Sukta 51
Sukta 9.51
Soma Pavamāna (ritual address to Adhvaryu; offering for Indra)
This short Pavamāna hymn directs the Adhvaryu to set the stone-pressed Soma flowing into the filter so it becomes ritually and spiritually purified for Indra’s drinking. It praises Soma as honeyed essence enjoyed by the gods (including the Maruts) and prays that the clarified stream bring strength (vāja) and lasting fame (śravas) to the sacrificer.
Mantras
Mantra 1
अध्वर्यो अद्रिभिः सुतं सोमं पवित्र आ सृज । पुनीहीन्द्राय पातवे ॥
O Adhvaryu, send forth into the filter the Soma pressed by stones; purify it, that Indra may drink—so the illumined will may be strengthened within us.
Mantra 2
दिवः पीयूषमुत्तमं सोममिन्द्राय वज्रिणे । सुनोता मधुमत्तमम् ॥
Press out the highest nectar of heaven, the Soma for Indra the wielder of the thunderbolt; press it—most honey-full—so the delight becomes a power of victorious truth.
Mantra 3
तव त्य इन्दो अन्धसो देवा मधोर्व्यश्नते । पवमानस्य मरुतः ॥
O Indu (Soma), of that thy pressing-essence the gods taste out the honeyed delight; and the Maruts too (share) of the self-purifying flow.
Mantra 4
त्वं हि सोम वर्धयन्त्सुतो मदाय भूर्णये । वृषन्त्स्तोतारमूतये ॥
For thou, O Soma, when pressed, growest in thy outpouring for the ecstasy; O mighty Bull, thou increasest the singer for his protection and help.
Mantra 5
अभ्यर्ष विचक्षण पवित्रं धारया सुतः । अभि वाजमुत श्रवः ॥
Flow forth, O clear-seeing one, pressed Soma, along the stream through the filter; flow toward plenitude of force (vāja) and toward the hearing-fame (śravas) of the soul.
Frequently Asked Questions
It tells the Adhvaryu to send the stone-pressed Soma into the filter (pavitra) and purify it so Indra may drink it.
Because Soma is not only for Indra; the hymn says the gods taste its sweetness, and the Maruts also share in the self-purifying flow.
It asks that the clarified Soma bring vāja (strength, victorious vitality) and śravas (renown, good repute that is ‘heard of’ and lasting).