Rig Veda · 770 of 1027
Mandala 9: HYMN XLVII. Soma Pavamana.
1.GREAT as he was, Soma hath gained strength by this high solemnity: joyous he riseth like a bull.
2.His task is done: his crushings of the Dasyus are made manifest: He sternly reckoneth their debts.
3.Soon as his song of praise is born, the Soma, Indra’s juice, becomes A thousand-winning thunderbolt.
4.Seer and Sustainer, he himself desireth riches for the sage When he embellisheth his songs.
5.Fain would they both win riches as in races of the steeds. In war Thou art upon the conquerors’ side.
Asked of Guide
Why is Soma called a 'thousand-winning thunderbolt' in this hymn?
The hymn treats Soma as an active divine force: when the seer’s “song of praise is born,” Soma transforms into a mighty weapon for Indra, hence “a thousand-winning thunderbolt,” meaning he becomes decisive power that secures many victories. The image ties Soma’s ritual potency to martial success—his strength is both sacred juice and instrument of triumph.
This links to other Rig Veda passages where Soma empowers gods and kings through ritual; see Mandala 8 where Soma repeatedly grants might to Indra and the warriors. Here the poet makes ritual efficacy tangible: praise invokes Soma, Soma becomes thunderbolt, and the community gains riches and victory.
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