Sukta 19
Sukta 9.19
Ascribed generally in RV 9 (Pavamāna Maṇḍala) to Soma-pavamāna seers; specific attribution for 9.19 varies by tradition (often treated as Soma hymns of the Pavamanas rather than a single fixed r̥ṣi).
Soma Pavamāna (the purifying Soma)
Gāyatrī (3 pādas × 8 syllables; typical for many Soma-pavamāna verses)
This short Soma-pavamāna hymn praises Soma as he is purified through the filter, asking him to bring “bright treasure” from both heaven and earth. It blends sacrificial imagery (the flowing, clarified draught and its nurturing powers) with a practical petition: Soma’s purified might should also subdue enemies, whether near or far.
Mantras
Mantra 1
यत्सोम चित्रमुक्थ्यं दिव्यं पार्थिवं वसु । तन्नः पुनान आ भर ॥
Whatever bright and manifold treasure, O Soma—worthy of the hymn, heavenly and also earthly—bring that to us as you purify yourself (in the inner stream).
Mantra 2
युवं हि स्थः स्वर्पती इन्द्रश्च सोम गोपती । ईशाना पिप्यतं धियः ॥
For you two indeed are the lords of the luminous world—Indra and Soma, guardians of the Rays; as masters, increase and fill our thoughts with power of light.
Mantra 3
वृषा पुनान आयुषु स्तनयन्नधि बर्हिषि । हरिः सन्योनिमासदत् ॥
The Bull, purifying himself in the currents of life, thundering, has taken his seat upon the sacred grass; the tawny one, becoming, has entered the womb of the rite.
Mantra 4
अवावशन्त धीतयो वृषभस्याधि रेतसि । सूनोर्वत्सस्य मातरः ॥
The inspired thoughts have lowed in response over the Bull’s seed; the Mothers of the young calf (the nurturers of the new-born light) attend and foster it.
Mantra 5
कुविद्वृषण्यन्तीभ्यः पुनानो गर्भमादधत् । याः शुक्रं दुहते पयः ॥
Might he, while purifying, place the embryo within the ardent, force-bearing powers—those who milk out the bright milk (the clarified luminous essence).
Mantra 6
उप शिक्षापतस्थुषो भियसमा धेहि शत्रुषु । पवमान विदा रयिम् ॥
Teach us from near: lay fear upon the adversaries who would rise against us; O Pavamāna, win for us the plenitude of being (rāyí).
Mantra 7
नि शत्रोः सोम वृष्ण्यं नि शुष्मं नि वयस्तिर । दूरे वा सतो अन्ति वा ॥
Cast down, O Soma, the adversary’s manly might; cast down his force, cast down his power of advance—whether he stands far away or near.
Frequently Asked Questions
It asks Soma, while he is being purified, to bring bright treasures (both heavenly and earthly) and to protect the worshippers by reducing hostile forces.
In the Soma ritual, the expressed juice is strained through a filter (often wool). The hymn poetically treats this as a sacred refining that makes Soma radiant, powerful, and fit to be offered.
They are nurturing powers associated with the rite—often understood as the waters, the filtering elements, or supportive divine forces that foster the newly clarified Soma and the light/strength it symbolizes.