Chapter 1(a) - Introduction

Soma represents a multifaceted state in the whole extent of the Vedic literature. Soma is the name of a plant from which Soma juice is extracted and offered to the Gods. As the ritual plays a very important role in Rigveda it is only natural that Soma, the plant, the juice of which is so much used in the ritual is deified as one of the most important of Vedic God Soma. Soma, the Vedic God or Soma ritual is the making of synchronization of myth and ritual. Soma has been compared to and equated with many Vedic deities. Indra was the most popular of the Vedic deities and was known to be the ultimate consumer of large amounts of Soma^[1]. In the post Vedic mythology, Soma is identified with the Moon. Soma is the lord of all the plants. Soma is also called ‘Rajan’ and appears among the eight Vasus and the eight Lokapalas. Soma is a God of the flowing waters, a God of inspiration. There are a few myths that surround the origin of Soma as a God.

The word Soma comes from the root √su which means to extract or to make ready, prepare. These two meanings of the root give the two faces of Soma. On the side of esistence, extracting the finest quality of the foodstuffs in the process of metabolism and on the side of intelligence, preparing for all possible values of activity in the Soma is that thing which puts those two values together.

Soma played an extremely important role in Vedic rituals. Some of the most famous rituals are the Consecration of the King (Rajasuya), the drink of Power ritual (Vajapeya), varies Fire rituals (Agnishtoma). Soma juice is glorified as a drink of longevity. One of the important images of the Rigveda is Agni (the sacred fire) as the guide leading us to immortality (amrita) through the ritual of Soma. In the ritualistic process Soma ritual is one of the most important one which gradually assumed a cardinal and all important position in the Vedic religion.

Soma is described as a King and a Kshatriya. Soma’s rise to kingship also proves glorification of Soma cult. The Ninth Mandala of the Rigveda, it’s all the one hundred forty four hymns and six hymns from other books are dedicated to the God Soma. The entire Ninth Mandala of Rigveda is in praise of Soma which is pressed by stones and flows through the woollen strainer into the wooden vats.

The exhilarating power of Soma led to its being regarded as a divine drink bestowing immortal life. Hence it is called amrita, draught of immortality. Soma is immortal and the Gods drank him for immortality^[2]. He places his worshipper in the everlasting and imperishable world where there is eternal light and glory, and makes him immortal where king Vaivasvata lives^[3]. Soma has medicinal power also. In the Ayurveda, Soma is ‘Osadhiraja’, the king of all the medicine. Katyayana in Anukramanika states ‘Pavanam Saumvam’. Soma, the divinity had its Indo-Iranian counter representative. In Avesta Yasna IX: 17-20 Hoama is invoked where it is mentioned that an eagle brought Hoama from heaven to a high mountain. The God Soma heals the sick, making the blind to see and the lame to walk.

He is the guardian of men’s bodies and occupies their every limb, bestowing life in this world. The Soma draught is even said to dispel sin from the heart, to destroy falsehood and to promote truth. Soma had a very influential role developing and sustaining the Vedic tradition.

Footnotes and references:

[1]:

Rigveda 1. 30 11

[2]:

Rigveda 9. 106.8

[3]:

Rigveda 9. 113.7-8