Pururava's Arrogance, Curse, and Life with Urvashi
Pururava, a king born of the androgynous Ila, becomes intoxicated with power and wages war against the Brahmanas, robbing them despite divine counsel. Cursed by the sages, he perishes, only to later live in the world of the gandharvas with the apsara Urvashi, where his lineage finds a new beginning.
The learned Pururava was born from Ila, and it is said she was both his father and mother. Pururava ruled over thirteen islands in the ocean. He was immensely famous and, though human, was always surrounded by superhuman beings.
Intoxicated with his valour, Pururava waged war against the Brahmanas. Paying no heed to their protests, he robbed them of their riches. Seeing this, Sanatkumara came from Brahma's world to show him the right way. Pururava did not accept this counsel. At this, the maharshis grew angry and cursed him. That king of men perished because of his avarice, power, and arrogance.
After his fall, he lived in the world of the gandharvas (celestial musicians) with the apsara Urvashi. He is credited with bringing to the earth the three types of sacrificial fire. Through Urvashi, six sons were born to him: Ayus, Dhiman, Amavasu, Dridhayus, Vanayus, and Shatayus.
It is said that Ayus had five sons through Svarbhanu's daughter: Nahusha, Vriddhasharma, Raji, Rambha, and Anenas. Nahusha, Ayus's son, was wise and devoted to the truth. Following the dictates of dharma, he ruled over a large kingdom. He protected the ancestors, gods, rishis, Brahmanas, gandharvas, uragas (serpents), and rakshasas, treating Brahmanas, Kshatriyas, and Vaishyas equally.
He killed hordes of dasyus (barbarians) and made them pay tribute to the rishis. Like animals, that valorous one forced them to carry him on their backs. He overwhelmed the gods with his energy, austerities, valour, and power and became like Indra himself. Through Priyavasa, Nahusha had six sons: Yati, Yayati, Samyati, Ayati, Pancha, and Uddhava.