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Dhammapada · narration sample

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Rig Veda · 806 of 1027

Mandala 9: HYMN LXXXIII. Soma Pavamana.

1.SPREAD is thy cleansing filter, Brahmaṇaspati: as Prince, thou enterest its limbs from every side. The raw, whose mass hath not been heated gains not this: they only which are dressed, which bear, attain to it.

2.High in the seat of heaven is spread the Scorcher’s sieve: its threads are standing separate, glittering with light. The Swift Ones favour him who purifieth this: with consciousness they stand upon the height of heaven.

3.The foremost spotted Steer hath made the Mornings shine, and yearning after strength sustains all things that be. By his high wisdom have the mighty Sages wrought: the Fathers who behold mankind laid down the germ,

4.Gandharva verily protects his dwellingplace; Wondrous, he guards the generations of the Gods. Lord of the snare, he takes the foeman with the snare: those who are most devout have gained a share of meath.

5.Rich in oblations! robed in cloud, thou corapassest oblation, sacrifice, the mighty seat of Gods. King, on thy chariot-sieve thou goest up to war, and with a thousand weapons winnest lofty fame.

Asked of Guide

Why does the hymn call Soma a 'filter' and 'sieve' repeatedly?

The hymn portrays Soma as a purifier that must be refined to be effective: “the raw, whose mass hath not been heated gains not this; they only which are dressed, which bear, attain to it.” The image of a sieve or filter describes a process—heating, straining, dressing—that separates the potent, sacred juice from the unfit mass so Soma can ascend to the gods.

That purification gives Soma agency and rank: Brahmaṇaspati and the Scorcher attend the sieve, and Soma rides a “chariot-sieve” to win fame and sustenance for worshippers. This mirrors other Vedic hymns where sacrifice requires right preparation; compare Mandala 8 hymns where ritual precision lets the offering become sacrificial food for the gods.

Guide is the guide inside the Gnosis app, where every book on these shelves is free to read. Guide is the part you pay for — your guide has read all of them, and answers about the passage you’re actually on. Ask your guide your own question.