Sukta 56
Sukta 9.56
Soma Pavamāna (purifying Soma)
This short Pavamāna hymn praises Soma as he rushes through the filter (pavitra), aligning with the vast cosmic Order (ṛtam bṛhat) and shattering obstructive forces (rakṣas/vighna). It also depicts the classic imagery of Soma being cleansed by the “ten maidens” (the fingers/streams of preparation) so that he becomes sweet and fit for Indra and Viṣṇu. The hymn ends in a protective prayer: may the purified Soma safeguard the singers from sin and distress.
Mantras
Mantra 1
परि सोम ऋतं बृहदाशुः पवित्रे अर्षति । विघ्नन्रक्षांसि देवयुः ॥
Around the vast Truth (ṛtam bṛhat) the swift Soma flows through the purifier, breaking the powers of obstruction; for he is the seeker of the Divine.
Mantra 2
यत्सोमो वाजमर्षति शतं धारा अपस्युवः । इन्द्रस्य सख्यमाविशन् ॥
When Soma flows toward the plenitude of force (vāja), his hundred working streams enter into the comradeship of Indra.
Mantra 3
अभि त्वा योषणो दश जारं न कन्यानूषत । मृज्यसे सोम सातये ॥
Ten maidens of the delight press toward you as to a lover; you are cleansed, O Soma, for the winning of the true gain.
Mantra 4
त्वमिन्द्राय विष्णवे स्वादुरिन्दो परि स्रव । नॄन्त्स्तोतॄन्पाह्यंहसः ॥
Flow around, O Indu, sweet for Indra and for Viṣṇu; guard our men, the singers, from distress and sin.
Frequently Asked Questions
It praises Soma as he is purified through the ritual filter, becomes aligned with cosmic truth (ṛta), destroys obstructive forces, and then protects the worshippers.
They are a poetic image for the agents of purification—often understood as the ten fingers involved in pressing/straining, or the flowing streams that cleanse and guide Soma.
Because purified Soma is offered to empower the gods; the verse asks Soma to be sweet for Indra and Viṣṇu and to protect the singers from aṃhas (harm, distress, or moral fault).