In ancient times, the lineage of the noble Maithilas unfolded as follows. Suvarcā’s heir was Śruta, whose son was Suśruta. Jayā was born to Suśruta, and from Jayā came Vijaya. Vijaya’s son was Ṛta, and Ṛta’s son was Sunaya, who was remembered for his wisdom. Sunaya’s heir was Vītahavya, and his son was Dhṛti. From Dhṛti was born Bahulāśva, and Bahulāśva’s son was Kṛti. In Kṛti, the famed line of the great Janakas was established, and thus the Maithila dynasty was described. Turning now to Soma, it is told that the moon-god granted the southern region to the Brahmins, the foremost among Brahmarṣis and the assembly of the wise, as had been heard by the twice-born. Nine goddesses—Sinī, Kuhū, Vapuḥ, Puṣṭi, Prabhāvasu, Kīrtti, Dhṛti, and Lakṣmī—served Soma with devotion. Having completed his ritual bath, Soma stood undisturbed, honored by all the gods and sages. As the supreme king of kings, he illuminated all ten directions with his radiance. At that time, though the gods and divine sages requested him, Soma did not return Tārā to Aṅgiras. Later, Uśanas, the illustrious disciple of Bṛhaspati in earlier times, took Tārā from Aṅgiras. Out of affection, the blessed Rudra became the protector of Bṛhaspati, grasped his bow, and stood ready to defend him. With great might, Rudra directed his supreme weapon against the foremost of Brahmarṣis and released it against the gods, causing their fame to wane. A great battle ensued, visible to all—the gods and demons clashed in a conflict that threatened the very worlds. In the midst of this turmoil, the three remaining gods and the Tusita deities sought refuge in Brahma, the primordial grandfather. Brahma, restraining both Uśanas and Rudra, as well as the eldest Shankara, resolved the matter himself and returned Tārā to Aṅgiras. However, Tārā was with child, bearing the seed of the lord of stars. Seeing this, Bṛhaspati said, “You must not release the embryo.” Tārā replied, “In my body, in my womb, the embryo must be sustained at all costs.” Yet she did not release the child, who would become a slayer of enemies. Approaching a reed stalk, blazing like fire, the blessed one was born among the gods, casting off his form. The gods, filled with doubt, questioned Tārā: “Speak the truth—whose son is this, Soma’s or Bṛhaspati’s?” Ashamed before them, Tārā remained silent, speaking neither good nor bad. The child, angered, began to curse her. Brahma then intervened, restraining both Tārā and the child, and sought to resolve the doubt about Chandra’s parentage. He said, “Speak the truth, Tārā: whose son is this?” With folded hands, Tārā addressed Brahma, the giver of boons and lord of all: “He is Soma’s son, the great-souled slayer of enemies.” Soma, lord and giver of all creatures, joyfully embraced his son and named him Budha, wise among the wise. In each generation, Budha rose among the learned. Budha then fathered a son with a princess, and this son, Pururavas, was born of Urvashi. Pururavas, radiant and mighty, in turn had six sons of great strength. Later, Soma was struck down by a royal disease, left helpless and diminished, his circle of followers scattered. Suffering greatly, Soma sought refuge with his father, Atri. The illustrious Atri, renowned for his virtue, performed the act that removed Soma’s sin. Freed from his affliction, Soma shone forth once more in all his glory. This, O best of the twice-born, is the sacred account of Soma’s birth. By merely hearing this tale, one attains prosperity, health, long life, merit, and purification from sin. Now, listen to the lineage that followed. The illustrious and radiant king, heir of Bhima, was Kanchanaprabha. Among the wise, even greater than Kanchanaprabha was Suhotra, mighty in strength. From Suhotra was born Jahnu, who came from the womb of Keshika. At that time, Ganga returned and flooded the land during Jahnu’s sacrificial rites. Seeing the sacrificial enclosure inundated, Varada, son of Suhotra, became angry and said to Ganga, “Immediately receive the fruit of your arrogance, O Ganga! All this of yours is now fruitless; I will drink up the water.” Thus, the royal sage drank up Ganga. The great sages, witnessing this, presented Jahnavi as Jahnu’s daughter. Jahnu then took Kaveri, the granddaughter of Yuvanashva, as his wife. By the curse of Yuvanashva, Ganga was thus produced, and Kaveri, the best of rivers, became Jahnu’s blameless wife. Jahnu and Kaveri’s beloved and righteous son was Suhotra, and his son was Ajaka. Ajaka’s heir was Balakashva, renowned and illustrious, and his son was Gaya, virtuous and remembered as Kusha’s son. Kusha had four sons, all possessing the glory of the Vedas: Kushashva, Kushanabha, Amurttarayas, and Vasus. Kushastamba, the best of kings, performed great austerities desiring a son. When a thousand years were complete, he beheld Shatakratu, thus continuing the noble line. Thus ends the sacred account of the Vaivasvata Manu lineage, as spoken in the glorious Vāyu Mahāpurāṇa.