Sukta 23

Mantra 1

सोमा असृग्रमाशवो मधोर्मदस्य धारया । अभि विश्वानि काव्या ॥

The swift Somas have flowed forth in a stream of honeyed ecstasy; they move upon all the inspired works, awakening the hidden poetic truths within.

Mantra 2

अनु प्रत्नास आयवः पदं नवीयो अक्रमुः । रुचे जनन्त सूर्यम् ॥

Following the ancient ones, the living seekers have stepped to a newer station; out of luminous radiance they bring forth the Sun—an awakened truth-light within.

Mantra 4

अभि सोमास आयवः पवन्ते मद्यं मदम् । अभि कोशं मधुश्चुतम् ॥

The Somas, the aspiring powers, purify themselves and flow toward the rapture that is to be drunk; they flow toward the vessel that drips honey—toward the heart-cup of delight.

Mantra 5

सोमो अर्षति धर्णसिर्दधान इन्द्रियं रसम् । सुवीरो अभिशस्तिपाः ॥

Soma streams forth, a foundation of support, bearing the force-essence of Indra—powerful taste of being. He brings noble strength (good heroism) and guards us from hostile word and assault.

Mantra 6

इन्द्राय सोम पवसे देवेभ्यः सधमाद्यः । इन्दो वाजं सिषाससि ॥

For Indra thou flowest, O Soma; for the Gods as the common delight of their session. O Indu, thou seekest to set in motion the Vāja—plenitude of force and victorious increase—within us.

Mantra 7

अस्य पीत्वा मदानामिन्द्रो वृत्राण्यप्रति । जघान जघनच्च नु ॥

Having drunk of these ecstasies, Indra smote the Vṛtras that resist—he has smitten them, and even now he goes on smiting.