The moon-crested Lord graciously issued a command concerning the forest of Uma. “O beloved,” he said, “what shall I do, afflicted by your love, as a man? Therefore, I must not enter Uma’s excellent forest.” Upon hearing her husband’s words, the Yakshini, gifted with the power to assume any form, transformed herself into a doe with wide, enchanting eyes and appeared before Ila. At that moment, the Yaksha, standing nearby, saw Ila’s doe; his mind, absorbed in the thrill of hunting, became fixated on the sight of the gentle creature. Mounted alone on his horse, Ila pursued the doe, who slowly led the eager king deeper into the wilderness. The doe moved deliberately, sometimes visible, sometimes vanishing from sight, drawing Ila ever closer to the mysterious forest of Uma. With restless eyes, the doe continued to lead him, sometimes pausing, sometimes fleeing, until Ila finally arrived, still mounted, at the threshold of the forest. Recognizing that Ila had entered the sacred Uma forest, the Yakshini abandoned her deer form. She assumed a divine appearance, radiant and celestial, and stood near an aśoka tree, her slender hand clinging to a fragrant branch. Her purpose accomplished, she adorned herself with heavenly beauty. Seeing Ila, weary from his pursuit and still astride his horse, gazing after the vanished doe with restless eyes, the Yakshini laughed. Remembering her husband’s words, she addressed the king: “Delicate one, riding alone, where are you going? Dressed as a man, whom are you pursuing, O Ila?” Ila, angered by the Yakshini’s words, rebuked her and again questioned the whereabouts of the elusive deer. Yet the Yakshini persisted, saying, “O Ila, why do you keep looking at me?” Ila, bow in hand and still on horseback, remained unmoved. His anger mounting, Ila—the conqueror of the three worlds—brandished his bow. Once more, the Yakshini addressed the great-souled king: “Look behind you, then speak to me, who am truthful and not false.” Ila turned, and beheld her high, radiant breasts between her arms. Bewildered, Ila wondered, “What is this that has happened to me?” Confused, he asked, “Do you know what has happened? Tell me the truth. Who are you, O virtuous one?” The Yakshini replied, “In the finest cave of Himavat dwells my husband, the illustrious lord of the yakshas; I am his wife. In whose cave you, O king, once sat in cool comfort, whose yaksha you slew unknowingly, without battle. Therefore, to escape, I became a deer and entered the Uma forest; you have followed. Long ago, Maheśvara declared: ‘Whoever, out of ignorance, enters here, that man will obtain womanhood.’ Thus, you have attained womanhood; do not grieve. Even the wise cannot fathom the wondrous ways of destiny.” Hearing these words, Ila, still mounted, was distressed. The Yakshini comforted him, saying, “Womanhood has indeed arisen; you must not attempt to regain manhood. Learn the arts suitable for women: dance, song, adornment, feminine grace, feminine play, and all the duties of women.” Having received this counsel, Ila spoke to the Yakshini: “Who is the husband? What should be done? How can manhood be regained? Tell me, O auspicious one, for I am afflicted by sorrow. Nothing is better than alleviating the suffering of the distressed.” The Yakshini answered, “Budha, the son of Soma, has an āśrama to the east of this forest, O fortunate one; he visits his father often. By this very path, Budha goes to see his father Soma, the planet, and always pays his respects. When Budha, peaceful, arrives, reveal yourself; upon seeing him, O fortunate one, you will obtain all your desires.” Having comforted Ila, the Yakshini vanished. She reported this to her husband, and the Yaksha too found happiness. Ila’s army remained settled comfortably nearby, while Ila herself dwelled in the forest of Uma, singing and dancing as a woman. Acting in the manner of a woman, recalling the course of her actions, Ila sometimes performed dances. It was during one such dance that Budha, wise and radiant, saw Ila as he was about to visit his father. Upon seeing Ila, Budha abandoned his path and approached her, speaking gently: “Be my wife, be at ease, and be dear to all.” Ila, with devotion, welcomed Budha’s words and acted accordingly, remembering the Yakshini’s guidance, and became pleased. Budha enjoyed her affection, bringing her to his excellent abode; Ila, with all her heart, pleased her husband. After much time had passed, Budha, satisfied, spoke to his beloved: “What shall I give you, O gentle one? Tell me what dear thing is in your mind.” At that moment, Ila replied, “Give me a son,” to Budha, son of Soma, loving and dear. Budha declared, “This is unfailing, arising from my strength and affection; therefore, you will have a son, renowned among the kshatriyas. He will be the maker of the Soma lineage, glorious, radiant like the sun, wise like Bṛhaspati, patient like the earth.