O best of sages, in the ancient tradition, there are two Nalas whose fame endures: one is the son of Vīrasena, and the other a distinguished prince of the Ikṣvāku lineage. These kings, illustrious among those born in the line of Ikṣvāku, are chiefly celebrated as belonging to the radiant race of Vivasvat, the Sun. It is said that whoever faithfully recites the account of Vivasvat—the Sun, revered in ancestral rites and nourisher of all beings—attains union with Vivasvat himself, blessed with abundant offspring. Now, listen as I recount the lineage of Soma, the moon god, whose story is both sacred and purifying. The venerable sage Atri, father of Soma, was first born from the mind of Brahmā, when the Creator resolved to bring forth beings. In ages past, Atri performed the supreme austerity known as Anuttara for three thousand divine years. From the intensity of his penance, his seed rose upward and became Soma himself. At that time, water flowed from Atri’s eyes in ten streams, illuminating all directions. According to the order of the ritual, ten goddesses together took up Atri’s embryo and began to bear it, but they found themselves unable to sustain its power. Unable to hold it, the goddesses abandoned the embryo, which then fell to earth in all directions. Seeing Soma fallen, Brahmā, the Grandfather of all worlds, placed him upon a chariot for the welfare of all beings. As this happened, the gods, the sons of Brahmā, and other eminent sages praised Atri’s son, the supreme self. While he was thus praised, the radiant energy of Soma nourished all the worlds in every direction. With that foremost chariot, Soma circled the earth, which is bounded by the ocean, thrice seven times, making auspicious circumambulations. The energy he displayed entered the earth itself, and from this energy arose the herbs by which the world is sustained. Having regained his strength, and by means of praises and his own deeds, the blessed Soma performed further austerities, desiring the vision of the divine Lotus-born ones. Then Brahmā, foremost among knowers of Brahman, granted Soma sovereignty over seeds, herbs, the Brahmins, and the waters. Having obtained this great sovereignty, Soma, gentle among beings, performed the Rājasūya sacrifice, bestowing a hundred thousand gifts. Soma gave the three worlds as gifts, as has been heard, to the chief Brahmarshis and to the officiating priests. At that time, Hiranyagarbha (Brahmā) and Bhrigu became the officiating priests, while Hari (Viṣṇu) was present in the assembly, surrounded by many sages. Nine goddesses—Sinī, Kuhū, Dyuti, Puṣṭi, Prabhā, Vasu, Kīrti, Dhṛti, and Lakṣmī—served him. Having performed the foremost Avabhṛtha rite, Soma, honored by all gods and sages, shone as the king of kings, illuminating all ten directions. Yet, having attained this difficult-to-attain sovereignty, Soma’s mind became clouded by pride and lack of humility. Intoxicated by his own power, he acted rashly and forcibly took Tārā, the wife of Bṛhaspati, son of Angiras. Though the gods and divine sages repeatedly entreated him, Soma did not return Tārā to her husband. Then, Uśanas seized the heel of Angiras, and Rudra, taking up his goat-horn bow, also grasped his heel. At that moment, the supreme weapon called Brahmaśiras was invoked against the gods, a weapon so powerful that it destroyed their fame. Thus arose the renowned battle for Tārā, a vast and world-shaking conflict between the gods and the demons. In the midst of this turmoil, the remaining gods, the Tuṣita deities, and the twice-born sages sought refuge with Brahmā, the primeval and eternal god. Brahmā himself restrained Uśanas and Rudra Śaṅkara, and restored Tārā to Angiras. But when Bṛhaspati saw that Tārā was pregnant, he was enraged and declared, “In my wife, your seed shall not be carried under any circumstances.” Approaching a reed stalk, Tārā expelled the embryo, and as soon as he was born, the blessed child shone with the form of the gods. The gods, filled with doubt, questioned Tārā: “Speak the truth—whose son is this? Soma’s or Bṛhaspati’s?” When, though pressed, she did not answer, the heroic son, slayer of foes, began to curse her. Then Brahmā restrained him and himself asked Tārā: “Speak truly, O Tārā, whose son is this?” With joined palms, Tārā replied, “He is Soma’s, O Grandfather.” Then King Soma, overjoyed, embraced his son and smelled his head. Soma named the wise boy Budha. Budha, it is said, rises in the sky, contrary to the other luminaries. Later, Budha begot a son with the daughter of Vairocana; their powerful offspring was Purūravas, son of Ilā. From Urvaśī, Purūravas had seven sons. Thus has the glorious birth of Soma been recounted to you. Now, O best of sages, listen to the recounting of Soma’s lineage, which bestows fortune, long life, health, merit, and fulfills all desires. Merely by hearing the story of Soma’s birth, one is freed from sin. And now, know this: Budha’s learned son was Purūravas, radiant, generous, devoted to sacrifice, and liberal with gifts.