Even the mere sight of her, the sacred Shipra, is enough to free four people from all sin. Those who are wise and perform holy acts there—be it bathing, charity, recitation of scriptures, or sacrifice—find their actions especially meritorious. By offering sesame-water and funeral cakes at this place, one accrues immense spiritual benefit. Shipra’s waters are as rare and precious as Soma itself, and as the sacred Soma vessel. Indeed, O Vyasa, the waters of Shipra and Soma grant the fruit of a crore of holy pilgrimages. On a day when the new moon falls on a Monday coinciding with the Vyatipata, O great sage, the revered holy site of Somavati arose at this very place. It was then that Soma, desiring the welfare of the worlds, was placed upon a chariot. This chariot, yoked with a thousand celestial steeds, was set in motion by Brahma himself. All the assembled beings, hearts filled with delight and composure, praised Soma with great devotion as he journeyed forth, pervading the three worlds and then descending to earth. Seventy-seven times, Soma circled the great ocean in his journey. Thereafter, pure and immaculate divine herbs sprang forth upon the earth. Blessed Soma, ever satisfied with the world, was then commanded by Brahmā, the grandsire of all. Brahmā gave Soma the twenty-seven daughters of Dakṣa, all steadfast in their great vows, as his wives. Thus, Soma obtained a vast and splendid kingdom, surrounded by his devoted consorts. For Soma’s grand sacrifice, the revered Atri was appointed as Hotṛ priest, and the blessed Bhṛgu served as Adhvaryu. Lord Viṣṇu himself acted as Sadasya, accompanied by Sanaka and other sages. Sinīvālī, Kuhū, Dhṛti, Puṣṭi, Prabhā, and Vasu were also present. Soma, having performed the Avabhṛtha bath without agitation, was honored by all the gods and sages. He attained a sovereignty difficult to obtain, sanctified by the sages themselves. At that time, Bṛhaspati’s renowned wife, Tārā, became the subject of great discussion. The gods and sages approached Soma regarding her, and Indra, filled with anger, sided with Bṛhaspati. A fierce battle erupted between Indra and Soma. Fearing the consequences, all the gods sought refuge with Brahmā. Hearing their pleas, the Grandsire accompanied them and intervened. At Brahmā’s command, both gods and asuras abandoned their conflict and stood restrained. Meanwhile, Bṛhaspati saw that his wife Tārā was pregnant and spoke to her. Soon, Tārā gave birth to a radiant boy, divine in form, who, though only just born, overwhelmed the gods with his brilliance. The gods, amazed, questioned, “O fortunate one, tell us—whose child is this? Is he Soma’s or Bṛhaspati’s? Tārā, speak the truth—whose son is he?” Tārā revealed the secret, saying, “He is Soma’s son, this boy who resembles a god.” Thus, the child was named Budha. Because of these events, Soma was afflicted with leprosy and consumption. Longing to see the gods and to be freed from his suffering, Soma journeyed swiftly to Avantī. There, after bathing, he worshipped Someśvara with devotion. By my grace, declared the Lord, Soma, your form will once again become beautiful.