Nahusha, the great soul, was playing, the beloved queen of Shakra, the goddess, arrived to see him.
The wicked-minded man, upon seeing her, addressed all the members of the assembly: "Why does Indra's queen, the goddess, not attend to me?"
I am Indra, the lord of the gods and the worlds. Let Shachi come to me quickly today to the residence.
Upon hearing this, the distressed goddess addressed Bṛhaspati, saying, "Please protect me from Nahusha, O Brahman, as I have sought refuge in you."
You address me as Brahma, endowed with all characteristics, the beloved of the king of gods, and extremely fortunate.
You have previously told me to make that speech, indeed, about a woman who is united without widowhood, devoted to her husband, and truthful.
O Supreme Lord, nothing you have spoken before has been false. Therefore, what you have spoken, O best of the twice-born, must be true.
Bṛhaspati then reassured the frightened Indrāṇī, saying, "O goddess, rest assured that what I have told you will indeed come true."
You will soon see Indra, the king of gods, arriving here. Do not fear Nahusha; I assure you this is true. I will soon reunite you with Shakra.
Then Nahuṣa heard that Indrani had sought refuge with Brihaspati and Angiras, and the king became angry.
