7 - Birth of Soma 

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

2. Formerly, Atri performed a great penance for three thou sand 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, Brahma, the grand father 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 culogiscd him. 

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

9. The Soma of excessive fame, circumambulated the ocean girt Earth twentyone 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 culogies 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 Rajasūya sacrifice with hundreds and thousands of gold picces 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 Ritvik was Hiranyagarbha Brahmä, Atri and Bhrugu Adhvaryus. Hari together with many sages was the participant. 

16. Nine goddesses who served him-Sinivālī, Kuhū, Dyuti, Puşti, Prabha, Vasu, Kirti, Dhruti, Lakşhmi. 

17. After the Avabhrutha^l ablution the overlord Moon who was unexcited and who was worshipped by Devas and sages shone excessively illuminating the ten quarters. 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

25. Then Brahma himself restrained Rudra and Ušanas and handed over Tarā back to Angiras. 

26. On seeing her pregnant, Bruhaspati 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 Işikā 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 Tarā "Tell us the truth; who is the father of this child Soma or Bruhaspati?" 

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 Tärā to clarify the doubt"O Tārā, tell us the truth whose son is this?” 

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

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

34. That noble king begot of Urvashi 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.