As Soma, the radiant moon-god, pervaded the three worlds with his brilliance, he descended to the earth. Upon his arrival, he circled the ocean seventy-seven times, his movement exceeding all bounds. Through his actions, divine herbs of great purity and immaculate nature arose upon the earth, blessing it with their presence. Ever satisfied with the world, the blessed Soma basked in this fulfillment. Then, Brahmā, the grandsire of all the worlds, gave Soma a command. He entrusted to Soma the twenty-seven daughters of Dakṣa, each steadfast in great vows, as his wives. With this, Soma gained a vast kingdom, and was surrounded by his wives, enjoying their company. The revered Atri took the role of Hotṛ priest, while the blessed Bhṛgu served as Adhvaryu. The revered Viṣṇu was present as Sadasya, accompanied by Sanaka and the other sages. Sinīvālī, Kuhū, Dhṛti, Puṣṭi, Prabhā, and Vasu were also present, gracing the occasion. Soma then performed the Avabhṛtha bath, free from agitation, and was honored by all the gods and sages. Having attained this difficult-to-obtain sovereignty, sanctified by the sages, Soma stood in glory. At this time, Bṛhaspati’s renowned wife, Tārā, became involved in a matter that drew the attention of the gods and sages. Soma was addressed by them regarding Tārā. Indra, angered, took the side of Bṛhaspati, leading to a fierce battle between Indra and Soma. Fearful, all the gods sought refuge with Brahmā. Hearing their words, the Grandsire went with them, and with his intervention, both gods and asuras abandoned the battle and stood restrained. Bṛhaspati, seeing his wife Tārā pregnant, spoke to her. Tārā then released the child, who had the form of a god. Though only just born, this radiant boy overwhelmed the gods with his brilliance. The gods and sages questioned, “O fortunate one, tell us—whose child is this? Is he Soma’s or Bṛhaspati’s?” They urged Tārā to speak the truth, and she revealed, “He is Soma’s—this is the secret; this boy, resembling a god.” The child was named Budha, Soma’s son. Because of these events, Soma became afflicted with leprosy and consumption. Longing to see the gods, Soma journeyed swiftly to Avantī. After bathing, he worshipped Someśvara there. By the grace of the deity, Soma’s form became beautiful once again. O Vyāsa, that holy place and the liṅga at Avantī are very difficult to obtain. Whoever, with controlled senses, reaches Somanātha in the month of Śrāvaṇa, and worships Somanātha in Saurāṣṭra, receives great daily fruit from such worship. Those who bathe at the holy place called Anaraka and see the great god Maheśvara are blessed. Yet Vyāsa asked: “By what sin do those sinful and suffering ones fall there? How do living beings who commit evil deeds go there?” Sanatkumāra replied, “Hear, Vyāsa, of the hells—so many are established there. All are known as the lower worlds, always famous as givers of suffering. Raurava, Sūkara, Raudra, Tāla, and Vinaśaka; Kuṃbhīpāka, Krakacana, and also Deva-Atidāruṇa—these are among them.” Thus, the story flows from Soma’s descent and glory, through his trials and restoration, to the teachings on the fruits of holy places and the consequences of sinful deeds, as revealed to Vyāsa.