SECTION VI.Maitreya said:—"O revered sir, you have described to me the solar dynasty but I wish to hear now of the kings of the lunar dynasty, who are still well-known for their glorious deeds. It behoves you to relate it gladly to me".Parāçara said:—O foremost of Munis, hear from me, a description of the illustrious family of the moon which has produced many well-known kings of the earth. This family is adorned with many kings gifted with regal qualities of strength, valour, magnificence, prudence and energy such as Nahusha, Yayati, Kartavirya, Yaryuna and others. Hear I shall describe this family to you.Atri was the son of Brahmā, the creator of the universe, who originated from the lotus that grew from the navel of Nārāyana. The son of Atri was Soma whom Brahmā made the king of plants, Brāhmans and of the stars. Some celebrated a Rajshuya sacrifice and on account of the glory derived therefrom and the vast sovereignty which he had acquired he grew haughty and licentious. He carried off Tārā, the wife of Vrihaspati, the preceptor of gods.Soma did not give up Vrihaspati's wife though he was again and again requested by him, commanded by Brahmā and remonstrated by the holy sages. Usanas, who was an enemy of Vrihaspati, took the side of Soma. Rudra, who was a pupil of Angiras, the father of Vrihaspati, assisted his fellow student. Because their preceptor Usanas joined Soma, Jambha, Kujambha, all the Daityas, Dānavas and other enemies of the celestials came to his help. Indra and all other celestials assisted Vrihaspati.Thus there took place a terrible combat which being on account of Tāraka was called Tarakāmaya or Tarakā war. In this the celestials led by Rudra hurled their weapons upon the Asuras and the Asuras equally overwhelmed the gods with weapons. Thus in the conflict between the gods and demons the universe, greatly overwhelmed, sought protection of Brahmā. Thereupon the glorious God asked Usanas with the demons and Rudra with the celestials to desist from fighting and give back Tārā to Vrihaspati. Finding that she was pregnant Vrihaspati desired her no longer to keep her burden and in satisfaction of his orders she was delivered of a son whom she kept in a clump of long Munja grass. And the child as soon as it was born proved its character of divinity by its radiance. Beholding both Vrihaspati and Soma fascinated by the beauty of the child the celestials, to know whose son it was, asked Tārā, saying "O damsel whose son is he? Is he Vrihaspati's or Soma's". Being thus addressed Tārā was ashamed and did not answer.Though she was repeatedly asked by the celestials she was still mute and the child, being enraged, was about to curse her, saying—"Unless, O vile woman, you immediately speak out, who is my father, I shall so punish you for your useless shame that no woman in future shall speak the truth". Brahmā again interfered and pacifying the child said, addressing Tara "Tell me my daughter, is this the child of Vrihaspati or of Soma?" "Of Soma," said Tārā flushing. Thereupon the countenance of the king of constellations became bright, and expanded with joy. He at once embraced his son and said—"Well done my boy, forsooth thou art wise". And accordingly the boy was named Budha.I have already described how Budha begot Pururavas on Ilā. Paruravas was a prince famous for liberality, devotion, magnificence, love of truth and beauty. Having incurred the curse of Mitra and Varuna, Urvasi made up her mind to live in the land of mortals and descending there saw Pururavas. As soon as a she saw him she forgot all reserve and not caring for the comforts to heaven became greatly attached to him. And finding her far superior to all other females in beauty, elegance, symmetry, and delicacy, Pururavas was equally enamoured of her. Both the man and the woman were equally attached to each other and thought no more of any other object. The king then boldly said—"Fair woman, I love you; have pity on me and return my affection". Urvasi turning her face a little through modesty said—"I will do so, if you satisfy the conditions I propose to you"."What are they?" asked the king "speak them out". "I have two rams" said the nymph "which I love like my children; they must be kept by my bed-side and shall not be allowed to be carried away. You must not be seen by me undressed and clarified butter alone shall be my food". The king readily agreed to these terms.After this Pururavas and Urvasi lived together for sixty one thousand years in Alakā, sporting amidst the groves and lakes of Chaitraratha abounding in lotuses and the other forests. By these enjoyments Urvasi's attachment increased every day and she forgot all desire for residing in the region of immortals. In the absence of Urvasi heaven appeared devoid of beauty to the celestials, nymphs, genii and quiristers. Knowing the engagement that Urvasi had contracted with the king, Viswasvasu was appointed by the Gandharvas to bring about its dissolution. And coming by night to the room where they were sleeping he carried off one of the rams: Urvasi got up by its cries and exclaimed—"Ah me! who has stolen one of my children: Had I got a husband this would not have taken place. To whom shall I go for help?" The king heard the lamentations but could not go lest he might be seen undressed. The Gandharvas then took away another ram. Again hearing the sound of its being stolen away in the sky she lamented saying—"Alas I have got no husband. I have taken the shelter of a dastardly person". Thinking "it is darkness" the king took up a dagger and pursued them, saying—"stop, O wicked I shall soon slay you". Immediately the Gandharvas created a flash of brilliant lightning in the room and the king was seen undressed by Urvasi. The contract was broken and she instantly disappeared. And leaving behind the rams the Gandharvas too went to the region of the celestials. Taking the rams, the king, delighted came back to his bed-room but found no Urvasi. Not finding her he wandered naked all over the world like a maniac. At length arriving at Kurukshetra he saw Urvasi sporting with four other nymphs in a lake abounding in lotuses. Like a mad man the king neared him and exclaimed—"O my wife, wait, speak with me, O thou of an iron heart". Urvasi replied—"O great king useless is this inconsiderate attempt. I am now pregnant, go away just now and come here again after a year when I shall give you a son and remain with you for one night". Being thus solaced Pururavas came back to his capital. Urvasi then said to her mates. "This king is that excellent man bring drawn by whose attachment I lived for such a long time". Hearing this the other nymphs said, "Great is his beauty; we too with him could live happily for ever".After the expiration of a year the king again came to that place and Urvasi gave him a son by the name of Ayus. Living with him for one night she again became pregnant to bear to him five sons. She then said to the king—"O king all the Gandharvas, on account of their regard for me, are ready to confer upon thee a boon. Do thou pray for it". The king said—"I have slain all my enemies—my faculties are all very powerful; I have friends, relations, armies and treasures; so there is nothing which I want but living with my Urvasi in the same region. So I wish to live with her always".After he had spoken this the Gandharvas brought to him a vessel with fire and said,—"Take this fire and according to the precepts of the Vedas divide it into three parts: then offer oblation to it for Urvasi and your desires shall thus be gratified". The Gandharvas having said this, the king took the vessel and went away. Then coming to a forest he thought—"Oh, what stupid I am; I have brought this vessel but not Urvasi". Then leaving the vessel there he came back to his capital. When half the night had passed he awoke and thought—"The Gandharvas conferred upon me this vessel of fire to enable me to live with Urvasi. I have left that in the forest. I shall go there to bring it". Having said this he went there but did not find the vessel. Then beholding a young Ashwattha tree growing out of a Sami plant he argued within himself—"I left here a vessel of fire and I now see a young Ashwattha tree growing out of a Sami plant. I shall take this type of fire to my capital and having created fire by their attrition I will worship it".Having thus made up his mind he took the plants to his city and made their wood for attrition with pieces of as many inches as there are syllables in the Gayatri. He recited that verse and rubbed together sticks of as many inches as he recited syllables in the Gayatri, Having created fire there-from he divided it into three portions according to the precepts of the Vedas and offered oblations to it with the view of obtaining re-union with Urvasi. Having performed many sacrifices with this fire he attained to the region of the Gandharvas and suffered no more separation from his beloved Urvasi. Thus fire, that was at first one, was made three-fold in the present Manwantara by the son of Ilā.
SECTION VI.Maitreya said:—"O revered sir, you have described to me the solar dynasty but I wish to hear now of the kings of the lunar dynasty, who are still well-known for their glorious deeds. It behoves you to relate it gladly to me".Parāçara said:—O foremost of Munis, hear from me, a description of the illustrious family of the moon which has produced many well-known kings of the earth. This family is adorned with many kings gifted with regal qualities of strength, valour, magnificence, prudence and energy such as Nahusha, Yayati, Kartavirya, Yaryuna and others. Hear I shall describe this family to you.Atri was the son of Brahmā, the creator of the universe, who originated from the lotus that grew from the navel of Nārāyana. The son of Atri was Soma whom Brahmā made the king of plants, Brāhmans and of the stars. Some celebrated a Rajshuya sacrifice and on account of the glory derived therefrom and the vast sovereignty which he had acquired he grew haughty and licentious. He carried off Tārā, the wife of Vrihaspati, the preceptor of gods.Soma did not give up Vrihaspati's wife though he was again and again requested by him, commanded by Brahmā and remonstrated by the holy sages. Usanas, who was an enemy of Vrihaspati, took the side of Soma. Rudra, who was a pupil of Angiras, the father of Vrihaspati, assisted his fellow student. Because their preceptor Usanas joined Soma, Jambha, Kujambha, all the Daityas, Dānavas and other enemies of the celestials came to his help. Indra and all other celestials assisted Vrihaspati.Thus there took place a terrible combat which being on account of Tāraka was called Tarakāmaya or Tarakā war. In this the celestials led by Rudra hurled their weapons upon the Asuras and the Asuras equally overwhelmed the gods with weapons. Thus in the conflict between the gods and demons the universe, greatly overwhelmed, sought protection of Brahmā. Thereupon the glorious God asked Usanas with the demons and Rudra with the celestials to desist from fighting and give back Tārā to Vrihaspati. Finding that she was pregnant Vrihaspati desired her no longer to keep her burden and in satisfaction of his orders she was delivered of a son whom she kept in a clump of long Munja grass. And the child as soon as it was born proved its character of divinity by its radiance. Beholding both Vrihaspati and Soma fascinated by the beauty of the child the celestials, to know whose son it was, asked Tārā, saying "O damsel whose son is he? Is he Vrihaspati's or Soma's". Being thus addressed Tārā was ashamed and did not answer.Though she was repeatedly asked by the celestials she was still mute and the child, being enraged, was about to curse her, saying—"Unless, O vile woman, you immediately speak out, who is my father, I shall so punish you for your useless shame that no woman in future shall speak the truth". Brahmā again interfered and pacifying the child said, addressing Tara "Tell me my daughter, is this the child of Vrihaspati or of Soma?" "Of Soma," said Tārā flushing. Thereupon the countenance of the king of constellations became bright, and expanded with joy. He at once embraced his son and said—"Well done my boy, forsooth thou art wise". And accordingly the boy was named Budha.I have already described how Budha begot Pururavas on Ilā. Paruravas was a prince famous for liberality, devotion, magnificence, love of truth and beauty. Having incurred the curse of Mitra and Varuna, Urvasi made up her mind to live in the land of mortals and descending there saw Pururavas. As soon as a she saw him she forgot all reserve and not caring for the comforts to heaven became greatly attached to him. And finding her far superior to all other females in beauty, elegance, symmetry, and delicacy, Pururavas was equally enamoured of her. Both the man and the woman were equally attached to each other and thought no more of any other object. The king then boldly said—"Fair woman, I love you; have pity on me and return my affection". Urvasi turning her face a little through modesty said—"I will do so, if you satisfy the conditions I propose to you"."What are they?" asked the king "speak them out". "I have two rams" said the nymph "which I love like my children; they must be kept by my bed-side and shall not be allowed to be carried away. You must not be seen by me undressed and clarified butter alone shall be my food". The king readily agreed to these terms.After this Pururavas and Urvasi lived together for sixty one thousand years in Alakā, sporting amidst the groves and lakes of Chaitraratha abounding in lotuses and the other forests. By these enjoyments Urvasi's attachment increased every day and she forgot all desire for residing in the region of immortals. In the absence of Urvasi heaven appeared devoid of beauty to the celestials, nymphs, genii and quiristers. Knowing the engagement that Urvasi had contracted with the king, Viswasvasu was appointed by the Gandharvas to bring about its dissolution. And coming by night to the room where they were sleeping he carried off one of the rams: Urvasi got up by its cries and exclaimed—"Ah me! who has stolen one of my children: Had I got a husband this would not have taken place. To whom shall I go for help?" The king heard the lamentations but could not go lest he might be seen undressed. The Gandharvas then took away another ram. Again hearing the sound of its being stolen away in the sky she lamented saying—"Alas I have got no husband. I have taken the shelter of a dastardly person". Thinking "it is darkness" the king took up a dagger and pursued them, saying—"stop, O wicked I shall soon slay you". Immediately the Gandharvas created a flash of brilliant lightning in the room and the king was seen undressed by Urvasi. The contract was broken and she instantly disappeared. And leaving behind the rams the Gandharvas too went to the region of the celestials. Taking the rams, the king, delighted came back to his bed-room but found no Urvasi. Not finding her he wandered naked all over the world like a maniac. At length arriving at Kurukshetra he saw Urvasi sporting with four other nymphs in a lake abounding in lotuses. Like a mad man the king neared him and exclaimed—"O my wife, wait, speak with me, O thou of an iron heart". Urvasi replied—"O great king useless is this inconsiderate attempt. I am now pregnant, go away just now and come here again after a year when I shall give you a son and remain with you for one night". Being thus solaced Pururavas came back to his capital. Urvasi then said to her mates. "This king is that excellent man bring drawn by whose attachment I lived for such a long time". Hearing this the other nymphs said, "Great is his beauty; we too with him could live happily for ever".After the expiration of a year the king again came to that place and Urvasi gave him a son by the name of Ayus. Living with him for one night she again became pregnant to bear to him five sons. She then said to the king—"O king all the Gandharvas, on account of their regard for me, are ready to confer upon thee a boon. Do thou pray for it". The king said—"I have slain all my enemies—my faculties are all very powerful; I have friends, relations, armies and treasures; so there is nothing which I want but living with my Urvasi in the same region. So I wish to live with her always".After he had spoken this the Gandharvas brought to him a vessel with fire and said,—"Take this fire and according to the precepts of the Vedas divide it into three parts: then offer oblation to it for Urvasi and your desires shall thus be gratified". The Gandharvas having said this, the king took the vessel and went away. Then coming to a forest he thought—"Oh, what stupid I am; I have brought this vessel but not Urvasi". Then leaving the vessel there he came back to his capital. When half the night had passed he awoke and thought—"The Gandharvas conferred upon me this vessel of fire to enable me to live with Urvasi. I have left that in the forest. I shall go there to bring it". Having said this he went there but did not find the vessel. Then beholding a young Ashwattha tree growing out of a Sami plant he argued within himself—"I left here a vessel of fire and I now see a young Ashwattha tree growing out of a Sami plant. I shall take this type of fire to my capital and having created fire by their attrition I will worship it".Having thus made up his mind he took the plants to his city and made their wood for attrition with pieces of as many inches as there are syllables in the Gayatri. He recited that verse and rubbed together sticks of as many inches as he recited syllables in the Gayatri, Having created fire there-from he divided it into three portions according to the precepts of the Vedas and offered oblations to it with the view of obtaining re-union with Urvasi. Having performed many sacrifices with this fire he attained to the region of the Gandharvas and suffered no more separation from his beloved Urvasi. Thus fire, that was at first one, was made three-fold in the present Manwantara by the son of Ilā.
SECTION VI.Maitreya said:—"O revered sir, you have described to me the solar dynasty but I wish to hear now of the kings of the lunar dynasty, who are still well-known for their glorious deeds. It behoves you to relate it gladly to me".Parāçara said:—O foremost of Munis, hear from me, a description of the illustrious family of the moon which has produced many well-known kings of the earth. This family is adorned with many kings gifted with regal qualities of strength, valour, magnificence, prudence and energy such as Nahusha, Yayati, Kartavirya, Yaryuna and others. Hear I shall describe this family to you.Atri was the son of Brahmā, the creator of the universe, who originated from the lotus that grew from the navel of Nārāyana. The son of Atri was Soma whom Brahmā made the king of plants, Brāhmans and of the stars. Some celebrated a Rajshuya sacrifice and on account of the glory derived therefrom and the vast sovereignty which he had acquired he grew haughty and licentious. He carried off Tārā, the wife of Vrihaspati, the preceptor of gods.Soma did not give up Vrihaspati's wife though he was again and again requested by him, commanded by Brahmā and remonstrated by the holy sages. Usanas, who was an enemy of Vrihaspati, took the side of Soma. Rudra, who was a pupil of Angiras, the father of Vrihaspati, assisted his fellow student. Because their preceptor Usanas joined Soma, Jambha, Kujambha, all the Daityas, Dānavas and other enemies of the celestials came to his help. Indra and all other celestials assisted Vrihaspati.Thus there took place a terrible combat which being on account of Tāraka was called Tarakāmaya or Tarakā war. In this the celestials led by Rudra hurled their weapons upon the Asuras and the Asuras equally overwhelmed the gods with weapons. Thus in the conflict between the gods and demons the universe, greatly overwhelmed, sought protection of Brahmā. Thereupon the glorious God asked Usanas with the demons and Rudra with the celestials to desist from fighting and give back Tārā to Vrihaspati. Finding that she was pregnant Vrihaspati desired her no longer to keep her burden and in satisfaction of his orders she was delivered of a son whom she kept in a clump of long Munja grass. And the child as soon as it was born proved its character of divinity by its radiance. Beholding both Vrihaspati and Soma fascinated by the beauty of the child the celestials, to know whose son it was, asked Tārā, saying "O damsel whose son is he? Is he Vrihaspati's or Soma's". Being thus addressed Tārā was ashamed and did not answer.Though she was repeatedly asked by the celestials she was still mute and the child, being enraged, was about to curse her, saying—"Unless, O vile woman, you immediately speak out, who is my father, I shall so punish you for your useless shame that no woman in future shall speak the truth". Brahmā again interfered and pacifying the child said, addressing Tara "Tell me my daughter, is this the child of Vrihaspati or of Soma?" "Of Soma," said Tārā flushing. Thereupon the countenance of the king of constellations became bright, and expanded with joy. He at once embraced his son and said—"Well done my boy, forsooth thou art wise". And accordingly the boy was named Budha.I have already described how Budha begot Pururavas on Ilā. Paruravas was a prince famous for liberality, devotion, magnificence, love of truth and beauty. Having incurred the curse of Mitra and Varuna, Urvasi made up her mind to live in the land of mortals and descending there saw Pururavas. As soon as a she saw him she forgot all reserve and not caring for the comforts to heaven became greatly attached to him. And finding her far superior to all other females in beauty, elegance, symmetry, and delicacy, Pururavas was equally enamoured of her. Both the man and the woman were equally attached to each other and thought no more of any other object. The king then boldly said—"Fair woman, I love you; have pity on me and return my affection". Urvasi turning her face a little through modesty said—"I will do so, if you satisfy the conditions I propose to you"."What are they?" asked the king "speak them out". "I have two rams" said the nymph "which I love like my children; they must be kept by my bed-side and shall not be allowed to be carried away. You must not be seen by me undressed and clarified butter alone shall be my food". The king readily agreed to these terms.After this Pururavas and Urvasi lived together for sixty one thousand years in Alakā, sporting amidst the groves and lakes of Chaitraratha abounding in lotuses and the other forests. By these enjoyments Urvasi's attachment increased every day and she forgot all desire for residing in the region of immortals. In the absence of Urvasi heaven appeared devoid of beauty to the celestials, nymphs, genii and quiristers. Knowing the engagement that Urvasi had contracted with the king, Viswasvasu was appointed by the Gandharvas to bring about its dissolution. And coming by night to the room where they were sleeping he carried off one of the rams: Urvasi got up by its cries and exclaimed—"Ah me! who has stolen one of my children: Had I got a husband this would not have taken place. To whom shall I go for help?" The king heard the lamentations but could not go lest he might be seen undressed. The Gandharvas then took away another ram. Again hearing the sound of its being stolen away in the sky she lamented saying—"Alas I have got no husband. I have taken the shelter of a dastardly person". Thinking "it is darkness" the king took up a dagger and pursued them, saying—"stop, O wicked I shall soon slay you". Immediately the Gandharvas created a flash of brilliant lightning in the room and the king was seen undressed by Urvasi. The contract was broken and she instantly disappeared. And leaving behind the rams the Gandharvas too went to the region of the celestials. Taking the rams, the king, delighted came back to his bed-room but found no Urvasi. Not finding her he wandered naked all over the world like a maniac. At length arriving at Kurukshetra he saw Urvasi sporting with four other nymphs in a lake abounding in lotuses. Like a mad man the king neared him and exclaimed—"O my wife, wait, speak with me, O thou of an iron heart". Urvasi replied—"O great king useless is this inconsiderate attempt. I am now pregnant, go away just now and come here again after a year when I shall give you a son and remain with you for one night". Being thus solaced Pururavas came back to his capital. Urvasi then said to her mates. "This king is that excellent man bring drawn by whose attachment I lived for such a long time". Hearing this the other nymphs said, "Great is his beauty; we too with him could live happily for ever".After the expiration of a year the king again came to that place and Urvasi gave him a son by the name of Ayus. Living with him for one night she again became pregnant to bear to him five sons. She then said to the king—"O king all the Gandharvas, on account of their regard for me, are ready to confer upon thee a boon. Do thou pray for it". The king said—"I have slain all my enemies—my faculties are all very powerful; I have friends, relations, armies and treasures; so there is nothing which I want but living with my Urvasi in the same region. So I wish to live with her always".After he had spoken this the Gandharvas brought to him a vessel with fire and said,—"Take this fire and according to the precepts of the Vedas divide it into three parts: then offer oblation to it for Urvasi and your desires shall thus be gratified". The Gandharvas having said this, the king took the vessel and went away. Then coming to a forest he thought—"Oh, what stupid I am; I have brought this vessel but not Urvasi". Then leaving the vessel there he came back to his capital. When half the night had passed he awoke and thought—"The Gandharvas conferred upon me this vessel of fire to enable me to live with Urvasi. I have left that in the forest. I shall go there to bring it". Having said this he went there but did not find the vessel. Then beholding a young Ashwattha tree growing out of a Sami plant he argued within himself—"I left here a vessel of fire and I now see a young Ashwattha tree growing out of a Sami plant. I shall take this type of fire to my capital and having created fire by their attrition I will worship it".Having thus made up his mind he took the plants to his city and made their wood for attrition with pieces of as many inches as there are syllables in the Gayatri. He recited that verse and rubbed together sticks of as many inches as he recited syllables in the Gayatri, Having created fire there-from he divided it into three portions according to the precepts of the Vedas and offered oblations to it with the view of obtaining re-union with Urvasi. Having performed many sacrifices with this fire he attained to the region of the Gandharvas and suffered no more separation from his beloved Urvasi. Thus fire, that was at first one, was made three-fold in the present Manwantara by the son of Ilā.
Maitreya said:—"O revered sir, you have described to me the solar dynasty but I wish to hear now of the kings of the lunar dynasty, who are still well-known for their glorious deeds. It behoves you to relate it gladly to me".
Parāçara said:—O foremost of Munis, hear from me, a description of the illustrious family of the moon which has produced many well-known kings of the earth. This family is adorned with many kings gifted with regal qualities of strength, valour, magnificence, prudence and energy such as Nahusha, Yayati, Kartavirya, Yaryuna and others. Hear I shall describe this family to you.
Atri was the son of Brahmā, the creator of the universe, who originated from the lotus that grew from the navel of Nārāyana. The son of Atri was Soma whom Brahmā made the king of plants, Brāhmans and of the stars. Some celebrated a Rajshuya sacrifice and on account of the glory derived therefrom and the vast sovereignty which he had acquired he grew haughty and licentious. He carried off Tārā, the wife of Vrihaspati, the preceptor of gods.
Soma did not give up Vrihaspati's wife though he was again and again requested by him, commanded by Brahmā and remonstrated by the holy sages. Usanas, who was an enemy of Vrihaspati, took the side of Soma. Rudra, who was a pupil of Angiras, the father of Vrihaspati, assisted his fellow student. Because their preceptor Usanas joined Soma, Jambha, Kujambha, all the Daityas, Dānavas and other enemies of the celestials came to his help. Indra and all other celestials assisted Vrihaspati.
Thus there took place a terrible combat which being on account of Tāraka was called Tarakāmaya or Tarakā war. In this the celestials led by Rudra hurled their weapons upon the Asuras and the Asuras equally overwhelmed the gods with weapons. Thus in the conflict between the gods and demons the universe, greatly overwhelmed, sought protection of Brahmā. Thereupon the glorious God asked Usanas with the demons and Rudra with the celestials to desist from fighting and give back Tārā to Vrihaspati. Finding that she was pregnant Vrihaspati desired her no longer to keep her burden and in satisfaction of his orders she was delivered of a son whom she kept in a clump of long Munja grass. And the child as soon as it was born proved its character of divinity by its radiance. Beholding both Vrihaspati and Soma fascinated by the beauty of the child the celestials, to know whose son it was, asked Tārā, saying "O damsel whose son is he? Is he Vrihaspati's or Soma's". Being thus addressed Tārā was ashamed and did not answer.
Though she was repeatedly asked by the celestials she was still mute and the child, being enraged, was about to curse her, saying—"Unless, O vile woman, you immediately speak out, who is my father, I shall so punish you for your useless shame that no woman in future shall speak the truth". Brahmā again interfered and pacifying the child said, addressing Tara "Tell me my daughter, is this the child of Vrihaspati or of Soma?" "Of Soma," said Tārā flushing. Thereupon the countenance of the king of constellations became bright, and expanded with joy. He at once embraced his son and said—"Well done my boy, forsooth thou art wise". And accordingly the boy was named Budha.
I have already described how Budha begot Pururavas on Ilā. Paruravas was a prince famous for liberality, devotion, magnificence, love of truth and beauty. Having incurred the curse of Mitra and Varuna, Urvasi made up her mind to live in the land of mortals and descending there saw Pururavas. As soon as a she saw him she forgot all reserve and not caring for the comforts to heaven became greatly attached to him. And finding her far superior to all other females in beauty, elegance, symmetry, and delicacy, Pururavas was equally enamoured of her. Both the man and the woman were equally attached to each other and thought no more of any other object. The king then boldly said—"Fair woman, I love you; have pity on me and return my affection". Urvasi turning her face a little through modesty said—"I will do so, if you satisfy the conditions I propose to you".
"What are they?" asked the king "speak them out". "I have two rams" said the nymph "which I love like my children; they must be kept by my bed-side and shall not be allowed to be carried away. You must not be seen by me undressed and clarified butter alone shall be my food". The king readily agreed to these terms.
After this Pururavas and Urvasi lived together for sixty one thousand years in Alakā, sporting amidst the groves and lakes of Chaitraratha abounding in lotuses and the other forests. By these enjoyments Urvasi's attachment increased every day and she forgot all desire for residing in the region of immortals. In the absence of Urvasi heaven appeared devoid of beauty to the celestials, nymphs, genii and quiristers. Knowing the engagement that Urvasi had contracted with the king, Viswasvasu was appointed by the Gandharvas to bring about its dissolution. And coming by night to the room where they were sleeping he carried off one of the rams: Urvasi got up by its cries and exclaimed—"Ah me! who has stolen one of my children: Had I got a husband this would not have taken place. To whom shall I go for help?" The king heard the lamentations but could not go lest he might be seen undressed. The Gandharvas then took away another ram. Again hearing the sound of its being stolen away in the sky she lamented saying—"Alas I have got no husband. I have taken the shelter of a dastardly person". Thinking "it is darkness" the king took up a dagger and pursued them, saying—"stop, O wicked I shall soon slay you". Immediately the Gandharvas created a flash of brilliant lightning in the room and the king was seen undressed by Urvasi. The contract was broken and she instantly disappeared. And leaving behind the rams the Gandharvas too went to the region of the celestials. Taking the rams, the king, delighted came back to his bed-room but found no Urvasi. Not finding her he wandered naked all over the world like a maniac. At length arriving at Kurukshetra he saw Urvasi sporting with four other nymphs in a lake abounding in lotuses. Like a mad man the king neared him and exclaimed—"O my wife, wait, speak with me, O thou of an iron heart". Urvasi replied—"O great king useless is this inconsiderate attempt. I am now pregnant, go away just now and come here again after a year when I shall give you a son and remain with you for one night". Being thus solaced Pururavas came back to his capital. Urvasi then said to her mates. "This king is that excellent man bring drawn by whose attachment I lived for such a long time". Hearing this the other nymphs said, "Great is his beauty; we too with him could live happily for ever".
After the expiration of a year the king again came to that place and Urvasi gave him a son by the name of Ayus. Living with him for one night she again became pregnant to bear to him five sons. She then said to the king—"O king all the Gandharvas, on account of their regard for me, are ready to confer upon thee a boon. Do thou pray for it". The king said—"I have slain all my enemies—my faculties are all very powerful; I have friends, relations, armies and treasures; so there is nothing which I want but living with my Urvasi in the same region. So I wish to live with her always".
After he had spoken this the Gandharvas brought to him a vessel with fire and said,—"Take this fire and according to the precepts of the Vedas divide it into three parts: then offer oblation to it for Urvasi and your desires shall thus be gratified". The Gandharvas having said this, the king took the vessel and went away. Then coming to a forest he thought—"Oh, what stupid I am; I have brought this vessel but not Urvasi". Then leaving the vessel there he came back to his capital. When half the night had passed he awoke and thought—"The Gandharvas conferred upon me this vessel of fire to enable me to live with Urvasi. I have left that in the forest. I shall go there to bring it". Having said this he went there but did not find the vessel. Then beholding a young Ashwattha tree growing out of a Sami plant he argued within himself—"I left here a vessel of fire and I now see a young Ashwattha tree growing out of a Sami plant. I shall take this type of fire to my capital and having created fire by their attrition I will worship it".
Having thus made up his mind he took the plants to his city and made their wood for attrition with pieces of as many inches as there are syllables in the Gayatri. He recited that verse and rubbed together sticks of as many inches as he recited syllables in the Gayatri, Having created fire there-from he divided it into three portions according to the precepts of the Vedas and offered oblations to it with the view of obtaining re-union with Urvasi. Having performed many sacrifices with this fire he attained to the region of the Gandharvas and suffered no more separation from his beloved Urvasi. Thus fire, that was at first one, was made three-fold in the present Manwantara by the son of Ilā.