4689 - Nahusha
Author: Amar Chitra Katha
Description Nahusha narrates the story of the ancestor of the Pandavas, born to King Āyu and Queen Indumatī. Kidnapped at birth by the demon Hunda, he is rescued and raised by Sage Vaśiṣṭha, unaware of his royal lineage. As he matures, Nahusha defeats Hunda, reclaims his heritage, and marries Aśokasundarī. Elevated to the throne of heaven (svarga), his arrogance grows until he is cursed by Agastya to become a snake. Eventually, King Yudhiṣṭhira redeems him through wisdom and compassion, restoring Nahusha to his place among the noble. The narrative draws from the Padma Purāṇa and the Mahābhārata, weaving mythology with moral insight.  Keywords Nahusha, lineage and destiny (vansha), rescue and identity, heavenly throne (svarga-raja), pride and downfall (ahamkāra and pātaka), curse and transformation (śapa and pariṇāma), redemption through virtue (dharma) Ideal For Readers intrigued by mythological ancestors of epic heroes, stories of vanity and redemption, and visually immersive narrative drawing from classical Indian literature. Age Recommended for ages 10 to 14 years, while also engaging for older readers interested in mythological characters and lessons with moral depth. Theme The rise and fall of greatness, the perils of ahamkāra (pride), the power of dharma and true virtue to redeem, transformation as consequence of ego, and the enduring path to nobility through humility. Tone Epical, cautionary, reflective, and ultimately restorative—balancing mythic grandeur with a deeply moral arc and emotional resonance. Book Type Comic book / graphic mythological adaptation; part of the Amar Chitra Katha catalog under Mahabharata–related legends, authored by Anant Pai.  Length 32 pages.