Then, overcome by uncertainty, the foremost among the gods approached Tārā and questioned her, saying, “Speak the truth, Tārā—whose son is this? Does he belong to Soma or to Bṛhaspati?” But though the gods pressed her for an answer, Tārā remained silent. Seeing her refusal, her heroic son, the slayer of foes, began to curse her in his distress. At that moment, Brahmā intervened and restrained the boy. Turning to Tārā, Brahmā asked her gently to resolve the doubt: “Speak truthfully, O Tārā—whose son is this?” With palms joined in reverence, Tārā replied, “He is Soma’s, O Grandfather.” Hearing this, King Soma, overjoyed, embraced his son and, in his happiness, smelled the boy’s head. Soma then named the wise child Budha. Budha, unlike the other celestial bodies, rises in the sky in a unique manner. In time, Budha fathered a son with the daughter of Vairocana—this mighty offspring was Purūravas, son of Ilā. From his union with Urvaśī, Purūravas had seven sons, and thus has the splendid birth and lineage of Soma been recounted. Now, O best of sages, listen as I recount Soma’s lineage—a tale that bestows good fortune, long life, health, merit, and the fulfillment of desires. Merely hearing the story of Soma’s birth frees one from sin. Budha’s learned son was Purūravas, radiant and generous, devoted to sacrifice, and famed for his liberality. He was a speaker of Brahman, unconquerable in valor, indomitable in battle, a performer of the Agnihotra, and a lord of sacrifices. He spoke the truth, possessed a virtuous mind, was perfectly restrained in his conduct, and his fame was unrivaled throughout the three worlds. Urvaśī herself, illustrious and setting aside her pride, chose Purūravas, the tranquil knower of dharma and truth. Together, they dwelled for many years—ten, five, six, five again, seven, eight, ten, and another eight—in various wondrous places: the delightful forest of Caitraratha, the banks of the Mandakini, the vast city of Alaka, the excellent Nandana forest, the northern Kurus with their pleasing fruit trees, the foot of Gandhamadana, and the northern summit of Meru. In these foremost forests, beloved by the gods, the king enjoyed supreme delight with Urvaśī. In that most sacred land, praised by the great sages, Purūravas, lord of the earth, established his kingdom at Prayaga. Thus, the illustrious king, descendant of Ilā, endowed with greatness, dwelled at Pratishthana on the northern bank of the Ganga. Purūravas and Urvaśī had seven sons, renowned among the Gandharvas: Ayu, the wise Amavasu, Vishvayu, righteous Shrutayu, Dridhayu, Vanayu, and Bahvayu. Amavasu’s heir was King Bhima, lord of kings, and Bhima’s illustrious son was King Kanchanaprabha. From Kanchanaprabha came the learned and mighty Suhotra, whose son, born of Keshini, was Jahnu. Jahnu performed a great sacrificial session, the mighty serpent-offering. During this time, Ganga, out of desire for her husband, flowed forth in the form of a woman. However, against Jahnu’s wishes, Ganga inundated his sacrificial hall. Angered by this, Jahnu cursed Ganga, declaring, “For your arrogance, O Ganga, I will drink up your waters and make your efforts fruitless!” And so, before the astonished sages, King Jahnu drank up Ganga. Moved by these events, the sages offered the blessed Ganga—now known as Jahnavi—to Jahnu as his daughter. Jahnu also accepted Kaveri, daughter of Yuvanashva, as his wife. By the curse of Yuvanashva, Ganga departed halfway and entered the river Kaveri, the blameless wife of Jahnu. Jahnu and Kaveri had a righteous son named Sunanda; Sunanda’s son was Ajaka. Ajaka’s heir was Balākāśva, a king fond of hunting, and his son was Kuśa. Kuśa had four sons of divine splendor: Kuśika, Kuśanābha, Kuśāmba, and Mūrtimān. Kuśika, who dwelled always in the forest and was raised among cowherds, practiced severe austerities, longing for a son as powerful as Indra. For a thousand years, Kuśika performed his penances, and when Indra saw his unwavering resolve, the thousand-eyed lord himself became Kuśika’s eternal benefactor. To fulfill Kuśika’s wish for a son, Indra arranged to be born as his child—thus, Maghavan himself was born as King Gādhi, the son of Kuśika. Gādhi’s wife was Paurā, and from her was born Gādhi. Gādhi’s highly fortunate daughter was Satyavatī, an auspicious woman. Gādhi gave Satyavatī as a wife to Ṛcīka, the son of Kavya, who was pleased to accept her. Desiring a son, Ṛcīka prepared a sacrificial oblation for Gādhi as well. Calling his wife, Ṛcīka said to her, “O auspicious one, you must use this oblation yourself and with your mother; from you will be born a radiant son, a foremost Kṣatriya.” Thus, the lineage of Soma continued, blessed by the gods, sages, and the great river Ganga, bringing forth kings, sages, and dharma into the world.