Shalya said: 'Now, while the wise Indra, lord of the gods, was pondering with the guardians of the world and the other deities the means of slaying Nahusha, the venerable ascetic Agastya appeared there. And Agastya honored the lord of the gods and said: "How fortunate that you prosper after the destruction of that being of universal form, as well as of Vritra. And how fortunate, O Purandara, that Nahusha has been cast down from the heavenly throne. How fortunate, O slayer of Bala, that I see you with all your enemies slain." Indra said: "Your journey here has been a pleasant one, O great sage; I am glad to see you. Accept from me water for washing your feet and face, as well as arghya and a cow." Shalya continued: "Indra, greatly pleased, began to question that best of sages and greatest of brahmins, once he had taken his seat after receiving due honors; therefore, O venerable sage, O best of brahmins, I wish you to tell how Nahusha, of wicked soul, was cast down from heaven."