In the depths of her heart, Tārā resolved, “In my body, in my womb, the embryo must be held at all costs.” Yet, despite her determination, she did not retain that son—the one destined to destroy enemies. When the blessed child was born, he came forth beside a blazing reed stalk, his form so radiant and astonishing that even the gods were left in wonder. Filled with doubt, the gods approached Tārā and questioned her, “Speak the truth—whose son is this? Is he the child of Soma or of Bṛhaspati?” Ashamed before the assembly of gods, Tārā could not bring herself to say whether his birth was proper or improper. Seeing her silence, her son, the destroyer of enemies, began to curse her in his anger. At that moment, Brahmā intervened and restrained the child. He addressed Tārā, “O Tārā, tell the truth—whose son is this? Is he Soma’s or not?” With joined palms, Tārā spoke to Brahmā, the gracious lord, “He is the son of Soma, the great-souled one, the destroyer of enemies.” Soma, lord and giver of creatures, joyfully embraced his son and gave him the name Budha. In time, Budha was approached by a royal maiden, and from their union she bore him a son. This son, Pururavas, shone with great brilliance; and from the celestial nymph Urvashi, Pururavas begot six sons of immense strength. Meanwhile, Soma, afflicted by royal disease and diminished in his circle of influence, sought refuge with his father, Atri. The illustrious Atri performed an expiation for Soma’s sin, and freed from the royal disease, Soma’s radiance was restored. Thus, the account of Soma’s birth was narrated. The lineage of Soma was proclaimed: hearing this story brings blessings, health, long life, virtue, and purification from sin. By hearing the birth of Soma, one is freed from all evils. Suta then continued: Budha was the son of Soma, and Pururavas was Budha’s son. Pururavas was radiant, generous, devoted to sacrifice, and bestowed abundant gifts. He was learned in Brahman, courageous, invincible in battle, performed the Agnihotra, and gave land to sacrificers. Truthful in speech, wise in action, charming, and restrained, his son was unmatched in beauty among men. Urvashi, renowned and glorious, chose Pururavas—learned in Brahman, self-controlled, righteous, and truthful—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. They dwelled together in the delightful Caitraratha forest, on the banks of the Mandakini, in Alaka, Vishala, and Nandana—the finest woods. On the slopes of Gandhamadana, on the summit of Meru, reaching the northern Kurus and the village of Kalapa, they enjoyed supreme happiness in these pleasant forests frequented by the gods. The sages, curious, asked, “How did Urvashi, goddess among Gandharvas, come to the mortal king, forsaking the gods? Tell us, O learned one.” Suta replied: “Overcome by Brahmā’s curse, the beautiful Urvashi approached the mortal Pururavas, joining Aila under certain conditions. To release herself from the curse, she imposed restrictions: she would not be seen by fire, nor unite with him unwillingly. Two sheep were to be kept near the bed, and only as much food as clarified butter was to be taken; this was the period, O king. If this agreement was kept, she would remain for as long as he wished.” The king faithfully observed the agreement, and thus the radiant lady dwelled with Pururavas. For sixty-four years, Urvashi, bewildered by the curse yet devoted, lived as a human; the Gandharvas grew concerned. They said, “Consider, O blessed ones, how that excellent woman, Urvashi, the ornament of heaven, might return again to the gods.” Vishvavasu, best among speakers, explained, “A condition was made, and it is blameless. When that agreement is broken, she will leave the king; I will tell you how she will abandon the ruler. I will suddenly appear for your purpose.” With this, Vishvavasu departed. One night, he came and took away one sheep; Urvashi, with a lovely smile, acted as if it were her own child. Knowing the Gandharvas had come, the illustrious lady, lying on the bed, said to the king, “My son is being taken away.” The king, considering, stood naked, thinking, “If the queen sees me naked, the agreement will be broken.” The Gandharvas then took the second sheep. When the second was taken, Urvashi said to Aila, “Both my sons have been taken, O king, as if I were without a protector.” Thus addressed, the king rose and ran out naked, following the tracks of the sheep. The Gandharvas conjured a great illusion and a splendid palace. Suddenly, as it was revealed, Urvashi saw him naked. Seeing him thus, the apsaras of changing form vanished. When the Gandharvas realized she had vanished, they left the sheep and all disappeared. Thus, the tale of Soma’s lineage, Pururavas, and Urvashi’s return to the heavens was told, full of wonder and divine intrigue.