Rig Veda · 748 of 1027
Mandala 9: HYMN XXV. Soma Pavamana.
1.GREEN-HUED! as one who giveth strength flow on for Gods to drink, a draught For Vāyu and the Marut host.
2.O Pavamana, sent by song, roaring about thy dwelling-place, Pass into Vāyu as Law bids.
3.The Steer shines with the Deities, dear Sage in his appointed home, Foe-Slayer, most beloved by Gods.
4.Taking each beauteous form, he goes, desirable, while purified, Thither where- the Immortals sit.
5.To Indra Soma flows, the Red, engendering song, exceeding wise, The visitor of living men.
6.Flow, best exhilarator, Sage, flow to the filter in a stream To seat thee in the place of song.
Asked of Guide
Why does the hymn call Soma “Pavamana” and ask it to flow to the Gods?
The hymn names Soma “Pavamana” — ‘‘purifying’’ or ‘‘going forth’’ — to describe the juice as a living, moving presence that cleanses and energizes. The repeated imperative ‘‘flow’’ treats Soma as an agent that must pass into Vāyu, the Maruts, and Indra so the Deities may drink and be «seated in the place of song.»
This movement makes Soma both sacrificial offering and composer of ritual power: when it reaches the Gods it ‘‘engender[s] song’’ and becomes the ‘‘best exhilarator,’’ linking cleansing, inspiration, and the communal act of worship. Compare the Rig Veda’s focus on ritual vitality with the Bhagavad Gita’s emphasis on yajna producing harmony through action.
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