The Purana Index v1.c5.s2.280

v1.c5.s2.280

Ila—the eldest son of Vaivasvata Manu, born of Putreṣṭi, anointed by Manu going to Mahendra hill for tapas; set out for digvijaya, when he reached Saravaṇa gardens where Umā was sporting with Śiva. There was a curse by which a male who entered the garden was turned into a female. So Ila became Ilā. Bewildered Ilā was wandering and was met by Budha, Soma's son. She agreed to be his partner and followed him. Ikṣvāku and his brothers were concerned at their missing Ila and were told by Vasiṣṭha of his whereabouts. On Vasiṣṭha's advice, Ikṣvāku performed an Aśvamedha, as the result of which Ila would be a Kimpuruṣa for a month and Ilā for the next alternately As Ilā, she gave birth to Purūravas, the first of the lunar race. In a way Ila was responsible for the two dynasties—solar and lunar.