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Dhammapada · narration sample

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Rig Veda · 810 of 1027

Mandala 9: HYMN LXXXVII. Soma Pavamana.

1.RUN onward to the reservoir and seat thee: cleansed by the men speed forward to the battle. Making thee beauteous like an able courser, forth to the sacred grass with reins they lead thee.

2.Indu, the well-armed God, is flowing onward, who quells the curse and guards from treacherous onslaught, Father, begetter of the Gods, most skilful, the buttress of the heavens and earth’s supporter.

3.Ṛṣi and Sage, the Champion of the people, cleft and sagacious, Uśanā in wisdom, He hath discovered even their hidden nature, the Cows’ concealed and most mysterious title.

4.This thine own Soma rich in meath, O Indra, Steer for the Steer, hath flowed into the filter. The strong Free-giver, winning hundreds, thousands, hath reached the holy grass that never fails him.

5.These Somas are for wealth of countless cattle, renown therefor, and mighty strength immortal. These have been sent forth, urified by strainers, like steeds who rusg to battle fain for glory.

6.He, while he cleanses him, invoked of many, hath flowed to give the people all enjoyment. Thou whom the Falcon brought, bring, dainty viands, bestir thyself and send us wealth and booty.

7.This Soma, pressed into the cleansing filter, hath run as ’twere a host let loose, the Courser; Like a strong bull who whets his horns kpen-pointed, like a brave warrior in the fray for cattle.

8.He issued forth from out the loftiest mountain, and found kine hidden somewhere in a stable. Soma’s stream clears itself for thee, O Indra, like lightning thundering through the clouds of heaven,

9.Cleansing thyselr, and borne along with Indra, Soma, thou goest round the herd of cattle. May thy praise help us, Mighty One, prompt Giver, to the full ample food which thou bestowest.

Asked of Guide

Why is Soma repeatedly called Indu and linked with Indra in this hymn?

The hymn treats Soma as a divine, flowing presence—Indu means “bright, full” and names Soma’s sap as a life-giving draught. Lines like “Indu, the well-armed God, is flowing onward” and “borne along with Indra” present Soma as both substance and deity whose stream empowers ritual and warrior success.

Linking Soma with Indra shows their ritual partnership: Soma’s elixir fuels Indra’s might and kingship, while Indra’s victories reward Soma with cattle and praise. This mutual role echoes what Max Müller emphasizes in his Rig Veda studies about sacrificial drink and warrior deity forming a paired centre of Vedic ritual power.

Guide is the guide inside the Gnosis app, where every book on these shelves is free to read. Guide is the part you pay for — your guide has read all of them, and answers about the passage you’re actually on. Ask your guide your own question.