Sukta 54
Sukta 9.54
Soma Pavamāna
This short Pavamāna hymn praises Soma in the very act of purification, as the bright, ancient power whose “milk” (essence) is drawn out by tireless hands and made fit for the gods. Soma is acclaimed as standing above all worlds like the Sun, establishing luminous order, and is urged to flow for the gods’ delight, bringing strength (vāja) and abundance from the radiant “cows” (rays/wealth).
Mantras
Mantra 1
अस्य प्रत्नामनु द्युतं शुक्रं दुदुह्रे अह्रयः । पयः सहस्रसामृषिम् ॥
Following his ancient shining, the unwearying ones have milked out the bright milk: the seer who is a thousand-song—Soma as the rishi-power of luminous plenty.
Mantra 2
अयं सूर्य इवोपदृगयं सरांसि धावति । सप्त प्रवत आ दिवम् ॥
This one, like the Sun in his near-seeing, runs through the streams; he ascends by the seven slopes—towards heaven: Soma as the luminous movement that climbs from the lower currents to the height of consciousness.
Mantra 3
अयं विश्वानि तिष्ठति पुनानो भुवनोपरि । सोमो देवो न सूर्यः ॥
This Soma, purifying, stands above all worlds; a god like the Sun—fixed in the heights of being, establishing the luminous order over the whole nature.
Mantra 4
परि णो देववीतये वाजाँ अर्षसि गोमतः । पुनान इन्दविन्द्रयुः ॥
Flow around for us for the gods’ enjoyment—streams of vāja from the luminous herds; purifying Indu, desiring Indra: bring the plenitude of force and the rays of knowledge into our being.
Frequently Asked Questions
It praises Soma while he is being purified through the filter, describing him as bright, ancient, and sunlike, and asks him to bring strength and abundance for the gods and worshippers.
Because purified Soma is portrayed as a power of clear light and order, standing above the worlds and illuminating the whole realm of existence, like the Sun does.
It refers to Soma being filtered and clarified in the ritual, and also suggests an inner meaning: the refining of mind and life-force into a clear, luminous essence.