Rig Veda · 730 of 1027
Mandala 9: HYMN VII. Soma Pavamana.
1.FORTH on their way the glorious drops have flowed for maintenance of Law, Knowing this sacrifice’s course.
2.Down in the mighty waters sinks the stream of meath, most excellent, Oblation best of all in worth.
3.About the holy place, the Steer true, guileless, noblest, hath sent forth Continuous voices in the wood.
4.When, clothed in manly strength, the Sage flows in celestial wisdom round, The Strong would win the light of heaven.
5.When purified, he sits as King above the hosts, among his folk, What time the sages bring him nigh.
6.Dear, golden-coloured, in the fleece he sinks and settles in the wood: The Singer shows his zeal in hymns.
7.He goes to Indra, Vāyu, to the Aśvins, as his custom is, With gladdening juice which gives them joy.
8.Tle streams of pleasant Soma flow to Bhaga, Mitra-Varuṇa,— Well-knowing through his mighty powers. Heaven and Earth, riches of meath to win us wealth: Gain for us treasures and renown.
Asked of Guide
Why does the hymn call Soma a 'Steer' and describe it sinking 'in the fleece'?
The hymn personifies Soma as a noble Steer to show its role as a living sacrifice and source of ritual power: the Steer sends forth “continuous voices in the wood,” meaning the poured juice speaks through sound and blessing at the altar. Calling Soma “golden-coloured” and sinking “in the fleece” links the pressed juice to the she-goat or fleece used to catch it, making the ritual act both agricultural and intimate.
This language treats Soma as both drink and deity whose movement “to Indra, Vāyu, to the Aśvins” carries votive potency that rewards worshippers with “wealth” and “renown.” Compare the hymns collected in the Rig Veda where substances become agents—see Mandala 8 on Soma’s ascent—so ritual pouring becomes a divine passage that secures cosmic and social benefits.
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