Soma

Soma

सोम, soma

In the Vedic tradition, Soma is an ancient drink that played an important role in the rituals performed by brahmins in the early Vedic era. Soma was believed to be the elixir of immortality, of divine origin, with the ability to heal and bring other benefits. Soma is personified by a deity of the same name, which, in some texts, is associated with the Moon (Chandra). Soma is mentioned in the Rigveda, in particular, in the famous "Soma Mandala". The Atharvaveda extols the medicinal properties of Soma.

Soma Drink

Ancient texts claim that the Soma drink was extracted from a plant. A similar drink (Haoma) is also mentioned in the ancient Persian tradition of the Avesta. There are many studies devoted to the identification of the original plant. Different versions are put forward, but there is no consensus. In the traditions of South India that have survived to this day, in particular, in the Soma-yajna ritual, "Somalata" (Sarcostemma acidum) is used. According to other versions, mushrooms, burial grass (péganum hármala), hemp, ephedra, as well as white lotus, milk and honey could be used in the preparation of Soma.

In mythology, thanks to Soma, the gods gained immortality. It was the favorite drink of the great Indra. The gods gave Soma to the bow-wielding Gandharva for safekeeping, but Agni stole it and gave it to people. Drinking Soma gave strength, energy and alertness.

God Soma

Soma was considered the god who supervised religious sacrifices and represented the northeast (or north). In the Puranas, he is described as riding across the sky in a three-wheeled chariot drawn by ten snow-white horses.

Later, Soma was associated with the moon god Osadhipati (Chandra). He appears in various puranas, often with contradictory plots. He may be the son of Atri, Prabhakara, Parjanya, or Dharma. Another version holds that Soma was born during the churning of the ocean, when the world was created. He may be a kshatriya or a brahmin. His most famous companions are Rohini and Tara.

Soma and Rohini

One of the most striking myths about Soma in his guise as the Moon tells how he married all 27 daughters of the great sage Daksha at once. The number 27 is not accidental, it symbolizes the lunar constellations. Inevitably, Soma took a favorite, Rohini (constellation Taurus), the fourth sister, which led to the burning jealousy of the other 26. The sisters complained to their father, and Daksha cursed Soma that Soma would never have children and would slowly waste away. Upon learning of this, the sisters realized that their father had crossed the line and begged him to relent. Daksha revised his curse so that each time Soma does not disappear completely, but is reborn anew in an endless cycle. This explains the phases of the moon.

Soma and Tara

In this famous episode, the amorous Soma was enchanted by Tara, the wife of Brihaspati, the Teacher of the Devas, and stole her away. This caused a war between the Asuras, who supported Soma, and the Devas, who were on the side of Brihaspati. The war was ended by Brahma, who returned Tara to her husband. Soon after, Tara gave birth to a son. Both Soma and Brihaspati claimed the child. For a long time, Tara hid the identity of the father, but eventually confessed to Brahma that he was Soma's son. Soma named him Budha.