In the glorious lineage of kings, there have been mighty rulers such as Nahuṣa, Yayāti, and Kārtavīrya Arjuna, each renowned for their strength, valor, brilliance, noble character, and virtuous deeds. Let me recount this illustrious line for you—listen carefully. It begins with Atri, the son of Brahmā, who himself was born from the lotus springing from the navel of the divine Nārāyaṇa, creator of all worlds. From Atri was born Soma, the Moon. The blessed Brahmā, the lotus-born, appointed Soma as the lord over all plants, herbs, and the stars. Soma performed the grand Rājasūya sacrifice, and with his great power, supreme lordship, and authority, pride crept into his heart. Overcome by arrogance, Soma abducted Tārā, the wife of Bṛhaspati, who is the preceptor of all the gods. Despite repeated pleas from Bṛhaspati, the blessed Brahmā, and all the divine sages, Soma refused to release her. The enmity between Soma and Bṛhaspati drew Uśanā (Śukra) to Soma’s side, while the blessed Rudra, having received knowledge from Aṅgirasa, supported Bṛhaspati. Because of Uśanā’s influence, all the Daityas and Dānavas—including Jambha and Kumbha—joined the effort for Soma. On Bṛhaspati’s behalf, Indra and all the armies of the gods became his allies. Thus, a fierce battle erupted between them, caused by Tārā, and it became known as the war for Tārā. Among the demons, led by Rudra, the gods released their weapons; among the gods, the demons did the same. The hearts of gods and demons were agitated by the tumult of battle, disturbing the world itself, and all sought refuge in Brahmā. The blessed lotus-born Lord Brahmā pacified Śaṃkara, the demons, and the gods, and caused Tārā to be returned to Bṛhaspati. Yet, seeing her pregnant, Bṛhaspati spoke, “This child is not born in my domain; he belongs to another. Cast him away—do not keep him out of excessive boldness.” Hearing these words, Tārā, ever devoted to her husband, immediately expelled the fetus onto a reed stalk. As soon as the child was cast out, he shone with great brilliance, absorbing the radiance of the gods. Both Bṛhaspati and Soma, seeing the extraordinary beauty of the boy, desired him, and the gods, filled with doubt, questioned Tārā, “Tell us the truth, O fortunate one: is this child Soma’s or Bṛhaspati’s son?” Embarrassed, Tārā said nothing, even though the gods repeatedly asked her. The boy, about to curse her, spoke, “Why, wicked woman, do you not tell me who my father is? Today, because of your unjust shame, I will punish you, so that you will never again speak with such excessive hesitation.” Pitāmaha Brahmā restrained the boy and himself questioned Tārā, “Tell me, child, whose son is this—Soma’s or Bṛhaspati’s?” Thus addressed, she replied, ashamed, “He is Soma’s.” With his cheeks shining and breath quickened, the blessed Moon Lord embraced the boy, saying, “Well done, well done, child, you are wise.” He named him Budha. Budha, as told, begot a son, Pururavas, in Ilā. Pururavas was exceedingly generous, a great sacrificer, possessed of extraordinary brilliance, truthful, intelligent, handsome, and thoughtful. Because of the curse of Mitra and Varuna, Urvashi resolved, “I must dwell among humans,” and saw Pururavas. Upon seeing him, Urvashi abandoned pride and the desire for heavenly pleasures, becoming wholly absorbed in him and approaching him. Pururavas, beholding her surpassing all women of the world in beauty, delicacy, charm, playfulness, laughter, and other qualities, became wholly captivated by her. Both became absorbed in each other, seeing nothing else and abandoning all other purposes. Emboldened, the king spoke to her, “O beautiful-browed one, I desire you; be gracious, for I bear affection for you.” Thus addressed, Urvashi, her modesty overcome, replied, “So be it, if you uphold my conditions.” He asked her, “Tell me your conditions.