Taking up his formidable Ajagava bow, the mighty Rudra—the destroyer of the cities—set forth to battle with Soma, his third eye blazing fiercely and his face terrifying like fire itself. He was accompanied by the lords of spirits and perfected beings, and alongside him marched Gaṇeśa and others, attended by twenty-four and sixty groups of followers. The Lord of the Yakṣas, with countless crores of attendants, came as well, all mounted on chariots. On the other side, Soma was not alone. He was joined by vast hosts of Vetālas, Yakṣas, serpents, and Kinnaras, numbering in their millions, with three lakhs and twelve thousand chariots. His wrath greatly increased as he arrived on the battlefield, bolstered by the armies of Nakṣatra-demons, Daityas, and Asuras, and strengthened by the powers of Śani and Maṅgala. The seven worlds trembled in fear, and the earth itself, with all its continents and oceans, shook at the gathering of these mighty forces. Then, Pinākī—the wielder of the bow—grasped blazing weapons like great fire and advanced straight toward Soma. A terrible and fearsome battle erupted between the two armies, each as dreadful as Bhīmasena. The conflict was fierce and ever-growing, bringing destruction to all beings. Blazing sharp weapons and missiles filled the air, and the armies on both sides were utterly destroyed by the ferocity of their weapons. Flaming missiles rained down, burning the heavens, the earth, and the underworld. In his anger, Rudra unleashed the fearsome Brahmaśiras missile, while Soma released the unfailing Soma missile. The fall of these two mighty weapons struck terror into the sea, the land, and the sky. Even Brahmā, the Grandfather of all, was alarmed as he witnessed the swelling power of these weapons, threatening the destruction of the worlds. At that critical moment, Brahmā himself, together with the gods, intervened, placing himself between the two weapons and restraining them. He addressed Soma, asking, “Why have you committed this deed, bringing destruction to so many without cause?” Brahmā continued, “Because you have waged this terrible war for the abduction of another’s wife, you shall become a malefic planet among people, bringing harm even in times of calm. Now, at the end of this conflict, return the wife to Vākpati—there is no dishonor in restoring what belongs to another.” Soma, the moon-crested one, agreed, saying, “So be it.” Pacified, he withdrew from the battle. Bṛhaspati, regaining Tārā, joyfully returned home, accompanied by Rudra. A year later, a radiant boy appeared, bright as twelve suns, clad in divine yellow garments and adorned with celestial ornaments. This son, shining like the moon, was born from Tārā’s womb. Wise in all sciences, he became the founder of the science of elephants. His name, renowned as the royal treatise on elephants, was Gajavaidya; but because he was the son of King Soma, he was remembered as Budha, the royal prince. As soon as he was born, Budha’s brilliance surpassed all others. Brahmā and the other gods, along with the divine sages, came to witness this marvel. During the birth ceremony in Bṛhaspati’s house, all the gods questioned Tārā: “By whom was this boy born?” Embarrassed, Tārā said nothing, remaining silent even when pressed. At last, she admitted, “By Soma.” The moon-god then took his son, naming him Budha and granting him sovereignty over the earth. After performing the consecration, Soma made Budha chief, granting him equality of household, and Brahmā, together with the brahmarṣis, bestowed their blessings. Before the assembled gods, Budha vanished from their sight and entered the womb of Ilā, where he begot a righteous son. This son performed a hundred horse sacrifices with his own brilliance and became known as Purūravas, honored by all the worlds. On the beautiful peak of Himavat, he worshipped Janārdana and attained lordship over the worlds, becoming sovereign of the seven continents. He slew countless Daityas such as Keśi, and Urvaśī, captivated by his form, became his wife. Purūravas protected the earth of seven continents, with its mountains, forests, and groves, ruling with righteousness and seeking the welfare of all beings. Fame, bearing the chowrie, always attended him as a companion, and by Viṣṇu’s favor, Indra granted him a half-seat in his court. He ruled with perfect balance of righteousness, wealth, and desire. The deities of Dharma, Artha, and Kāma, curious to observe his conduct, visited him. The king welcomed them with devotion, offering water for their feet and other honors, and seating them on three golden-adorned seats. He performed worship, giving a little more honor to Dharma. Because of this, Kāma and Artha became exceedingly angry. Artha, out of greed, pronounced a curse: “You shall come to ruin.” Kāma added, “Madness will seize you on Mount Gandhamādana; dwelling in Kumāravana, you will suffer separation from Urvaśī.” Dharma, however, blessed him: “You will be long-lived and righteous, O king; your lineage will endure as long as the moon, sun, and stars exist. May it increase by the hundreds and never perish from the earth.” Having spoken, the deities vanished, and Purūravas continued to rule his kingdom. Day after day, the lord of kings would go to see Indra, sometimes ascending a chariot drawn by attendants in southern garb. Once, together with the Sun, he saw Citralekha and Urvaśī being carried through the sky by Keśin, the lord of the Dānavas. Desiring fame, Purūravas vanquished Keśin in battle, wielding various weapons and releasing the wind-missile. Even Śakra (Indra) was defeated in battle by him, and so the gods made friendship with Purūravas and gave Urvaśī to Indra. From that time, the wielder of the thunderbolt gained friendship, surpassing all the worlds in strength, vigor, fame, and prosperity. Pleased, Indra granted Urvaśī to Bharata for her singing, and she, out of affection for Purūravas, sang his great deeds. Bharata established the festival called “Lakshmi’s Swayamvara,” where he instructed Menaka, Urvaśī, and Rambhā to dance. There, Urvaśī danced gracefully in the form of Lakshmi; seeing Purūravas, she performed her dance, overcome by desire.