By the nourishing power of plants, the world and all four kinds of living beings are sustained, for Soma—the Moon—O best of the twice-born, is the great nourisher of the universe. Through intense austerity, praise, and virtuous acts, Soma gained a radiant brilliance. For a hundred thousand years, the illustrious one continued his penance, growing ever more resplendent. Among the golden-hued goddesses who uphold the world with their own strength, Soma manifested, pervading all and becoming renowned for his deeds. Then Brahma, the supreme knower of Brahman, bestowed upon Soma the sovereignty over seeds, plants, waters, and the foremost of the twice-born sages. Thus anointed as king of kings and endowed with immense power, Soma, radiant above all, nourished the worlds by his very nature. The twenty-seven daughters of Daksha, famed for their great vows, were given in marriage by Daksha to Soma. These daughters are known as the Nakshatras, the lunar constellations. Having attained this supreme sovereignty, Soma, lord of those who possess Soma, performed the grand Rajasuya sacrifice, offering a thousand hundred gifts in generosity. At this great sacrifice, Hiranyagarbha himself was the Udgata, Brahma reached the state of Brahman, and the blessed Lord Hari Narayana was present as the Sadasya, surrounded by the foremost Brahmarshis, led by Sanatkumara and others. It is said that Soma, in this assembly, gave the great southern gift—the three worlds—to these illustrious Brahmarshis and the gathered sages. Attending upon Soma were nine goddesses: Sinī, Kuhū, Vapuḥ, Puṣṭi, Prabhā, Vasu, Kīrti, Dhṛti, and Lakṣmī. After completing the sacred concluding bath, Soma, now untroubled and worshipped by gods and sages alike, shone forth, ruling over the ten directions as the supreme king of kings. But after attaining this rare and much-praised sovereignty, Soma’s mind became unsteady, and his discipline faltered. Though entreated by the gods and divine sages, he did not return Tārā to her husband Aṅgiras at that time. Uśanas, who was once the brilliant disciple of Bṛhaspati, seized Tārā from Aṅgiras out of old affection. Because of this, the blessed Rudra became the supporter of Bṛhaspati, seizing his heel and taking up his bow in readiness. The great-souled Uśanas, foremost among Brahmarshis, directed a supreme weapon at the gods, which threatened to destroy their fame. Thus, a terrible battle erupted—a conflict for the desire of Tārā—between the gods and the Dānavas, bringing devastation to the worlds. In the midst of this destruction, three remaining gods and the Tuṣitas sought refuge in Brahma, the primeval Grandfather. Brahma, restraining both Uśanas and Rudra, intervened. The eldest Śaṅkara, the Grandfather himself, returned Tārā to Aṅgiras. But Tārā, wife of the lord of stars, was found to be pregnant. Bṛhaspati said to her, “You must not cast out the embryo. In your body, in your womb, the embryo must be held at all costs.” Yet Tārā did not keep the son, the destroyer of enemies, within her. The blessed child, blazing like fire, was born beside a reed stalk and took on a form that astonished the gods. Filled with doubt, the gods questioned Tārā: “Speak the truth—whose son is this, Soma’s or Bṛhaspati’s?” Ashamed before the assembly, Tārā did not answer, neither affirming nor denying. The son, angered, began to curse her, but Brahma restrained him and addressed Tārā: “O Tārā, speak truly—whose son is this, Soma’s or not?” With joined palms, Tārā replied to Brahma, the gracious lord: “He is the son of Soma, the great-souled one, destroyer of enemies.” Soma, the lord and giver of creatures, embraced his wise son and named him Budha. In time, Budha was approached by a royal maiden, and from their union a son was born—Pururavas, radiant and mighty. From Urvashi, Pururavas begot six sons of immense strength. Yet, Soma himself, afflicted and diminished by royal disease, sought refuge with his father Atri. The illustrious Atri performed the necessary expiation, and, freed from his affliction, Soma shone forth once again in all his glory. Such is the account of Soma’s birth, O best of the twice-born. Hearing this sacred tale brings blessings—health, long life, virtue, and the purification of sins. Now, Suta continued: Budha was the son of Soma, and Pururavas was Budha’s son—a radiant, generous king, a great sacrificer, who gave abundant gifts. He was learned in Brahman, courageous, unconquered in battle, and performed the Agnihotra, granting land to sacrificers. Truthful in speech, wise in action, charming, and restrained, his son was unmatched in beauty among men. Urvashi, glorious and renowned, seeing his virtue and self-control, chose Pururavas as her husband, setting aside her pride. With her, the king lived for many years—ten and eight, seven, six, seven, eight, ten, and eight—endowed with vigor and happiness. Their days were spent in delight: in the Caitraratha forest, on the banks of the Mandakini, in the wondrous woods of Alaka, Vishala, and Nandana; on the slopes of Gandhamadana, on the summit of Meru, and in the northern Kurus and the village of Kalapa—the finest and most enchanting places on earth.