Sukta 55
Sukta 9.55
Soma Pavamāna
This short Pavamāna hymn invokes Soma as the repeatedly flowing, self-purifying essence that brings nourishment, prosperity, and complete well-being to the sacrificer. It asks Soma to rush swiftly with his invigorating power, to reveal “cows” (rays/wealth) and “horses” (energies), and to become an unconquerable force that defeats inner and outer adversaries.
Mantras
Mantra 1
यवंयवं नो अन्धसा पुष्टम्पुष्टं परि स्रव । सोम विश्वा च सौभगा ॥
सोम, बार-बार हमारे पास आ। अपनी ताकत और बढ़ा के ले कर आ। हर तरह की खुशी और कामयाबी दे। हमारी ज़िन्दगी में पूरा सुख भर दे।
Mantra 2
इन्दो यथा तव स्तवो यथा ते जातमन्धसः । नि बर्हिषि प्रिये सदः ॥
इन्दु, तेरी महिमा जैसी है, तेरी ताकत उतनी ही है। आजा, प्यारे घास पर बैठ जा। हमारे मन में अपनी जगह बना ले।
Mantra 3
उत नो गोविदश्ववित्पवस्व सोमान्धसा । मक्षूतमेभिरहभिः ॥
सोम, हमारे लिए भी साफ हो। रोशनी और ताकत ढूँध के ला। जल्दी से आ, दिन जल्दी निकल रहे हैं। हमारी तरक्की में रोशनी और ताकत बढ़ा।
Mantra 4
यो जिनाति न जीयते हन्ति शत्रुमभीत्य । स पवस्व सहस्रजित् ॥
वो जीतता है और कोई उसे नहीं जीत सकता। वो दुश्मन पे चढ़ता है और डर नहीं लगता। ऐसे ही साफ हो जा, हज़ारों बार जीतने वाले। तू हमारे अंदर ऐसी ताकत बन जा कभी हारे नहीं।
Inside Sukta 55
How it unfolds
- Where it opens
A repeated call for Soma to flow around the worshippers with essence that increases ‘increase’ (puṣṭam-puṣṭam) and brings every felicity.
- Development
Soma is asked to purify as the finder of ‘cows’ and ‘horses’—imagery for light/wealth and dynamic power—moving swiftly with swift days (time’s forward drive).
- Climax
Soma is praised as the one who conquers without being conquered, who strikes the enemy by advancing—invoked as sahasrajit, the decisive victorious force.
- Where it settles
The hymn settles on the request that this purified, victorious Soma-power become present in the sacrificer’s sphere: prosperity, speed of progress, and unassailable strength.
The deity: Soma Pavamāna
- In the VedaSoma as ‘Pavamāna’ is the pressed and filtered (pūta) sacred drink that runs through the woolen strainer, shining, swift, and life-giving; he is praised as the bringer of abundance, victory, and auspicious harmony.
- Cosmic functionHe mediates vitality between heaven and earth: invigorating the gods, strengthening Indra-like victory, promoting growth, and sustaining ṛta through luminous, flowing power.
- Inner significanceThe purified Soma symbolizes clarified consciousness—energy refined from desire and confusion into strength, joy, and insight that overcomes hostile impulses and supports steady progress.
The seer
- Asita Kāśyapa (attributed, Pavamāna tradition)Kāśyapa gotra (traditional attribution; exact rishi for RV 9.55 is not explicitly preserved in the supplied data) · Associated with Soma-Pavamāna inspiration in the Ninth Maṇḍala and with the contemplative, seerly vision that links ritual Soma to inner illumination.
Famous verses
puṣṭam-puṣṭam pari srava
उत नो गोविदश्ववित्पवस्व सोमान्धसा । मक्षूतमेभिरहभिः ॥yo jināti na jīyate
Attributes of the deity
- self-purifying (pavamāna)
- swift-flowing, repeatedly returning
- bestower of puṣṭi (nourishment, increase)
- giver of saubhaga (good fortune, harmony)
- revealer of ‘cows’ (rays/wealth) and ‘horses’ (energies)
- victorious, enemy-smiting, ‘thousand-winner’ (sahasrajit)
Also by this seer
- Traditionally connected with other Soma/Pavamāna hymns in RV Maṇḍala 9 (general family attribution in later indices)
- Kāśyapa line is broadly credited across Vedic tradition with hymns addressing cosmic order (ṛta) and luminous deities (e.g., Soma, Agni, Ādityas)
The rite, step by step
- Press Soma (crush the plant) and collect the juice
- Mix/prepare with water as prescribed and guide it to the filter
- Filter through woolen strainer (pavitra) while reciting Pavamāna verses
- Collect purified Soma in vessels and offer portions into the fire and to deities
- Distribute/partake according to rite, praying for increase, fortune, and victory
Offerings
- Purified Soma juice (pavamāna)
- Ghee/clarified butter (as accompanying oblation in the rite)
- Optional ritual accompaniments per soma-yāga tradition (water, ladlings, sacred grass)
Frequently Asked Questions
This sukta praises Soma as Pavamāna—Soma in the act of being purified and flowing through the filter during the Soma ritual.
It asks for repeated nourishment and increase (puṣṭi), complete good fortune (saubhaga), swift forward progress, and victory over enemies or obstacles.
In Vedic symbolism, “cows” often suggest rays of light or wealth, and “horses” suggest energies or powers of action—Soma is invoked as the finder and giver of both.
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