Book Title: Tales froM Indian Mythology
Author(s): A S Raman
Publisher: Kutub Popular

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Page 105
________________ The Fall of Nahusha Vaikuntha and Brahma's Satyaloka, now he would spit on Indra's image and insist on its removal, now he would make a bonfire of the Vedas and the Sastras saying that they were meant for the ignorant and not for him. The gods and the rishis had to suffer him because they themselves had elected him their ruler. They, however, realized that anarchy would have been better. One day, Nahusha, seated in state on his throne, shouted at Manmatha thus: "You little rascal ! You have cheated me. Of what use, do you think, are my perennial youth and beauty, if I do not have a new woman every night?" "No women here,” correct the God of Love, "only goddesses.” “Ah, grunted the tyrant. "I do not see any difference." "We do," retorted Manmatha. "We do," repeated Nahusha with a cynical, contemptuous drawl. "Listen. Ever since I was crowned king of the gods, I have had no access to Sachi. Does she realize who her present lord is? Manmatha, you have been remiss in your duties. Tell me, where is she? I must have her within a week from today." There was a flutter in the august assembly. "Swerve not from the path of virtue and righteousness," they all cautioned him immediately, "which you used to follow so religiously while on earth.” "Virtue and righteousness !" roared Nahusha with rage. "Not in the kingdom of the gods, do you understand? What were you doing when Indra seduced the holy Ahalya, when he butchered in cold blood the sage Viswarupa lost in contemplation, when he treacherously slew Vritra? Where was your moral code, then ? Where was your righteous horror? I must teach Indra a lesson now, Jain Education International For Personal & Private Use Only www.jainelibrary.org

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