Once again, Yamunā and Tapatī returned to their forms as rivers, and the fearsome Viṣṭi remained established as Time itself. Manu, the son of Vivasvat, had ten mighty sons; Ila was the first among them, born as a result of a sacrifice performed to obtain a son. His other sons were Ikṣvāku, Kuśanābha, Ariṣṭa, Dhṛṣṭa, Nariṣyanta, Karūṣa, Śaryāti, Pṛṣadhra, and Nābhāga—all powerful and divine-human beings. Manu, righteous and wise, installed his eldest son Ila as king. After fulfilling his duties, Manu withdrew once more for ascetic practice in the great forest of Indra. Ila, determined to conquer the directions, set out across the earth, traversing all continents and subduing the lords of the land. At last, Ila arrived at the sacred grove of Śiva, drawn by horses and radiant, a place filled with wish-fulfilling trees and vines, known as the great Śaravaṇa. It was here that Śambhu, the Lord of gods adorned with the crescent moon, delights; it was also here, long ago, that an agreement was made with Umā. According to this vow, any male who entered the forest would become female throughout the entire region of ten yojanas. Unaware of this sacred agreement, King Ila entered Śaravaṇa. Upon entering, he immediately lost his masculinity and became a woman. All his manhood was taken, and, astonished, the king assumed a beautiful woman’s form—with full, high, rounded breasts, raised hips and thighs, eyes extended like lotus petals, a slender body, a face like the full moon, and a lively, expressive gaze. Her arms were long and graceful, her hair dark and curled, her body fine-haired, her teeth beautiful, and her speech gentle yet deep. Her complexion was a blend of dusky and fair hues, she moved with the grace of a swan or elephant, her brows arched like a bow, and her slender fingers were tipped with coppery nails. As she wandered through the forest, the radiant woman pondered: “Who is my father or brother? Who here is my mother? To whom am I given as wife? How long will I remain on earth?” While she was lost in these thoughts, Soma’s son, Budha, saw her with her companions. Ilā, her mind captivated by her own beauty and radiant form, was desired by Budha, who was afflicted by longing and made efforts to win her. He was distinguished in appearance, bearing a staff, water-pot, and book, adorned with many sacred threads made from bamboo rods. In the form of a twice-born, with a topknot, earrings, and proper students carrying fuel, flowers, and sacred grass with water, Budha searched the forest. He did not call out to Ilā, remaining outside the grove, concealed among the trees. Suddenly, with agitation, Budha addressed her as if reproaching: “Having abandoned the tending of the sacred fire, where have you gone from my dwelling? This is your leisure time, which is now passing; come, come, woman of broad hips, why are you agitated, for what reason? This is the evening hour for recreation here; after applying ointment, decorate my house with flowers.” Ilā replied, “I do not know any of this, O ascetic. Tell me of myself, you as husband, and of my lineage, O sinless one.” Budha then spoke to the slender woman: “Ilā, you are radiant in form; I am called Kāmuka, known as Budha, skilled in many arts. Born in a noble lineage, my father is chief among Brahmins.” Hearing his words, Ilā entered Budha’s house. It was adorned with jewel pillars, wondrously crafted by divine illusion. Ilā, having achieved her purpose, considered herself fulfilled, dwelling in that mansion. She marveled, “Ah, what conduct, what beauty, what wealth, what lineage—mine and my husband’s! Ah, what supreme charm!” Ilā enjoyed herself with Budha for a long time, in a house full of every pleasure, just as in Indra’s palace. Meanwhile, seeking their king, Manu’s sons—led by Ikṣvāku—went to the place called Sharavana. There, all of them saw a mare standing at the front, her body shining with rays from a jeweled chariot, unmatched in beauty. Recognizing the chariot, they were struck with wonder: “This is the horse named Chandraprabha, belonging to that great soul. How did this excellent horse take the form of a mare, and for what reason?” They questioned Maitrāvaruṇi, the priest. “What is this strange event?” they asked. “Tell us, O best among those who know yoga.” Vasiṣṭha, perceiving everything with the eye of meditation, spoke: “Long ago, a vow was made by Shiva’s beloved at Sharavana: any man who enters here will attain womanhood. This horse, too, became female along with the king, but will regain masculinity, just as he resembles the lord of wealth. In the same way, effort must be made by worshipping Pinākin (Shiva).” The sons of Manu then went to where the god Maheshvara dwells. They praised Parvati and the supreme lord with various hymns. The two replied, “This vow cannot be broken, but now—whatever fruit comes from Ikṣvāku’s ashvamedha, that shall be given to both. Then the valiant kimpurusha will certainly become a man.” Having agreed, the sons of Vaivasvata departed. Through Ikṣvāku’s ashvamedha, the kimpurusha became Cela. For one month, the hero was a man; for another month, a woman. Dwelling in Budha’s house, Nila became pregnant.