05.012
Śalya spoke:
The gods, along with the leading sages, realized that Nahusha was angry. They approached Nahusha, the king of gods, who appeared terrifying, to address the situation.
O king of the gods, let go of your anger. When you are angry, O lord of the universe, the entire world, along with demons, celestial musicians, kinnaras, and great serpents, becomes terrified.
O holy one, conquer this anger; those like you do not get angry. She is the wife of another, a goddess, so be pleased, O lord of gods.
Turn your mind away from sinful acts, especially from coveting another's wife. As the king of gods, ensure the welfare of your subjects by ruling with righteousness.
Despite being told thus, he did not heed those words, being deluded by desire. Then, the lord of the gods addressed Indra.
Ahalya, the illustrious wife of the sage, was dishonored by Indra while her husband was still alive. Why did you not prevent this?
In the past, Indra committed many cruel and unrighteous acts, including deceptions. Why did you not prevent him?
May the goddess attend to me, as this is her supreme welfare. Your gods will always remain auspicious in this way.
The gods spoke:
We will bring Indrani as you desire, O lord of the day. Let go of this anger, hero, and be pleased, O lord of gods.
Shalya spoke:
After speaking thus, the gods, along with the sages, went to Bṛhaspati and Indrāṇī to convey the inauspicious words, O Bhārata.
We acknowledge that Indrani, having sought refuge in your abode, has been assured safety by you, O eminent sage and foremost among divine sages.
The gods, along with the Gandharvas and sages, are beseeching you, O great lustrous one, that Indrani should be given to Nahusha.
Nahusha, who is superior to Indra and the king of gods with great splendor, may this beautiful lady of excellent complexion choose him as her husband.
After being addressed in this way, the goddess, shedding tears audibly, spoke these words to Brihaspati while weeping and feeling wretched.
I do not desire Nahusha as my husband, having followed that lord. I have come to you for refuge, O Brahman; please protect me from this great fear.
Bṛhaspati spoke:
I am certain, O Indrani, that I would never abandon someone who has sought my refuge. I will not abandon you, O blameless one, who is knowledgeable in dharma and virtuous.
As a Brahmin, I particularly refrain from undertaking actions, being aware of the teachings of the law, truthful in character, and knowledgeable about the instructions of the law.
I will not do this. Go, indeed, O best of gods. Listen to what was formerly sung by Brahma regarding this matter.
His efforts do not bear fruit at the right time, nor does he receive help when needed. He aids his enemies when they are vulnerable, but finds no refuge when he seeks protection.
The foolish person who gives to those who are frightened and have surrendered finds his food in vain and falls from the heavenly world, as the gods do not accept his offering.
His progeny is indeed destroyed untimely; his ancestors always exile him. When frightened and surrendered, he gives to the enemy; the gods along with Indra strike him with a thunderbolt.
Knowing this, I will certainly not give Śacī, who is renowned in the world as Indrāṇī, the beloved queen of Śakra.
Let what is beneficial for both her and me be done, O best of gods, for I will not give up Śacī.
Śalya spoke:
Then the gods addressed Brihaspati, the foremost among the Angirasa sages, asking him to provide guidance on how things could be properly directed.
Bṛhaspati spoke:
The auspicious goddess Indrani, requesting Nahusha, said that this will indeed be for our welfare for some time.
Time, which causes many obstacles, will eventually lead everything. Even the proud and strong Nahusha was led by the refuge of a boon.
Śalya spoke:
Then, when he spoke thus, the gods, being pleased, said to him: "O Brahman, what you have spoken is well said and beneficial for all the inhabitants of heaven." Therefore, O best of the twice-born, this goddess should be propitiated.
Then all the gods, led by Agni, spoke calmly to Indra's wife with the intention of benefiting the worlds.
You uphold the entire world, both the movable and immovable. You are a faithful and singular wife, so go to Nahusha.
O goddess, the king who desires you will quickly perish. Nahuṣa and Indra will gain the lordship over the gods.
After making her decision, Indrani bashfully approached Nahusha, who was terrifying in appearance, to accomplish her task.
Upon seeing her, who was endowed with both youth and beauty, Nahusha, whose mind was corrupted by desire, felt a wicked joy.
