Rig Veda 9.60 - Soma Pavamana
- Primary deity
- Soma Pavamana
- Rishi family
- Hymns from multiple lineages
- Verses
- 4
- Location
- Mandala 9, Sukta 60
This Sukta is the 60th hymn of Mandala 9, a book of 114 hymns known as The Soma Mandala. Its 4 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
Rig Veda 9.60.2
Sanskrit:
तं तवा सहस्रचक्षसमथो सहस्रभर्णसम |
अति वारमपाविषुः
Romanized:
taṃ tvā sahasracakṣasamatho sahasrabharṇasam |
ati vāramapāviṣuḥ
Griffith translation:
Thee who hast thousand eyes to see, bearer of thousand burthens, they
Have filtered through the fleecy cloth.
1. Essential Meaning in Simple Language
This verse is addressed to Soma, the sacred plant and its juice, which plays a central role in Vedic rituals. The seer praises Soma, describing it as having “a thousand eyes” and “bearing a thousand burdens.” The verse refers to the process of filtering Soma juice through wool or cloth, purifying it for offering.
- In essence: The verse honors Soma, seeing it as all-seeing and all-supporting, and acknowledges its purification through ritual.
2. Deeper Philosophical or Spiritual Significance
The imagery of “a thousand eyes” and “a thousand burdens” is rich with meaning:
- A thousand eyes: Symbolizes omniscience, awareness, and the capacity to perceive all things. Soma is not just a drink, but a divine presence that witnesses and knows all.
- A thousand burdens: Suggests immense strength, resilience, and the ability to sustain all life and experiences.
Purifying Soma through a cloth is more than a physical act—it is a metaphor for refining our own consciousness, filtering out impurities to access the divine essence within.
3. Key Deities, Concepts, Metaphors
- Soma: Both a sacred plant/juice and a deity. In Vedic thought, Soma represents divine inspiration, ecstasy, and the nectar of immortality.
- A thousand eyes: A classic Vedic metaphor for cosmic vision, often attributed to gods (like Indra as Sahasraksha, “thousand-eyed”).
- Filtering through cloth: Represents purification—of the Soma, and symbolically, of the mind and soul.
4. Connection to Universal Human Experience and Modern Life
This verse reminds us that:
- Awareness: Like Soma’s thousand eyes, we all have the potential to expand our perception, to see beyond the surface.
- Strength: Carrying a thousand burdens speaks to the human capacity to endure, support, and nurture.
- Purification: The act of filtering is a timeless metaphor. Just as Soma must be purified for offering, our own thoughts, intentions, and actions benefit from reflection and refinement.
For the modern seeker:
Consider your own life—are you seeing clearly? Are you carrying burdens with grace? What can you filter out to reveal your purest self?
5. Cultural and Historical Context
- Soma Ritual: Soma juice was central to Vedic sacrifices, seen as a bridge between human and divine realms.
- Metaphorical Language: Vedic poets often used grand, cosmic metaphors to describe spiritual truths.
6. Engaging Reflection
This verse invites us to honor the divine within and around us. Soma, as the all-seeing, all-supporting nectar, symbolizes the potential inside every human being:
- To perceive life with clarity
- To bear the burdens of existence with resilience
- To continually purify ourselves, seeking the essence of truth and divinity
As the ancient rishis filtered Soma, so too can we filter our own experiences—distilling wisdom, discarding what no longer serves, and offering our purest self to the world.
In summary:
This hymn is a celebration of the sacred process—of seeing, bearing, and purifying. It reminds us that the journey toward clarity and spiritual fulfillment is universal, timeless, and ever-relevant, whether in a Vedic ritual or the everyday acts of modern life.
Commentary
Certainly. Let’s explore Rig Veda, Book 9, Hymn 60, Verse 3:
Sanskrit:
अति वारान पवमानो असिष्यदत कलशानभि धावति |
इन्द्रस्य हार्द्याविशन ||
Romanized:
ati vārān pavamāno asiṣyadat kalaśānabhi dhāvati |
indrasya hārdyāviśan
Griffith Translation:
He, Pavamana, hath streamed through the fleece then: he runs into the jars,
Finding his way to Indra’s heart.
1. Essential Meaning in Simple Language
This verse describes the journey of Soma, a sacred drink and deity, as it is purified (filtered through wool) and flows into jars. Ultimately, it reaches the heart of Indra, the mighty Vedic god of energy and storms.
- Pavamana: the purified, flowing Soma
- Fleece: the wool used as a filter
- Jars: vessels receiving the Soma
- Indra’s heart: the inner being of the god Indra
In essence:
The purified Soma rushes through the filter, fills the jars, and, in its subtle essence, enters and invigorates the heart of Indra.
2. Deeper Philosophical or Spiritual Significance
On the surface, this is a ritualistic description. But at a deeper level, it is a metaphor for spiritual purification and transformation.
- Soma’s Journey: Symbolizes the movement of consciousness or spiritual energy as it is purified from coarse to subtle states.
- Through the fleece: The passage through obstacles or impurities; the process of refinement.
- Into the jars: The embodiment or containment of divine essence within the vessels of body and mind.
- To Indra’s heart: The ultimate destination—union with the divine, empowerment, enlightenment.
It teaches us that spiritual growth involves moving through layers of purification, and that the essence of true wisdom or divine energy finds its way into the heart—the core of our being.
3. Key Deities, Concepts, and Symbols
- Soma (Pavamana): More than a plant or drink, Soma is a symbol of divine inspiration, ecstasy, and spiritual vitality.
- Indra: Represents strength, courage, and the awakened mind that receives spiritual inspiration.
- Fleece/Filter: Symbolic of the cleansing process—removing impurities to reveal pure consciousness.
- Jars: The prepared vessel (body/mind) ready to receive the divine.
4. Connection to Universal Human Experience & Modern Life
The verse speaks to every person’s spiritual journey:
- Purification: We all must pass through phases of cleansing—letting go of what no longer serves us—to access deeper wisdom.
- Transformation: Our experiences, when processed mindfully, become sources of inner strength and inspiration.
- Receptivity: To receive grace, we must prepare ourselves; making our “jars” clean and open.
- Union: The highest spiritual energies are meant to enter our heart, transforming us from within.
In modern life, this reminds us:
True inspiration and energy come when we purify our intentions and open our hearts to receive higher wisdom.
5. Cultural and Historical Context
In Vedic rituals, the extraction and purification of Soma was central. The hymn captures the sacredness of this act, but also encodes a mystical path—the elevation of consciousness through ritual and inner purification.
Soma was both a real substance and a symbol of divine intoxication—the bliss of enlightenment.
6. Accessible, Inspiring Reflection
This verse invites us to imagine our own hearts as vessels longing for pure inspiration. It tells us: When we consciously purify ourselves—our thoughts, emotions, intentions—the divine essence naturally flows in and fills us with strength, clarity, and joy.
Modern Reflection:
Just as Soma finds its way through filters to Indra’s heart, so too does true wisdom reach us when we prepare ourselves—clearing away distractions and impurities, opening ourselves to receive, and allowing the sacred to dwell within.
Eternal Truth:
The journey of spirit is a movement from the outer to the inner, from impurity to purity, from separation to union. When we make ourselves receptive, the divine flows in and empowers us from the very core of our being.
In summary:
This verse, through the metaphor of Soma’s purification, teaches us the timeless value of preparing ourselves to receive higher inspiration, allowing the sacred to enter and transform our hearts—just as it empowered Indra, the champion of the gods.
Commentary
Certainly! Let’s explore Rig Veda, Book 9, Hymn 60, Verse 4:
Sanskrit:
इन्द्रस्य सोम राधसे शं पवस्व विचर्षणे |
प्रजावद रेता भर
Romanized:
indrasya soma rādhase śaṃ pavasva vicarṣaṇe |
prajāvad retā bhara
Griffith Translation:
That Indra may be bounteous, flow, most active Soma, for our weal: Bring genial seed with progeny.
1. Essential Meaning in Simple Language
The verse is a prayer to Soma—the sacred, life-giving drink and deity—asking it to flow and be purified for Indra’s favor and blessing. The worshipper requests Soma to bring forth prosperity, happiness, and fruitful offspring to the community.
In other words:
“O Soma, flow for the delight and generosity of Indra! Grant us wellbeing and abundance, bestowing the seeds of fruitful life and progeny.”
2. Deeper Philosophical or Spiritual Significance
At its heart, this verse is about invoking divine grace to nurture life’s fullness—material, spiritual, and generational. Soma represents the essence of vitality, inspiration, and the sacred life force. Indra, as the chief deity, symbolizes strength, protection, and the power to bestow blessings.
The prayer expresses gratitude and aspiration:
- Gratitude for the gifts already received
- Aspiration for continued abundance, creativity, and the perpetuation of life
It also reflects the interconnectedness between the divine, nature, and humanity. The flow of Soma is not just a physical ritual but a symbol of the flow of blessings and creative energy in our lives.
3. Key Concepts & Symbolism
- Soma: More than a plant or drink, Soma is the embodiment of divine inspiration, ecstasy, and immortality. In the Vedic context, it is both a physical offering and a cosmic principle.
- Indra: King of the gods, protector, and bestower of rain and fertility. Indra is the archetype of empowered action and leadership.
- Flowing/Purification (“pavasva”): The act of purifying Soma is symbolic of refining our own intentions, actions, and energies.
- Seed and Progeny (“retā,” “prajāvad”): Universal metaphors for creativity, continuity, and the flourishing of life.
4. Connection to Universal Human Experience & Modern Life
This ancient prayer echoes timeless human desires: - Wellbeing and Prosperity: The wish for abundance, health, and happiness is universal. - Creativity and Continuity: The longing for generativity—whether in children, creative projects, or positive legacy—is deeply human. - Gratitude and Aspiration: The balance of appreciating what we have while seeking greater growth.
For a modern seeker:
- The “flow of Soma” can be seen as inviting inspiration, clarity, and vitality into our lives.
- “Indra’s favor” may represent those moments when our efforts are blessed with success and support.
- “Seed and progeny” can mean not just literal children, but any project, idea, or act that brings new life into the world.
5. Cultural and Historical Context
In Vedic rituals, Soma was central—both as a physical offering and as a mystical symbol. The purification and offering of Soma was believed to sustain cosmic order and human prosperity. To the ancient rishis, maintaining harmony between the divine and earthly realms was essential for the flourishing of all life.
6. A Contemporary Reflection
This verse invites us to: - Align ourselves with the “flow” of life’s blessings - Purify our intentions and actions - Seek both material wellbeing and creative fulfillment - Recognize our dependence on forces greater than ourselves
In daily life, it’s a reminder to nurture what sustains us, to foster creativity and growth, and to offer gratitude for the support—seen and unseen—that enables us to thrive.
In summary:
This sacred verse is a heartfelt invocation for the flow of divine grace, the nurturing of creativity and continuity, and the well-being of all. It teaches that by honoring what sustains and inspires us, we invite abundance, fulfillment, and a legacy of life to flourish.
May your own “Soma” flow—bringing you inspiration, abundance, and generative joy in all you do.
Commentary
Certainly! Let’s explore Rig Veda, Book 9, Hymn 60, Verse 1:
Sanskrit (Devanagari):
पर गायत्रेण गायत पवमानं विचर्षणिम |
इन्दुं सहस्रचक्षसम
Romanized:
pra ghāyatreṇa ghāyata pavamānaṃ vicarṣaṇim |
induṃ sahasracakṣasam
1. Essential Meaning in Simple Language
Translation:
“Sing forth with the Gayatri meter to the purifying one, the wise Soma,
to Indu, who has a thousand eyes.”
This verse invites the chanters to sing (gāyata) using the Gayatri meter—a revered Vedic poetic form—in praise of Pavamāna Soma, the purified and purifying essence. Soma here is addressed as Indu, the drop, described as “sahasra-chakṣasaṃ”—the one with a thousand eyes, symbolizing omnipresent awareness.
2. Deeper Philosophical & Spiritual Significance
At its heart, this verse is a call to devotion and spiritual purification:
3. Key Concepts & Symbolism
4. Connection to Universal Human Experience & Modern Life
Relevance Today:
- Seeking Clarity: Just as the ancient seers sought purification through Soma, modern seekers look for mental clarity, emotional healing, and expanded perspective. - Spiritual Practice: The verse reminds us that spiritual growth involves conscious effort—ritual, song, meditation, or any practice that uplifts and purifies. - Expanded Awareness: In a world often clouded by distraction and confusion, striving for “a thousand eyes” means cultivating mindfulness, empathy, and insight.
Personal Reflection:
- What practices in your life help you cleanse and clear your mind and spirit? - How can you invoke the “thousand-eyed” awareness—seeing beyond surface appearances to the deeper truth? - What “nectar” or inspiration uplifts you, helping you see the world with wisdom and compassion?
5. Cultural & Historical Context
In Vedic rituals, Soma was both a literal sacrament and a profound symbol of the connection between the human and the divine. The Gayatri meter is the basis of the famed Gayatri mantra, which centers on illumination and wisdom. This verse is part of a larger hymn celebrating the transformative power of Soma—not just as a substance, but as an inner state of awakened consciousness.
6. Bringing the Eternal Truth to Light
Summary:
This verse is an invocation to sing with reverence, using the most sacred meter, to the divine force of purification and expanded vision. It teaches that through devotion, purification, and inspired practice, we can awaken to higher states of awareness—seeing with “a thousand eyes” the truth that pervades all.
Let this ancient prayer remind you:
To cleanse your thoughts, seek inspiration, and open your awareness to the fullness of life. In every moment, the nectar of divine wisdom awaits those who sing, strive, and seek with sincerity.
In essence:
Sing with purity and devotion to the source of inspiration and expanded consciousness. Through spiritual practice, open yourself to greater awareness, wisdom, and the eternal light within.