Nahusha was the son of Aayu and a king of the Lunar Dynasty. He was taught by Sage Vasishta and had learnt the Vedas and the Shastras when he was very young. Nahusha had ruled well and had performed a 100 Ashwamedha Yagnas. His fame had spread all over the world and the heavens and people were in awe of him.
As the Devas thought of this, they slowly nodded their head. Nahusha would be a perfect man to be their king.
So with the permission of their Guru - Brihaspati, the very next day all the Devas went to Nahusha.
Nahusha was delighted on seeing them. He welcomed them heartily, 'Welcome Devas! Please come...' He offered them food to eat. The Devas enjoyed his hospitality.
Then after some time hesitatingly Agni talked to Nahusha, 'Nahusha you must know that we are not without a king....'
Nahusha gravely nodded his head as Agni continued, 'It is for that reason that we have come to see you...'
Nahusha frowned wondering where this was leading to. But Nahusha did not say anything.
Varuna continued from where Agni left off, '...Nahusha, we need a good king and one who can handle the pressures of ruling the Devas and also control the natural elements of the earth...'
Nahusha nodded still not saying anything as Agni said, 'Would you consider becoming our king, Nahusha?'
Nahusha was made the ruler of Svarga during Indra's absence, during his war against Vritra. He soon became arrogant and wished to make Shachi, the wife of Indra, his wife. He made the Saptarishi (Seven Vedic sages) convey his palanquin towards the mansion of Indra's wife with the intent of seducing her, asking them to hasten, telling them, 'sarpa', 'sarpa', (move on, move on). The sage Agastya, furious by this disrespect, turned him into a 'sarpa' (serpent). He fell down from the sky, and remained there until he met Yudhishthira
