Having completed the concluding bath of consecration, the supreme king of kings stood radiant, his mind untroubled, surrounded and worshipped by all the gods and sages. His sovereignty extended in all ten directions, and his glory was celebrated everywhere. Yet, having attained this rare and much-praised dominion, the king’s mind grew unsettled; his discipline faltered and was lost. At that time, although urged by the gods and divine sages alike, the king did not return Tārā to her husband, Aṅgiras. It had come to pass that Uśanas, also known as Śukra, had taken Tārā from Aṅgiras, for Uśanas, brilliant and wise, was once the disciple of Bṛhaspati, Aṅgiras’s son. Out of affection for Bṛhaspati, the blessed Rudra—Śiva himself—became his supporter, seizing Bṛhaspati’s heel and taking up his bow in his defense. Thus, by the great-souled Rudra, foremost among Brahmarshis, a supreme weapon was directed at the gods, threatening to destroy their fame. In that place, a terrible battle erupted, visible to the goddess Tārā’s desire, between the gods and the Dānavas—a battle so fierce it threatened to lay waste to the worlds. Amidst this destruction, three of the gods and those known as the Tuṣitas sought refuge with Brahmā, the primeval god and grandfather of all. Brahmā himself, restraining both Uśanas and Rudra, intervened. The eldest Śaṅkara, the Grandfather, restored Tārā to her husband, Aṅgiras. But when Tārā returned, she was found to be pregnant. Bṛhaspati, lord of the stars, said to her, “You must not cast out the embryo.” He pleaded that the child within her womb must be preserved at all costs. Yet, Tārā did not retain that son, the destined destroyer of enemies. As fate would have it, the blessed child, blazing like fire, was born near a reed stalk and immediately assumed a form so wondrous that even the gods were astonished. Filled with uncertainty, the gods questioned Tārā: “Speak the truth—whose son is this? Is he Soma’s or Bṛhaspati’s?” Ashamed before the assembly of gods, Tārā did not answer, neither affirming nor denying. The son, angered, began to curse her. Brahmā intervened, restraining the child, and gently pressed Tārā: “O Tārā, speak truly—whose son is this? Is he Soma’s or not?” With joined palms, Tārā addressed Brahmā, the gracious lord: “He is the son of Soma, the great-souled one, the destroyer of enemies.” Soma, lord of all creatures, joyfully embraced his wise son and named him Budha. In time, Budha was united with a royal maiden, and from their union a son was born—Pururavas, brilliant and mighty. Pururavas, in turn, was joined with Urvashi, the celestial nymph, and from her he begot six sons of immense strength. Meanwhile, Soma, afflicted by royal disease and his power diminished, sought refuge with his father, the illustrious sage Atri. Through Atri’s penance and expiation, Soma was freed from his affliction and shone forth once again in his full glory. Thus, the story of Soma’s birth and lineage was told, a tale that, when heard, confers blessings, health, long life, virtue, and purification from sin. Sūta continued: Budha, son of Soma, begot Pururavas, who was radiant, generous, devoted to sacrifice, and a great giver of gifts. He was learned in the Vedas, courageous, invincible in battle, and performed Agnihotra, giving land to priests. Truthful in speech, wise in action, charming, and self-restrained, he had a son unmatched in beauty among men. Urvashi, famed among the Gandharvas, set aside her pride and chose Pururavas, the learned, self-controlled, righteous, and truthful king as her husband. Together, they lived for many years—ten and eight, seven, six, seven, eight, ten, and eight—endowed with vigor and happiness. They dwelled in the delightful Caitraratha forest, along the Mandakini’s banks, in Alaka, Vishala, and Nandana—the finest of all woodlands. They wandered the fragrant slopes of Gandhamadana, the peak of Meru, reaching the northern Kurus and the village of Kalapa. In these pleasant forests, frequented by gods, the king and Urvashi enjoyed supreme happiness. The sages then asked, “How did Urvashi, the goddess among Gandharvas, come to the mortal king, forsaking the gods? Tell us, O learned one.” Sūta replied: Overcome by a curse from Brahmā, Urvashi approached the mortal Pururavas. For the sake of her release, she joined Aila (Pururavas), but under certain conditions: she would not be seen by fire, nor unite with him unwillingly. Two sheep must always be kept near their bed, and only as much food as clarified butter was to be taken. This was the period agreed upon. “If this agreement, O king, is faithfully observed for as long as you wish, then I shall remain with you,” she said. Pururavas kept the agreement diligently, and thus the radiant Urvashi dwelled with him. For sixty-four years, bewildered by the curse yet devoted, Urvashi lived as a human, while the Gandharvas grew concerned. They said among themselves, “Consider, O blessed ones, how Urvashi, the ornament of heaven, might return again to the gods.” Then Vishvavasu, best among speakers, spoke: “A condition was made with her, and it is considered blameless.” Thus unfolded the wondrous tale of Soma’s lineage and the union of Pururavas and Urvashi, a story of love, divine intervention, and the interplay of fate among gods and mortals.