When Bṛhaspati, the teacher of the gods, was in distress over the abduction of his wife Tārā by the Moon-god Soma, Indra, king of the gods, sought to console him. Indra assured his teacher that if Soma did not return Tārā upon receiving a formal request, he would not hesitate to wage war, rallying the armies of the gods. With this resolve, Indra sent his most eloquent and wise messenger to Soma, the lord of the Moon. Swiftly, the messenger journeyed to Soma’s radiant realm and addressed the lord of Rohiṇī with these words: “O greatly fortunate one, I have been sent by Indra with a message for you. Hear exactly what the lord of the gods has said, O wise one. You are renowned for righteousness and steadfastness in your vows, and your father Atri is a sage of virtue. Do not act in a way that brings censure upon yourself. “A wife must be protected by all beings, each according to their strength and without negligence. This is a matter that can indeed lead to conflict—there is no doubt. Just as you would protect your own, so should another strive to protect his wife. Regard all beings as yourself, O treasure of nectar. You already have twenty-eight beautiful daughters of Dakṣa as your consorts, O nectar-born one. How can you desire to enjoy your teacher’s wife? “These heavenly maidens, as charming as Menakā, dwell always in heaven. Enjoy their company as you wish, but release your teacher’s wife. If the great act in ways that are blameworthy, the ignorant will follow their example, and then righteousness will decline. Therefore, illustrious one, return your teacher’s lovely wife, so that there may not be conflict among the gods because of you.” Upon hearing Indra’s message, Soma became agitated and, with a crooked smile, replied to the messenger: “You are righteous, mighty-armed one, and the lord of the gods. Your priest is also virtuous, and your minds are alike. Many are skilled in giving advice to others, but few act themselves when action is required. People accept the treatises composed by Bṛhaspati, yet what fault is there in enjoying a woman whom one desires? “For the strong, everything belongs to them; for the weak, nothing is theirs. The distinction between one’s own and another’s is a delusion of the dull-minded. Tārā is attached to me, not to her teacher. How can one who is devoted be abandoned, either by righteousness or by justice? How can a household be maintained with one who is indifferent, whether she is attached or not? When Tārā became indifferent, I desired another woman. I will not give up the beautiful one. Go, messenger, and tell Indra yourself. You are the lord, O thousand-eyed one—do as you wish.” The messenger returned to Indra and faithfully reported everything Soma had said. Upon hearing this, Turāṣāḍ was filled with anger and prepared for war to support his teacher. Meanwhile, Śukra, harboring enmity toward Bṛhaspati, approached Soma and advised him, “Do not give her back. I will aid you with the power of mantra if battle arises between you and Indra, O Moon.” Śaṅkara (Śiva), upon hearing of the violation against the teacher’s wife, regarded Bhṛgu as an enemy of the teacher and offered his support as well. Thus, a fierce battle broke out between the gods and the demons, lasting many years—reminiscent of the war with Tārakāsura. Witnessing the suffering caused by this war, Brahmā, the grandsire, mounted his swan and swiftly arrived to intervene. He addressed Soma: “Release the teacher’s wife, or I will summon Viṣṇu and bring about destruction.” Then Brahmā restrained Bhṛgu, saying, “Why has this unjust intention arisen, O wise one? It is the fault of association.” Bhṛgu, thus admonished, approached Soma and commanded, “Release the teacher’s wife today; I have been sent to you by the father.” Hearing Bhṛgu’s wondrous words, Soma, the king of the twice-born, returned the beloved, auspicious, and pregnant wife of the teacher. Overjoyed to have his wife back, Bṛhaspati returned home, and the gods and demons withdrew to their respective realms. Brahmā returned to his own abode, Śaṅkara to Kailāsa, and Bṛhaspati, content, was reunited with his charming wife. After some time, Tārā gave birth to a virtuous son on an auspicious day and under a favorable star, a child possessing qualities equal to the lord of Tārā. Seeing his son, Bṛhaspati performed all the prescribed birth rites with great joy. However, news of the son’s birth reached Soma, who sent a messenger to Bṛhaspati with a challenging message: “This is not your son, but born from my seed. How have you performed the birth rites and other ceremonies, fulfilling your desire?” Bṛhaspati replied, “He is my son, equal to me; there is no doubt about it.” Another dispute arose, and the gods and demons assembled once more, preparing for battle. At that moment, Brahmā himself arrived, desiring peace, and restrained those eager for conflict. The righteous grandsire then questioned Tārā: “Whose son is this, O auspicious one? Speak the truth, beautiful lady, so that this distress may be resolved.