Rig Veda · 771 of 1027
Mandala 9: HYMN XLVIII. Soma Pavamana.
1.WITH sacrifice we seek to thee kind Cherisher of manly might In mansions of the lofty heavens;
2.Gladdening crusher of the bold, ruling with very mighty sway, Destroyer of a hundred forts.
3.Hence, Sapient One! the Falcon, strong of wing, unwearied, brought thee down, Lord over riches, from the sky.
4.That each may see the light, the Bird brought us the guard of Law, the Friend Of all, the speeder through the air.
5.And now, sent forth, it hath attained to mighty power and majesty, Most active, ready to assist.
Asked of Guide
Why is Soma called a falcon and a bird in this hymn?
The hymn personifies Soma as a falcon because the rishis portray Soma as a swift, heavenly messenger who brings light and law to humans. Lines like “the Falcon, strong of wing” and “the Bird brought us the guard of Law” make Soma’s role vivid: descending from the sky, powerful and unwearied, delivering divine order and gifts.
That image links Soma’s ritual potency with kingship and protection — “Lord over riches” and “Destroyer of a hundred forts” present Soma as a warlike benefactor who secures wealth and strength. This kind of divine-as-bird metaphor appears elsewhere in the Vedas, where swift birds often carry sacred power down from the heavens to the world.
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