Rig Veda · 732 of 1027
Mandala 9: HYMN IX. Soma Pavamana.
1.THE Sage of Heaven whose heart is wise, when laid between both hands and pressed, Sends us delightful powers of life.
2.On, onward to a glorious home; dear to the people void of guile, With excellent enjoyment, flow.
3.He, the bright Son, when born illumed his Parents who had sprung to life, Great Son great Strengtheners of Law.
4.Urged by the seven devotions he hath stirred the guileless rivers which Have magnified the Single Eye.
5.These helped to might theYouthful One, high over all, invincible, Even Indu, Indra! in thy law.
6.The immortal Courser, good to draw, looks down upon the Seven: the fount Hath satisfied the Goddesses
7.Aid us in holy rites, O Man: O Pavamana, drive away Dark shades that must be met in fight.
8.Make the paths ready for a hymn newer and newer evermore: Make the lights shine as erst they shone.
9.Give, Pavamana, high renown, give kine and steeds and hero sons: Win for us wisdom, win the light.
Asked of Guide
Who is Pavamana in this hymn, and what does he do for the worshippers?
Pavamana is the poured or purifying Soma, called “the Sage of Heaven” and “bright Son,” whose pressing between the hands sends “delightful powers of life.” The hymn portrays him as a living libation that illumines the parents, stirs rivers, and strengthens law — a sacramental force that brings vitality, order, and divine support.
For the worshippers Pavamana clears obstacles and grants practical boons: he is asked to “drive away dark shades,” prepare new hymns, restore light, and give “kine and steeds and hero sons” plus wisdom and renown. This reading echoes how the Bhagavata and later Puranic texts treat Soma as both ritual drink and deity who confers immortality and social prosperity.
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