Abandoning his many-formed appearance, Soma, the Moon, left behind that eternal expanse of water in which he had dwelled. Hidden from sight by the powerful curse of Daksha, Soma journeyed to the abode of Brahma, the great Lord of Creation, accompanied by the radiant deities who followed him faithfully. In Brahma’s presence, the gods and Soma offered repeated salutations, their voices filled with reverence and hope. They addressed Brahma, saying, “O Creator, Lord of all offerings to gods and ancestors, we have sought your refuge—please protect us!” Hearing their plea, Brahma consoled the gods with gentle and affectionate words, soothing their fears. He told them, “Blessed Lord Vishnu alone can bring an end to this curse. Go to him, for he is the refuge of all beings.” Encouraged by Brahma’s words, the gods, together with Brahma himself, approached Vishnu with focused minds and offered their praises: “Salutations to you, Hrishikesha, ancestor of the great person! O Narayana, Lord of the universe, the gods have sought refuge in you. Truly, you are our supreme deity, the highest among the gods, even above Brahma.” With deep concern, they continued, “Without Soma, O Lord, the herbs and plants on earth have withered away.” Vishnu, the compassionate one, reassured the immortals, saying, “Abandon fear, O gods; I grant you freedom from all fear.” Having thus comforted them, the blessed Lord dismissed the assembly of gods. Yet, Vishnu declared, “If I am merely remembered but not approached directly, I become displeased. Therefore, let the gods and the hosts of asuras join together and churn the ocean with a great vessel. There, you will obtain ambrosia and many kinds of jewels. Use Mount Mandara as the churning rod and the serpent Vasuki as the churning rope.” He reminded them, “O Goddess, in ancient times, for the sake of Soma, the Asuras and Danavas joined the gods in this very endeavor. All the gods stood at Vasuki’s tail for that reason. With great effort, they raised the serpent’s head and cast it down repeatedly, causing various aquatic creatures to be crushed beneath the weight of the mighty mountain.” As the churning of the ocean commenced, Keshava (Vishnu) exerted himself greatly, and from the ocean arose wondrous treasures, witnessed by the gods, humans, and ancestors alike. Observing these marvels, the Blessed Lord Keshava spoke, and the Moon, thus addressed by Vasudeva, was restored to his role as the protector of all beings. Before Vishnu, Narada quickly recounted all that had transpired. Oppressed by Daksha’s curse, Soma vanished once more, acting according to the decree. When he arrived, he spoke falteringly, weakened by the affliction. “This is my first son,” someone lamented, “greatly tormented by the Moon’s suffering.” But Vishnu, ever merciful, firmly restored strength to Chandra (the Moon). Witnessing these events, Brahma addressed Vishnu, the slayer of Madhu, and explained, “This one, O Lord, is afflicted by the new moon’s waning.” Again and again, the story was recounted before Brahma. For the sake of the Moon, Brahma, revered by all worlds, offered praise to Vishnu: “Salutations to Krishna, salutations to Vishnu, salutations to the victorious one—repeated salutations! Victory to you, Govinda of great power! Victory to you, Vishnu! Victory to you, Padmanabha!” At that time, Brahma, the creator of the worlds, also praised the goddess. Then he instructed Soma, “Go, at my command, to the most excellent Mahakala forest. Worship him there with devotion—he will grant you a body.” Thus, repeatedly addressed by Vasudeva and Brahma, the virtuous Soma went to the sacred forest. Beholding the linga, he praised it with heartfelt hymns, saying: “Salutations to the god of gods, the three-eyed, the great-souled one! Salutations to the great god, bearer of the trident, attended by spirits and goblins! Salutations to the destroyer of Pushan’s teeth, and the slayer of Andhaka!