( The N in this name is pronounced like n in 'nut' and SH like 'sh' in 'shut'. )
Nahusha was one of the ancestors of paandavas. He was son of Aayu and Svarbhaanavi. He was the fifth king in the lunar dynasty of kings. ( A naaga chief with the same name was mentioned in Udyoga parva, while Naarada introduced the naagas to Maathali. Be careful to distinguish the same names and their correct references.)
He performed more than hundred sacrifices and attained heaven. He even ascended to the position of Indra once when Indra was to forego his status due to his sins. But, Nahusha fell a slave to luxuries after he became ruler of heaven and other worlds. He once saw Indra's wife Shachi and demanded her to serve him since he was in the place of Indra. Shachi somehow avoided him and took some time for giving assent to his demand. Meanwhile, Nahusha became unruly and he ordered the Seven Sages to carry him in a sedan. While they were carrying him, he kicked one of them , Agasthya, a great and powerful sage, well known for his unbelievable powers of penance. Agasthya cursed him to become a snake and fall onto the earth. Nahusha became a snake (python) in a flash and fell down onto the earth. He lived there in the forest for many years.
After many many years, when Paandavas were spending their exile in the forests, Bheema went into the forest and was entwined by this great snake. Despite his terrible strength, he could not escape from it. After a while, Yudhishthira went in search of bheema and found him in the bond of the enormous snake. Yudhishthira wondered and asked the snake who he was and how he could bind his mighty brother. Nahusha in the form of the snake told him that Bheema would be released alive only if his questions were properly answered. Yudhishthira answered all his questions to his satisfaction and soon Nahusha was relieved from his snake form and went back to heaven.
"After praying to Naaraayana, Nara, Sarasvathi and Vyaasa, then one should read the Jayam."
DEDICATED TO MY DEAR NIECE VYSHNAVI KRISHNA