Listen, and I shall truly tell you how the sacred linga of Someshvara came into being. The blessed Soma, the god who is the very essence of the moon, is the supreme nourisher of the world, sustaining all beings with his divine radiance. In the holy land of Avanti, there lived the great and fortunate sage Atri, a master of austerity and a treasury of spiritual power. With unwavering devotion, Atri stood with arms raised in deep meditation, his mind fixed upon Brahman, the Supreme. From his eyes, a wondrous radiance began to flow, illuminating all ten directions with its brilliance. Soon, this effulgence became so great that the directions themselves could no longer contain it. As it shone forth, filling all the worlds with light, it finally descended and fell upon the earth. From this radiance, a stream of water arose—born of Soma himself, O Vyasa, and infused with his celestial glow. Thus was born the sacred river Shipra, renowned throughout the worlds as a giver of all success, much like Soma. Shipra is celebrated in the three worlds as the bestower of merit, even upon sinners. Indeed, merely by beholding her waters, four people at once are freed from sin. And those who, with wisdom, bathe, give charity, recite prayers, or perform sacrifices there—especially by offering sesame-water and funeral cakes—receive immense spiritual merit. Shipra is rare and precious, just as Soma and the sacred Soma vessel are rare. The water of Shipra and Soma, O Vyasa, grants the fruit of bathing at a crore of holy fords. When, on a new moon day, a Monday coincides with the auspicious Vyatipata, the holy place called Somavati arises here, bringing great blessing. At that time, Soma himself was placed upon a splendid chariot, desiring the welfare of all the worlds. Yoked to a thousand swift steeds, the chariot was driven forth by Brahma. All the beings, delighted and composed, praised Soma with full hearts. As his radiance pervaded the three worlds, Soma descended to earth. He circled the ocean seventy-seven times, each circuit filled with divine purpose. Then, from his influence, the sacred and immaculate divine herbs sprang forth upon the earth. Thereafter, Soma, always satisfied with the world, was addressed by Brahma, the grandsire of all beings. Brahma gave to Soma the twenty-seven daughters of Daksha, each steadfast in great vows, as his wives. Having thus obtained a vast and glorious kingdom, Soma was surrounded by his beloved consorts. At Soma’s grand sacrifice, the revered Atri was the Hotṛ priest, and the blessed Bhrigu served as Adhvaryu. Vishnu himself attended as Sadasya, accompanied by Sanaka and the other sages. The divine beings Sinivali, Kuhu, Dhriti, Pushti, Prabha, and Vasu were also present. After performing the Avabhritha bath, Soma was honored by all the gods and sages, his mind undisturbed and calm. Having attained this rare sovereignty, sanctified by the presence of great sages, events soon took a fateful turn. At that time, Bṛhaspati’s wife, famed and named Tara, became involved with Soma. The gods and sages approached Soma, speaking to him about Tara. Indra, angered by the situation, took the side of Bṛhaspati, and a fierce battle erupted between Indra and Soma. The gods, filled with fear at the intensity of the conflict, took refuge with Brahma, the grandsire. Hearing their pleas, Brahma went with them to the scene. By Brahma’s command, both gods and asuras restrained themselves and abandoned the battle. Then, seeing his wife Tara pregnant, Bṛhaspati spoke to her, seeking understanding and resolution of the matter.