When Budha, the radiant son of Soma, beheld Ilā—surrounded by her companions, graceful in every gesture and expression, her beauty and charm captivating all—he was filled with desire for her. Ilā, in turn, felt the stirrings of love for Budha and wished to have him as her husband. Their mutual affection blossomed, and they united in love. From their union, Ilā bore Budha a son, Purūravas, destined to become the foremost among emperors. In the quiet of the forest, troubled in her heart, Ilā gave birth to this son. In her time of need, she remembered her family’s revered preceptor, the sage Vasiṣṭha, and sought his guidance. Vasiṣṭha, seeing the plight of Sudyumna—Ilā’s other form—was moved by compassion. Seeking to help, he worshipped Mahadeva Śaṅkara, the great benefactor of the world. The blessed Lord, pleased with Vasiṣṭha’s devotion, granted him a boon. Vasiṣṭha requested that the beloved king regain manhood. Śaṅkara, in his gentle, nectar-like words, declared, “For one month the king shall be a man, for one month a woman.” Thus blessed, the king returned home. With Vasiṣṭha’s favor, he ruled his kingdom righteously. When in the form of a woman, he remained in the palace; as a man, he governed the realm. Yet the people, unsettled by this alternating nature, could not rejoice in their sovereign. As time passed and Purūravas grew to manhood, the king entrusted the throne to his son and departed for the forest. In that delightful woodland, thick with many trees, he encountered Nārada and received from him the supreme nine-lettered mantra. With love in his heart, he recited the mantra intensely. The Goddess—endowed with all auspicious qualities, the savior of the worlds—was pleased and appeared before him. Seated on a lion, radiant and beautiful, her eyes swirling with delight, intoxicated by Varuṇī’s drink, she shone with divine splendor. Beholding her wondrous form, his heart overflowing with devotion, the king bowed low and joyfully praised the Mother of the world. He said: “O Goddess, I have witnessed your renowned divine form, which brings welfare to all worlds. I bow to your lotus feet—served by hosts of gods, giver of desires, Mother and bestower of liberation. “Who in this world can truly know you, Mother, when you take mortal form? Even sages and gods are bewildered by your mystery. Seeing your supreme sovereignty and compassion for the humble, I am filled with wonder. “Śambhu, Hari, the lotus-born, Maghavan, the Sun, the Lord of wealth, Fire, Varuṇa, Wind, Soma—even the Vasus do not comprehend your power. How could a mere human, lacking qualities, understand your virtues? “Viṣṇu, of immeasurable brilliance, knows you directly as the sattvic, ocean-born giver of all things. Who knows you as the rajasic Umā, or in your tamasic form, O Mother of the Vedas? Surely, none know you as the one beyond all attributes. “Where am I, dull-minded and weak, and where is your supreme skill, O Mother, so gracious to me? I know, O Bhavānī, your deeds overflow with compassion, for you show mercy to those who serve you with devotion. “You are served by Hari and the lotus-born, yet even Madhusūdana finds no joy. The primordial person purifies your feet with fire and sanctifies them with his hands. “Hari, longing intensely, seeks the touch of your feet like one freed from sorrow, and the ancient person rejoices. Yet, when angered, you strike even those devoted at your feet, as your husband—praised by all the gods—suffers in love. “O Goddess, you always dwell on his broad, peaceful chest, beautifully adorned, like lightning on a dense cloud. Is he not your vehicle, even though he is Lord of the world? “O Mother, if you were to abandon Madhusūdana in anger, even worship could not restore his power; for it is seen that people forsake a man, calm but bereft of fortune and virtue, even if he is their own. “What need to say of Brahmā and the other gods—or even young women—when even those who constantly seek refuge at your lotus feet are empowered by you alone? Who can measure your might, you of infinite power? “I am uncertain whether you are male or not, O Goddess, for you manifest as both, with and without qualities. I bow to you always with devotion, and I desire unwavering love for you, O Mother.” Having thus praised her, the king surrendered himself at her feet. The Goddess, pleased with his devotion, granted him union with herself. By her grace, Sudyumna attained the highest, steadfast state, a blessing difficult even for sages to attain. After Sudyumna ascended to heaven, Purūravas became king. He was virtuous, handsome, and ever mindful of his subjects’ happiness. In the beautiful city of Pratiṣṭhāna, he established a rule respected by all, fully versed in dharma and devoted to the protection of his people. He kept wise counsel, understood the hereafter, possessed constant energy and strength, and held supreme sovereign power. All means of rule—conciliation, gifts, and more—were under his control. He governed by establishing the varṇas and āśramas in their proper duties. This king performed many sacrifices, gave abundant gifts, and bestowed pure charities. Hearing of his beauty, virtues, generosity, character, wealth, and valor, the celestial nymph Urvaśī became captivated and desired him. Afflicted by a curse from Brahmā, Urvaśī entered the human world. Seeing the virtuous king, she chose him as her husband. She set forth her terms: “O king, you must protect these two lambs of mine. My food shall always be clarified butter—nothing else. And, O great king, you must not see me naked except during union. If this agreement is broken, I will leave you and depart; this I truly declare.” The king, eager for her, accepted her conditions, and she remained bound by the agreement, intent on fulfilling the effect of her curse. Lost in Urvaśī’s charms, the king spent many years absorbed in pleasure, neglecting dharma and duty, his mind wholly fixed on her. Deprived of her presence, he could not endure even a moment, so complete was his infatuation.