Sukta 53
Sukta 9.53
Soma Pavamāna (with ritual epithet adrivaḥ)
This short Pavamāna hymn invokes Soma as he is pressed and purified, urging his rising powers to smash rakṣas (demonic obstructions) and drive away hostile rivals. It affirms the inviolable “vratas” (fixed laws) of the purifying Soma and culminates in the image of the tawny Indu rushing like a river-current, becoming Indra’s exhilarating strength in battle and victory.
Mantras
Mantra 1
उत्ते शुष्मासो अस्थू रक्षो भिन्दन्तो अद्रिवः । नुदस्व याः परिस्पृधः ॥
Up rise thy forces, O wielder of the pressing-stones, breaking the demonic obstruction; drive away those that press around in hostile rivalry.
Mantra 2
अया निजघ्निरोजसा रथसंगे धने हिते । स्तवा अबिभ्युषा हृदा ॥
By this (power) he has smitten down with strength, in the clash of chariots, in the battle set for the prize; I praise (him) with a heart that fears not.
Mantra 3
अस्य व्रतानि नाधृषे पवमानस्य दूढ्या । रुज यस्त्वा पृतन्यति ॥
None can violate the firm laws of this purifying Soma; by his unshakable force break the one who wars against thee—shatter the hostile movement of consciousness.
Mantra 4
तं हिन्वन्ति मदच्युतं हरिं नदीषु वाजिनम् । इन्दुमिन्द्राय मत्सरम् ॥
They impel him—the tawny one whose ecstasy does not fall away—swift in the rivers; the drop (Indu) that is a rapturous intoxication for Indra, the force of luminous power.
Frequently Asked Questions
The hymn praises Soma in his form as Pavamāna—Soma flowing through the filter after pressing—also called adrivaḥ in connection with the pressing-stones.
As Soma is purified, his power rises to break demonic obstruction (rakṣas), repel hostile forces, and uphold firm sacred laws (vratas), while energizing Indra.
In the Vedic ritual, purified Soma is offered to Indra as a strengthening, exhilarating drink; the sukta calls Soma “the drop that is rapture for Indra,” supporting victory and power.