Sukta 50
Sukta 9.50
Soma Pavamāna
This short Pavamāna hymn celebrates Soma as he surges in power and sound like a river-wave while being pressed and purified through the woolen filter. It highlights Soma’s sweet, exhilarating essence and his readiness to become Indra’s draught, strengthening victorious might and inspired speech.
Mantras
Mantra 1
उत्ते शुष्मास ईरते सिन्धोरूर्मेरिव स्वनः । वाणस्य चोदया पविम् ॥
Up rise thy puissant energies; like the roar of a river-wave is thy sound: urge on the driving force of the word, the edge that cleaves a path.
Mantra 2
प्रसवे त उदीरते तिस्रो वाचो मखस्युवः । यदव्य एषि सानवि ॥
At thy impulsion the threefold words arise—seeking the sacrifice—when thou goest upon the sheep’s wool, the ridge of the strainer.
Mantra 3
अव्यो वारे परि प्रियं हरिं हिन्वन्त्यद्रिभिः । पवमानं मधुश्चुतम् ॥
Around the beloved tawny one, in the woolen enclosure, they drive him on with the pressing-stones—Soma purifying himself, dripping sweetness of delight.
Mantra 4
आ पवस्व मदिन्तम पवित्रं धारया कवे । अर्कस्य योनिमासदम् ॥
Purify thyself and come, O most intoxicating, through the filter in a streaming current, O seer; take thy seat in the womb of the hymn—its originating source.
Mantra 5
स पवस्व मदिन्तम गोभिरञ्जानो अक्तुभिः । इन्दविन्द्राय पीतये ॥
So purify thyself, O most ecstasy-giving, anointed with the rays and with the luminous gleams; O drop of Soma, become for Indra’s drinking—strength for the conquering will.
Frequently Asked Questions
It praises Soma while he is being pressed and purified (Pavamāna), describing his powerful sound and sweet flow, and preparing him as a drink for Indra.
These are key tools in the Soma ritual: stones press out the juice, and the woolen strainer filters it, symbolizing purification and clarification of power.
Beyond the ritual, it suggests that raw energy and desire can be refined into clear strength, delight, and inspired speech that support right action and inner growth.