Rig Veda 9.39 - HYMN XXXIX Soma Pavamana
- Primary deity
- Soma Pavamana
- Rishi family
- Hymns from multiple lineages
- Verses
- 6
- Location
- Mandala 9, Sukta 39
This Sukta is the 39th hymn of Mandala 9, a book of 114 hymns known as The Soma Mandala. Its 6 verses are addressed chiefly to Soma Pavamana, and are given here in Devanagari, IAST transliteration and Griffith’s English rendering. By tradition the hymns of this Mandala belong to Hymns from multiple lineages.
The text is preserved here in three registers: the Devanagari Sanskrit of the Samhita, a scholarly IAST romanisation, and Ralph T. H. Griffith's 1896 English translation. Where our editors have published a verse-by-verse commentary it appears beneath the relevant Rik below, adding philological and contextual reading beyond the base translation.
Verses
Commentary
Certainly. Let us illuminate Rig Veda Book 9, Hymn 39, Verse 2:
Sanskrit:
परिष्क्र्ण्वन्ननिष्क्र्तं जनाय यातयन्निषः |
वर्ष्टिन्दिवः परि सरव ||
Romanized:
pariṣkṛṇvannaniṣkṛtaṃ janāya yātayanniṣaḥ |
vṛṣṭindivaḥ pari srava ||
Griffith Translation:
Preparing what is unprepared, and bringing store of food to man,
Make thou the rain descend from heaven.
1. Essential Meaning in Simple, Contemporary Language
This verse is a prayer and a praise, calling upon the divine force (Soma, the sacred drink and deity) to transform what is raw or unformed, to provide nourishment to people, and to let the life-giving rain flow from the heavens.
In essence, it asks the divine to make ready what is not yet prepared, to deliver sustenance, and to shower blessings (symbolized by rain) upon humanity.
2. Deeper Philosophical and Spiritual Significance
At its heart, this verse speaks of transformation and provision. The divine is seen as the power that takes what is incomplete or raw (aniṣkṛtaṃ), refines it, and makes it useful for human life. Just as rain from the sky turns barren earth fertile, the divine presence and grace turn our potential into fulfillment.
Spiritually, it symbolizes the journey from chaos to order, from possibility to reality, and from need to abundance. The “unprepared” may also refer to our own inner nature—our raw thoughts, feelings, or aspirations—that are shaped and matured through divine inspiration.
3. Key Deities, Concepts, and Metaphors
Soma:
In the context of Rig Veda Book 9, Soma is both a sacred ritual drink and a deity. Soma is pressed and purified, symbolizing the refinement of life, consciousness, and offerings.
Rain (varṣṭi):
Rain is the classic metaphor for grace, abundance, and blessing. It enables life to flourish, just as divine favor nurtures human existence.
Preparing the unprepared:
This is the act of transformation—taking what is latent and bringing it to fruition.
Store of food:
Literal sustenance, but also symbolic of all that humans need: material, emotional, and spiritual nourishment.
4. Connection to Universal Human Experience and Modern Life
This verse resonates with the universal hope for transformation and provision. Just as ancient people prayed for rain to grow crops, we today seek the “rain” of inspiration, opportunity, and support in our lives.
We all have raw talents, unresolved challenges, or unmanifest dreams. The verse gently reminds us that with divine help—through faith, effort, and openness—these can be shaped, refined, and made fruitful.
It also speaks to the interdependence between the human and the divine: our needs are met not only by our own actions but also by the larger, mysterious forces that sustain life.
5. Cultural and Historical Context
In Vedic times, rain was essential for survival—crops, food, and life itself depended on it. Soma rituals were performed to invoke cosmic harmony, abundance, and purification.
The verse reflects a worldview that sees nature and divinity as intimately connected. The prayers for rain, for food, and for transformation are not merely material requests, but spiritual acts acknowledging our dependence on higher powers.
6. Inspired, Accessible Reflection
This sacred hymn invites us to contemplate the process of transformation—in ourselves and in the world. It encourages us to trust that what is unfinished or uncertain in our lives can, with grace, become whole and abundant. The rain from heaven is a beautiful symbol: an unexpected blessing, a nourishing force, a gentle reminder that life’s fullness often arrives from beyond our efforts.
In our own lives, we can reflect:
What is unprepared within me? What needs refining or nurturing? Can I open myself to the “rain” of grace—new ideas, compassion, inspiration—that can help me grow and flourish?
The wisdom of this verse is timeless:
Transformation and abundance are possible. With faith, openness, and the blessings of the universe, what is raw can become ripe, what is empty can be filled, and what is ordinary can be made sacred.
May you receive the rain of blessings that brings forth the fullness of your life.
Commentary
Certainly! Let’s illuminate Rig Veda Book 9, Hymn 39, Verse 3:
Essential Meaning
The verse describes the sacred Soma juice as it moves through the filter (pavitra), imbued with strength and vitality (ojasā). It is described as far-seeing and radiant—spreading its light and awareness.
In simple language:
The Soma, when prepared and poured, passes through purification, bringing power and brilliance. It is keenly aware and shines forth, spreading energy and light.
Deeper Philosophical & Spiritual Significance
On the surface, this verse celebrates the ritualistic pressing and filtering of Soma, a sacred drink central to Vedic rituals. However, the imagery goes much deeper:
- Purification: Soma passing through the sieve symbolizes the journey of the soul or consciousness through the process of cleansing and refinement.
- Bestowing Power (Ojas): The purified essence is not just a drink, but a source of spiritual strength, vitality, and illumination.
- Far-seeing and Radiant: Soma is personified as a seer—awakened, aware, and shining with inner light. This represents the enlightened mind, capable of insight and discernment.
Key Concepts & Symbols
- Soma: Both a ritual drink and a symbol of divine inspiration, spiritual ecstasy, and transcendence.
- Pavitra (Sieve/Purifier): Represents the process of filtering out impurities—physically, mentally, and spiritually.
- Ojas (Vitality/Strength): The spiritual energy that supports life, health, and insight.
- Light & Vision: Symbolize knowledge, awareness, and the spreading of wisdom.
Connection to Universal Human Experience & Modern Life
- Personal Growth: Just as Soma is purified to release its power, we too must pass through our own filters—life’s challenges, introspection, and learning—to realize our true strength and potential.
- Mindful Living: The verse encourages us to seek clarity, to remove distractions and impurities from our lives, so that our inner light (wisdom, creativity, compassion) can shine forth.
- Spiritual Awakening: The “far-seeing” Soma is a metaphor for the awakened mind, one that perceives beyond the surface, sees the interconnectedness of all things, and radiates positivity.
Cultural & Historical Context
In Vedic rituals, Soma was more than a physical substance—it was revered as a deity, a bridge between humans and the divine. The process of its preparation was symbolic of inner purification, making the ritual not just an offering, but a transformative spiritual practice.
Contemporary Reflection
This verse invites us to reflect on our own journey of purification and growth. What are the filters in your life? What practices help you refine your thoughts and actions? How can you cultivate strength and clarity, so that your unique light contributes to the world?
Eternal Truth:
Just as Soma, purified and empowered, shines forth, so too can each of us—when we embrace the process of inner cleansing and cultivate awareness—become radiant sources of strength, wisdom, and inspiration.
In summary:
This ancient verse reminds us that true power and brilliance arise through the process of purification and conscious awareness. By nurturing clarity and vitality within ourselves, we can become far-seeing, radiant beings who enrich the world around us.
Commentary
Certainly! Let us delve deeply into Rig Veda, Book 9, Hymn 39, Verse 4:
Sanskrit: अयं स यो दिवस परि रघुयामा पवित्र आ | सिन्धोरूर्मा वयक्षरत
Romanized: ayaṃ sa yo divas pari raghuyāmā pavitra ā | sindhorūrmā vyakṣarat
Griffith Translation: This is it which in rapid course hath with the river’s wave flowed down From heaven upon the straining cloth.
1. Essential Meaning in Simple Language
This verse describes the sacred Soma juice, which flows swiftly like a river from the heights of heaven, passing through the filter (straining cloth) as it is purified and prepared for ritual use.
Put simply:
The divine Soma descends from the heavens, moving quickly and energetically, flowing like a wave through the purifier, much like a river’s current.
2. Deeper Philosophical and Spiritual Significance
On the surface, this verse details the physical process of preparing Soma—the sacred drink used in Vedic rituals. However, Vedic poetry is layered with symbolism.
- Soma is not just a physical substance, but a symbol of divine inspiration, spiritual ecstasy, and the nectar of immortality.
- The descent from heaven represents higher wisdom, grace, or spiritual energy entering the earthly realm.
- The river’s wave suggests the unstoppable, life-giving flow of consciousness.
- Passing through the strainer/purifier signifies the necessity of purification, refinement, or transformation before divine wisdom can be absorbed by individuals.
The deeper message:
Spiritual truth and divine energy must be received, purified, and assimilated before it can nourish and uplift the seeker.
3. Key Deities, Concepts, and Metaphors
- Soma: A plant and its juice, revered as both a deity and a symbol of transcendence, bliss, and inspiration.
- River (Sindhu): Often represents life, flow, continuity, and the movement of consciousness.
- Strainer (Pavitra): Symbolizes purification, the necessary process through which raw experience or knowledge becomes refined and fit for spiritual nourishment.
- Descent from Heaven: Implies that higher truths or blessings are gifts—graceful, yet requiring effort and preparation to receive.
4. Connection to Universal Human Experience and Modern Life
This verse speaks to a universal journey:
- Receiving inspiration or wisdom often feels like a sudden rush—a river from above.
- But before we can fully integrate higher truths, we must pass them through our own filter—reflection, discernment, and purification of mind and heart.
- Just as Soma must be strained and purified, so must our experiences and insights be processed for them to truly enrich us.
Modern connection:
In today’s world, we are inundated with information, ideas, and experiences. This verse reminds us that not all that flows to us is ready for consumption. The process of thoughtful reflection and purification is essential to transform raw inspiration into genuine wisdom and nourishment.
5. Cultural and Historical Context
- Soma rituals were central to Vedic worship. The preparation and offering of Soma were seen as inviting the gods’ blessings and connecting the earthly with the divine.
- The imagery of the river and strainer reflects both the natural world (India’s rivers, agricultural cycles) and the spiritual process of refining the self.
6. Inspiring Reflection
Let this verse remind you:
Divine grace, inspiration, and wisdom are always flowing towards us—sometimes suddenly and powerfully. But to truly benefit, we must cultivate our own inner “filter”: discernment, purity, and receptivity. When we do, the nectar of higher truth becomes accessible and transformative.
Personal reflection:
- What is flowing into your life right now?
- How are you “straining” or refining your experiences before absorbing them?
- How can you create space for inspiration, but also ensure it is truly nourishing and uplifting?
In summary:
This ancient verse sings of the sacred flow of divine wisdom, urging us to receive it with reverence and purify it with care—so that our lives may be enriched, and our consciousness elevated. It is a timeless call to be open to inspiration, and mindful in its integration.
Commentary
Certainly. Let us gently unfold the wisdom of this Rig Veda verse:
Rig Veda 9.39.5
Sanskrit:
आविवासन परावतो अथो अर्वावतः सुतः |
इन्द्राय सिच्यतेमधु
Transliteration:
āvivāsan parāvato atho arvāvataḥ sutaḥ |
indrāya sicyatemadhu
Griffith Translation:
Inviting him from far away, and even from near at hand, the juice
For Indra is poured forth as meath.
1. Essential Meaning in Simple Language
This verse describes the ritual offering of Soma (a sacred, invigorating drink) to Indra, the Vedic deity of strength and divine power. It tells us that Soma is poured out for Indra whether he is far away or close by—he is always invited to partake in this sweet offering.
2. Deeper Philosophical or Spiritual Significance
At its heart, the verse speaks of invitation and openness. Indra is welcomed regardless of distance, which hints at the ever-present nature of the divine: whether seemingly distant or intimately close, the divine responds to sincere invocation. Soma, here, is not just a physical drink but a symbol of devotion, nourishment, and offering—the act of giving one’s best to the higher power.
It also reflects the principle that spiritual connection is not bound by physical space. True offering (whether a ritual, prayer, or act of love) reaches the divine wherever it may reside.
3. Key Deities, Concepts, and Metaphors
- Indra: King of the gods, associated with courage, strength, and the power to overcome obstacles. He represents the active, heroic aspect of consciousness.
- Soma: Both a sacred plant and the juice extracted from it, Soma is a symbol of inspiration, ecstasy, and spiritual nourishment. It stands for the essence of life and the bliss of divine communion.
- Distance (Far and Near): This is both literal and metaphorical. It suggests that the divine can be invoked no matter where we are—externally or internally.
4. Connection to Universal Human Experience and Modern Life
This verse invites us to reflect on how we relate to the sacred in our own lives. Sometimes, the divine—or a sense of higher purpose—feels distant; other times, it feels close. The teaching here is that sincere offerings (acts of kindness, gratitude, prayer, or creativity) are always received, regardless of where we find ourselves on our journey.
In modern life, this is a reminder that spirituality is not confined to particular places, rituals, or moments. Whenever we act with sincerity and offer our best, we invite the presence of grace, inspiration, and strength into our lives.
5. Cultural and Historical Context
In Vedic rituals, Soma was offered to deities, especially Indra, as an act of reverence and a means to invoke divine aid. The act of pouring Soma was both a literal and symbolic gesture—an offering of life’s sweetness and vitality to the powers that sustain the universe.
6. Accessible Inspiration
This ancient verse teaches us:
No matter how near or far we may feel from the divine, our sincere offerings—our acts of devotion, gratitude, and love—are always received. The divine is ever-present, responding to our invitations with grace. By pouring forth the “meath” of our own hearts, we draw spiritual strength, courage, and inspiration into our lives.
Reflection for today:
Whenever you wish to connect to something greater, remember: distance is no barrier. Your heartfelt intention is the true offering, and it brings grace closer, no matter where you are.
Eternal Truth:
The sacred responds wherever sincerity flows. In offering our best, we invite the highest into our lives.
Commentary
Certainly! Let’s explore Rig Veda, Book 9, Hymn 39, Verse 6:
Sanskrit:
समीचीना अनूषत हरिं हिन्वन्त्यद्रिभिः |
योनाव रतस्य सीदत
Transliteration:
samīcīnā anūṣata hariṃ hinvantyadribhiḥ |
yonāv ṛtasya sīdata
Griffith’s Translation:
In union they have sung the hymn: with stones they urge the Tawny One. Sit in the place of sacrifice.
1. Essential Meaning in Simple Language
This verse describes the ritual process where the priests, working harmoniously together, sing hymns and use stones to press out the juice of Soma—the sacred plant. The Soma (here referred to as “Hari,” the tawny or golden one) is then offered in the sacrificial ritual. The verse invites one to “sit in the place of sacrifice”—to participate in or witness this sacred act.
2. Deeper Philosophical or Spiritual Significance
At its heart, this verse is about unity in sacred action. The priests act in concert (“samīcīnā”—in union), channeling their collective intention and devotion toward a higher purpose. The pressing of Soma symbolizes the extraction of essence—the distillation of truth or spiritual insight from the raw material of life.
The invitation to “sit in the place of sacrifice” is more than a physical act; it is an invitation to be present, to participate fully in life’s sacred moments, and to witness the transformation that occurs when effort, devotion, and truth (ṛta) come together.
3. Key Deities, Concepts, and Metaphors
- Hari (the Tawny One): Refers to Soma, both the sacred plant and the divine principle associated with inspiration, ecstasy, and spiritual illumination. The color “tawny” suggests radiance and vitality.
- Adribhiḥ (with stones): The stones are tools to press out the Soma juice—symbolic of effort, labor, and the process of transformation.
- Yoni of Ṛta (yonāv ṛtasya): “Yoni” means womb or seat; “ṛta” is cosmic order, truth, or natural law. The “seat of Ṛta” is the sacred place where offerings are made, a space where divine order is invoked and manifest.
- Sacrifice (yajña): Symbolizes not just ritual, but the offering of oneself, one’s actions, and one’s essence to a higher principle.
4. Connection to Universal Experience and Modern Life
Even today, the verse speaks to the power of collective effort and intentionality. When people come together harmoniously, focused on a noble or sacred purpose, transformation occurs—not just in the outer world, but within the participants themselves.
The “pressing of Soma” can be seen as a metaphor for extracting meaning from our experiences, refining our thoughts and emotions to offer the best of ourselves in service to truth, beauty, and goodness.
Sitting in the “place of sacrifice” invites us to participate mindfully in the rituals of daily life—whether it’s working together as a team, celebrating milestones, or offering our talents for the greater good. It’s about being present and reverent as we engage in life’s transformative processes.
5. Cultural and Historical Context
Soma rituals were central to Vedic practice, symbolizing communion with the divine and the pursuit of higher consciousness. The collective pressing of Soma and the chanting of hymns reflect the importance of community, cooperation, and shared spiritual goals in ancient Indian life.
The idea of “ṛta”—cosmic order—was foundational. To sit at the “seat of ṛta” was to align oneself with truth and harmony, to participate in the maintenance of universal balance.
6. Illuminating the Eternal Truths
Eternal Wisdom:
When we join with others in sincere and harmonious effort, guided by truth and reverence, we create sacred spaces where transformation and illumination can happen. The simple tools and acts of daily life—when performed with intention and devotion—become vehicles for awakening.
Reflection for Today:
How can you bring greater unity, intention, and reverence to your daily actions? Where is your “place of sacrifice”—the space where you offer your best self to a higher purpose? What essence are you extracting from your experiences, and how do you share it with the world?
In summary:
This verse is a poetic celebration of unity, effort, and sacred offering. It reminds us that together, focused on truth and purpose, we can distill wisdom and participate in the divine unfolding of life. The invitation is timeless: sit, be present, and let your actions become offerings at the altar of truth.
Commentary
Certainly! Let’s explore Rig Veda, Book 9, Hymn 39, Verse 1:
Sanskrit (Devanagari):
आशुरर्ष बर्हन्मते परि परियेण धाम्ना |
यत्र देवा इतिब्रवन ||
Romanized:
āśurarṣa bṛhanmate pari priyeṇa dhāmnā |
yatra devā itibravan ||
1. Essential Meaning in Simple Language
“O swift-flowing one, rise with your vast wisdom, surrounded by your beloved radiance; there, the gods declare their presence.”
2. Deeper Philosophical or Spiritual Significance
This verse is addressed to Soma, the sacred drink and deity, symbolizing inspiration, vitality, and spiritual ecstasy. Soma is called upon to rise swiftly (“āśu” = swift) with great wisdom (“bṛhanmate” = vast-minded), enveloped in a beloved, luminous realm (“priyeṇa dhāmnā” = with beloved brilliance or abode). It describes a sacred space where the gods themselves gather and proclaim, “Here we are.”
Philosophically, Soma represents the inner divine energy, the flow of consciousness, and the bliss that comes from union with the sacred. The verse invites this energy to rise within us, to fill our being with wisdom and radiance, creating a space within where the divine is present and recognized.
3. Key Deities, Concepts, and Metaphors
4. Connection to Universal Human Experience and Modern Life
This verse is a poetic invocation for inspiration and the awakening of spiritual consciousness. In modern terms, it’s a call to invite clarity, wisdom, and joy into your life. The “swift flow” is akin to the surge of creativity or insight that arrives when you are open to higher guidance. The “beloved radiance” is the atmosphere you create within yourself—a space of peace, light, and receptivity—where you can sense the presence of the sacred, however you understand it.
It reminds us that when we cultivate wisdom and an atmosphere of love and clarity within, we become a gathering place for the divine. The gods “say, here”—meaning, the divine qualities manifest in us.
5. Cultural and Historical Context
In ancient Vedic rituals, Soma was both a revered plant/extract and a deity. Its consumption was believed to induce states of inspiration and connection with the divine. The hymns to Soma are essentially hymns to that inner elixir of life and consciousness, seeking to awaken the highest within.
The verse reflects the worldview of the Vedic sages, who saw the divine not as distant, but as intimately present when the right conditions—wisdom, purity, and joy—are created.
6. Accessible, Inspiring Reflection
This verse invites you to cultivate a mind that is swift, vast, and radiant. It teaches that when you create an inner environment of clarity and love, the divine naturally reveals itself. The gods “announce their presence”—symbolizing the arrival of insight, peace, and inspiration.
For a modern seeker:
- Seek wisdom and let your awareness expand. - Surround yourself with love and light, internally and externally. - Create a sacred space within, and you will find that the divine is not far—it declares, “I am here” in your own heart.
Eternal Truth:
When you become swift in seeking, vast in mind, and radiant in spirit, the sacred reveals itself. The ancient Veda reminds us: the divine is always present, waiting for us to notice and welcome it.
May this verse inspire you to create a luminous inner sanctuary where wisdom and the divine can dwell.