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.
Read Rig Veda in the Vedapath app
Scan the QR code to open this directly in the app, with audio, word-by-word meanings, and more.