Ultimately absolute power corrupted him. He became arrogant and intolerant and started to oppress his subjects. When the king is unjust Nature opposes him. The rains were scarce, there was widespread famine and the rivers flowed with polluted water. His changed attitude began to breed rebellion. Soon two minor kings, who had earlier accepted his supremacy, got together and overthrew him. They took over his kingdom and sent him into exile in the forest. At that time Vahu's wife Yadavi was pregnant. In an attempt to kill Vahu's unborn child and thus forestall future reprisals, the two kings forced poison down Yadavi's throat. (Some other texts say that Vahu's second wife, who was jealous of Yadavi, fed her the poison.)
Adversity made Vahu realize that he had behaved incorrectly. He was filled with remorse and wanted to atone for his misdeeds. Vahu and Yadavi decided to go to the hermitage of Sage Ourva and seek his blessings and guidance. Yadavi was tired and thirsty. The couple drank cool water from a pond and settled down in the shade of a tree to rid them of their fatigue. There were many birds living in the tree. One of them saw Vahu and said. "The sinner Vahu is here. Flee before his evil rubs off on us." This was the last straw. All during their exile Vahu had been hearing uncomplimentary remarks about himself. His subjects seemed glad that he had been overthrown. Now even the animals were criticizing him. He had no desire to live. But he could not desert his pregnant wife. Somehow they made it to the hermitage, where he fell down and died.
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