h Nahusha filled
with pride, continued to employ the foremost of Rishis, possessed of
wealth of penances, as the bearers of his vehicles. He caused the Rishis
to discharge by turns his humiliating work. The day came when it was
Agastya's turn to bear the vehicles, O Bharata. At that time, Bhrigu,
that foremost of all persons conversant with Brahma, repaired to the
presence of Agastya while the latter was seated in his asylum, and
addressing him, said, 'O great ascetic, why should we patiently put up
with such indignity inflicted on us by this wicked-souled Nahusha who has
become the chief of the deities?'

"'"Agastya said, 'How can I succeed in cursing Nahusha, O great Rishi? It
is known to thee how the boon-giving (Brahman) himself has given Nahusha
the best of boons! Coming to heaven, the boon that Nahusha solicited was
that whoever would come within the range of his vision would, deprived of
all energy, come within his sway. The self-born Brahman granted him even
this boon, and it is for that reason that neither thyself nor I have been
able to consume him. Without doubt, it is for this reason that none else
amongst the foremost of Rishis has been able to consume or hurl him down
from his high position. Formerly, O Lord, nectar was given by Brahman to
Nahusha for quaffing. For that reason also we have become powerless
against him. The supreme deity, it seems, gave that boon to Nahusha for
plunging all creatures into grief. That wretch among men behaves most
unrighteously towards the Brahmanas. O foremost of all speakers, do thou
tell us what should be done in view of the situation. Without doubt, I
shall do what thou wilt advise.'

"'"Bhrigu said, 'It is at the command of the Grandsire that I have come to
thee with the view of counteracting the puissance of Nahusha who is
possessed of great energy but who has been stupefied by fate. That
exceedingly wicked-souled wight who has become the chief of the deities
will today yoke thee to his car. With the aid of my energy I shall today
hurl him down from his position as Indra in consequence of his having
transcended all restraints! I shall today, in thy very sight,
re-establish the true Indra in his position--him, viz., who has performed
a hundred horse-sacrifices,--having hurled the wicked-souled and sinful
Nahusha from that seat! That unrighteous chief of the deities will today
insult thee by a kick, in consequence of his understanding being
afflicted by fate and for bri