________________
74
Tales from Indian Mythology
if he is still alive. I must, I repeat, possess Sachi within a week. You may all go now."
Meanwhile Sachi Devi, the consort of Indra, had sought asylum in the house of the venerable Brihaspati, the high-priest of the gods. When she was told of Nahusha's evil intentions, she burst into tears. Consoling her, the sage said, "Indrani, continue your penance for Indra's return and all will end well." "That is all right, father. But the moment Nahusha touches me, I shall be no longer pure and my prayer will be futile. So please protect me from this filthy beast." "Believe me, my child, no one shall lay his hands on you. And as I can see clearly, Nahusha's end is drawing near. But you do not seem to realize that you are going to be the instrument of it. So face him cheerfully when he sends for you. When he approaches you amorously, just pity secretly and tell him to wait till you have finished with your penance. In the meantime we shall have decided how best to tackle him." Sachi Devi felt greatly reassured by Brihaspati's words of cheer and courage.
One morning she invoked the Goddess of Chastity who ar once transported Indrani to Manasarovar. There Sachi Devi identified her lord, Indra. When she explained her plight to him he also advised her not to irritate Nahusha by refusing to see him. He asked her to return to Brihaspati's house immediately and prepare herself to be received by Nahusha.
Meanwhile the gods and the rishis in despair had fled to Vaikuntha and implored Vishnu to intervene and save them from the results of their own folly. "I have already ordained," assured the Supreme Lord, "that Sachi Devi shall be the cause of Nahusha's fall, and he shall meet her very soon. So go back
Jain Education International
For Personal & Private Use Only
www.jainelibrary.org
