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The Fall of Nahusha
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shame he had reduced himself to a mere atom, with the stem of a lotus as his dwelling. As he thus lay low, anarchy threatened to rend his former kingdom. So one day all the senior gods and sages met to discuss the question of succession. It was eventually decided that the crown should be offered to Nahusha who, they thought, had even a better reputation, as a ruler, than Indra. They elected a delegation of the elders who were requested to convey their proposal to Nahusha.
The Emperor of Bharat was discussing matters of state with his counsellors when the gods and rishis announced their arrival. He received them with befitting dignity and honour, and conducting the oldest and most venerable of them to the throne, sat at his feet. The purpose of their visit was revealed to him, and naturally he could not believe his own eyes and ears. Modestly declining their offer, he said, "My Lord ! I am your servant, and please permit me to continue as such, as I have no other ambition in life." "No," replied they, "you have earned the throne of Indraloka through your own unprecedented record of righteousness. No power shall prevent you from fulfilling the will of the gods." He went on remonstrating politely but firmly. "Nahusha, do you realize what it is to insult the gods ? For the first time, and perhaps for the last too, they have elected a mortal their ruler, and you have the cheek to flout their collective will! You cannot perpetrate a greater profanity on them. We give you the last chance now. Do you accede to our request or not? If you do, we shall all not only serve you as your counsellors but share our individual power and influence with you. Yama, for instance, shall make you immortal, Manmatha shall bestow on
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