nging about his own downfall. Incensed at
such an insult I shall today curse that sinful wretch, that enemy of the
Brahmanas, that has transcended all restraints, saying, "Be thou
transformed into a snake!" In thy very sight, O great ascetic, I shall
today hurl down on the earth the wicked-souled Nahusha who shall be
deprived of all energy in consequence of the cries of "Fie" that will be
uttered from all sides.[445] Verily, I shall hurl down Nahusha today,
that wight of unrighteous deeds, who has, besides, been stupefied by
lordship and power. I shall do this, if it be acceptable to thee, O
ascetic!' Thus addressed by Bhrigu, Mitravaruna's son Agastya of unfading
puissance and glory, became highly gratified and freed from every
anxiety."'"

SECTION C

"'Yudhishthira said, "How was Nahusha plunged into distress? How was he
hurled down on the earth? How, indeed, was he deprived of the sovereignty
of the gods? It behoveth thee to recite everything to me."

"'Bhishma said, "Even thus did those two Rishis, viz., Bhrigu and Agastya,
converse with each other. I have already told thee how Nahusha, when he
first became the chief of the gods, acted in a becoming way. Verily, all
acts of human and celestial nature flowed from that high souled royal
sage! The offering of light, and all other rites of a similar kind, the
due presentation of Valis, and all rites as are performed on especially
sacred days,--all these were properly observed by the high-souled Nahusha
who had become the sovereign of the deities.[446] Pious acts are always
observed by those that are possessed of wisdom, in both the world of men
and that of the deities. Verily, O foremost of kings, if such acts are
observed, householders always succeed in acquiring prosperity and
advancement. Even such is the effect of the gift of lamps and of incense,
as also of bows and prostrations, to the deities. When food is cooked,
the first portion thereof should be offered to a Brahmana. The particular
offerings called Vali should also be presented to the household deities.
The deities become gratified with such gifts.[447] It is also well-known
that the measure of gratification which the deities derive from such
offerings is a hundred times as great as that which the householder
himself derives from making them. Persons endued with piety and wisdom
make offerings of incense and lights, accompanying them with bows and
prostrations. Such acts are always fraught with advance