Chapter 7 - Birth of Soma

1. O Brahmins, the father of Soma, the saintly lord Atri was the mind-born son of Brahmā who was desirous of creating subjects.

2. Formerly, Atri performed a great penance for three thousand divine years. So we have heard.

3. His semen attaining the state of Soma juice rose up. Water exuded from his eyes in ten directions and illuminated the ten quarters.

4. The ten delighted goddesses of the quarters conceived that foetus. They held it collectively but they were unable to do so any longer.

5. When the ten quarters were unable to uphold the foetus, it fell down to the Earth along with them.

6. On seeing Soma fallen to the earth, Brahmā, the grandfather of the worlds, made him ride in a chariot for the welfare of the worlds.

7. O excellent sages, when the son of Atri the noble sage fell down, Devas, the sons of Brahmā, and others eulogised him.

8. The splendour of the refulgent Soma who was being eulogised, was spread all round for the nourishment of the worlds.

9. The Soma of excessive fame, circumambulated the ocean-girt Earth twenty-one times by means of that important chariot.

10. His splendour that exuded reached the Earth and turned into the medicinal herbs whereby the universe is sustained.

11. Lord Soma acquired refulgence through the eulogies and holy rites. The highly blessed lord performed penance for hundred thousand billion years.

12. Thereafter, O excellent sages, Brahmā the foremost among those who know the Brahman offered him kingdom of seeds, medicinal herbs, brahmins and waters.

13. After acquiring that extensive realm, Soma the most excellent of those who possess gentleness performed the Rājasūya sacrifice with hundreds and thousands of gold pieces as sacrificial gifts.

14. O brahmins, we have heard that Soma distributed the three worlds as gifts to those important brahminical sages who had assembled there for sacrifice.

15. The Ṛtvik was Hiraṇyagarbha Brahmā, Atri and Bhṛgu Adhvaryus. Hari together with many sages was the participant.

16. Nine goddesses who served him—Sinivālī, Kuhū, Dyuti, Puṣṭi, Prabhā, Vasu, Kīrti, Dhṛti, Lakṣmī.

17. After the Avabhṛtha^[1] ablution the overlord Moon who was unexcited and who was worshipped by Devas and sages shone excessively illuminating the ten quarters.

18. After attaining this rare prosperity coveted even by the sages, his intellect, O dear ones, whirled. In his impudence tactlessness too clouded his intellect.

19. Slighting the son of Aṅgiras, Soma who was deluded by the arrogance of excessive prosperity, suddenly abducted the wife of Bṛhaspati.

20. Although repeatedly requested by Devas and celestial sages he did not hand over Tārā back to Aṅgiras.

21-22. Uśanas then attacked Aṅgiras from the rear. Taking his bow Ajagava Rudra did the same. A massive miraculous missile Brahmaśiras was discharged by that noble deity aiming at Devas. Thereby their fame was destroyed.

23. Thereupon, the battle between Devas and Asuraṣ ensued. It became known as Tārakāmaya battle. The battle raged furiously causing destruction of the worlds.

24. O brahmins, Devas and Tuṣitas who remained alive sought shelter in the eternal and primordial god Brahmā.

25. Then Brahmā himself restrained Rudra and Uśanas and handed over Tārā back to Aṅgiras.

26. On seeing her pregnant, Bṛhaspati was furious and said—“By no means should the foetus be retained by you in your vaginal passage that belongs to me.”

27. She went to a forest of Iṣīkā reeds and expelled the foetus. Immediately after the birth that lordly child seized the bodies of Devas.

28. Thereupon, the excellent Devas became suspicious and said to Tārā “Tell us the truth; who is the father of this child Soma or Bṛhaspati?”

29. When she did not answer them on being asked by Devas, Kumāra the foremost among the slayers of Dasyus. began to curse her.

30. Thereupon, Brahmā restrained him and asked Tārā to clarify the doubt “O Tārā, tell us the truth whose son is this?”

31 -32. With her palms joined in reverence she told Brahmā that he was the son of Soma. Then Prajāpati Soma kissed him on the head and named the son Budha. Budha stands in the firmament diametrically opposite to Bṛhaspati.

33. In a princess he begot a son. His son was Purūravas of great brilliance, the son born to Ilā.

34. That noble king begot of Urvaśī seven sons. Thus the birth of Soma that increases fame has been recounted to you.

35-36. O excellent sages, now understand his line. Listening to the story of Soma is conducive to attaining wealth, longevity and health. It is holy. It is the means of attaining whatever is thought of. On hearing it one is released from all sins.

Footnotes and references:

[1]:

Avabhṛthasnāna: ablution of the sacrificer and the sacrificial vessels after a sacrifice.