Srimad Bhagavatam — Navama Skandha, Shloka 3
Yayāti, Devayānī, Śarmiṣṭhā, and the Exchange of Youth: The Unsatisfied Nature of Desire
पितरि भ्रंशिते स्थानादिन्द्राण्या धर्षणाद्द्विजै: । प्रापितेऽजगरत्वं वै ययातिरभवन्नृप: ॥ ३ ॥
pitari bhraṁśite sthānād indrāṇyā dharṣaṇād dvijaiḥ prāpite ’jagaratvaṁ vai yayātir abhavan nṛpaḥ
Because Nahuṣa, the father of Yayāti, molested Indra’s wife, Śacī, who then complained to Agastya and other brāhmaṇas, these saintly brāhmaṇas cursed Nahuṣa to fall from the heavenly planets and be degraded to the status of a python. Consequently, Yayāti became the king.
FAQs
Because he offended Indrāṇī by improper behavior, and the brāhmaṇas cursed him, causing him to fall from his exalted post and become a serpent-like being.
Śukadeva Gosvāmī speaks this verse while narrating the dynasty history and the events leading to Yayāti becoming king.
Power without self-control leads to downfall; respecting others’ dignity and honoring dharma protects one’s position and future.