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Dhammapada · narration sample

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Rig Veda · 753 of 1027

Mandala 9: HYMN XXX. Soma Pavamana.

1.STREAMS of this Potent One have flowed easily to the straining-cloth: While he is cleansed he lifts his voice.

2.Indu, by pressers urged to speed, bellowing out while beautified. Sends forth a very mighty sound.

3.Pour on us, Soma, with thy stream manconquering might which many crave, Accompanied with hero sons.

4.Hither hath Pavamana flowed, Soma flowed hither in a stream, To settle in the vats of wood.

5.To waters with the stones they drive thee tawny-hued, most rich in sweets, O Indu, to be Indra’s drink.

6.For Indra, for the Thunderer press the Soma very rich in sweets, Lovely, inspiriting, for strength.

Asked of Guide

Why does the hymn call Soma both 'Pavamana' and 'Indu'?

The hymn uses Pavamana to name Soma as the purifying, flowing essence — “Pavamana flowed” signals the juice being cleansed and offered, moving toward the vats. Indu appears as the energized, stirring form — “Indu, by pressers urged to speed” shows Soma as the pressed, sounding draught that rouses the godly powers.

Those two names set the ritual stages the hymn narrates: Pavamana emphasizes purification and movement, Indu emphasizes the pressing, bellowing, and its purpose “to be Indra’s drink.” This pairing mirrors how later Vedic commentators treat Soma’s dual life as both sacred liquid (see Sayana’s notes on the Soma ritual).

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