Sukta 27
Sukta 4.27
Vāmadeva Gautama (traditional for RV 4.27)
Soma/Śyena narrative (self-referential ṛṣi voice; also linked to Indra-Soma complex)
Triṣṭubh (probable)
This brief but intense hymn speaks in Vāmadeva’s self-referential voice, blending mystical autobiography with the Soma-Śyena myth: the seer knows the gods’ births even from the womb and breaks free like a falcon from iron fortresses. The narrative then turns to the perilous theft/bringing of Soma past the guardian Kṛśānu, culminating in Soma’s ritual availability as Indra’s exhilarating draught. Its purpose is to sacralize Soma’s acquisition and to proclaim inspired knowledge as a liberating, heaven-reaching power.
Mantras
Mantra 1
गर्भे नु सन्नन्वेषामवेदमहं देवानां जनिमानि विश्वा । शतं मा पुर आयसीररक्षन्नध श्येनो जवसा निरदीयम् ॥
Even while I was in the womb, I came to know by seeking all the births of the gods. A hundred iron fortresses guarded me; then as the Falcon, by speed of force, I broke out and flew forth—freeing the hidden knower from the imprisoning walls.
Mantra 2
न घा स मामप जोषं जभाराभीमास त्वक्षसा वीर्येण । ईर्मा पुरंधिरजहादरातीरुत वाताँ अतरच्छूशुवानः ॥
He did not carry me away from my delight; rather he pressed upon me with shaping force and hero-power. Then Purandhi cast off the denials, and, growing ever more intense, I crossed beyond the winds—beyond the restless motions of the life-breath into a steadier vastness.
Mantra 3
अव यच्छ्येनो अस्वनीदध द्योर्वि यद्यदि वात ऊहुः पुरंधिम् । सृजद्यदस्मा अव ह क्षिपज्ज्यां कृशानुरस्ता मनसा भुरण्यन् ॥
When the Falcon swooped downward, and when the winds of heaven drove and tossed the plenitude, then—letting it go for him—Kṛśānu the archer hurled down the bowstring; yet the Falcon, rushing with mind’s swift turning, bore onward and did not lose the treasure of delight.
Mantra 4
ऋजिप्य ईमिन्द्रावतो न भुज्युं श्येनो जभार बृहतो अधि ष्णोः । अन्तः पतत्पतत्र्यस्य पर्णमध यामनि प्रसितस्य तद्वेः ॥
The straight-winged one—like Bhujyu rescued by the Indra-powers—bore it from the Vast, from the lofty summit. Flying within, the wing of the winged moved; then, on the journey of the released impulse, he knew that decisive way—how the higher delight can be carried safely into life.
Mantra 5
अध श्वेतं कलशं गोभिरक्तमापिप्यानं मघवा शुक्रमन्धः । अध्वर्युभिः प्रयतं मध्वो अग्रमिन्द्रो मदाय प्रति धत्पिबध्यै शूरो मदाय प्रति धत्पिबध्यै ॥
Then the bounteous Indra set in front for drinking the white vessel, anointed with the rays, swelling with the bright Soma-essence. Prepared by the Adhvaryus, the first crest of sweetness—Indra, the hero, placed it before him for ecstasy: to drink and become mightier in the truth-force.
Frequently Asked Questions
It blends the seer Vāmadeva’s claim of extraordinary early knowledge with the myth of the falcon (Śyena) bringing Soma from a guarded realm, ending with Soma offered for Indra to drink.
The ‘iron fortresses’ symbolize strong confinement—mythic and inner. The breakout as the falcon suggests liberation: inspired knowledge and divine essence cannot be permanently imprisoned.
Kṛśānu appears as a guardian/archer who tries to stop or strike the falcon during the Soma-bringing episode. His presence highlights the danger and difficulty of obtaining Soma.