Significance of Soma
Synonyms: Body, Physique, Form, Structure, Anatomy
In Dutch: Soma; In German: Soma; In Finnish: Soma; In Spanish: Soma; In Swedish: Soma; In Malay: Soma; In French: Soma
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Hindu concept of 'Soma'
Soma in Hinduism embodies several interpretations: a ritual drink revered for immortality, a moon deity symbolizing nourishment and divine essence, and a key element in offerings, linking sacrifices to cosmic cycles and spiritual significance.
From: Bharadvaja-srauta-sutra
(1) A substance that is purified as part of the ritual process.[1] (2) A ritual substance consumed or applied during ceremonies, representing divine essence and involving specific invocations.[2] (3) A divine entity referenced in the Anuvaka whose essence is being purified, symbolizing longevity and divine energy.[3] (4) A sacred intoxicating drink used in Vedic rituals, referred to in the invocation during offerings.[4] (5) A ritual drink made from the Soma plant, consumed during sacrifices and believed to provide strength and immortality.[5]
From: Hiranyakesi-grihya-sutra
(1) A divine figure invoked during the Shraddha, associated with immortality and the harvest, honored through chants.[6] (2) A deity referenced as 'Indu', associated with blessings and prosperity in relation to the prayers for wealth.[7]
From: Paraskara-grihya-sutra
(1) A deity referenced as a king in the stanza sung during the ritual.[8] (2) A deity related to fertility and nourishment within the context of marriage and progeny.[9]
From: Gobhila-grihya-sutra
(1) A reference to the transcendental beverage associated with the Fathers during sacrifices.[10]
From: Asvalayana-grihya-sutra
(1) A deity associated with ritual blessings, specifically referenced in the singing performed by lute-players.[11]
From: Vasistha Dharmasutra
(1) A substance often involved in religious rites, linked to purification and sustenance.[12]
From: Satapatha-brahmana
(1) A sacred substance used in rituals, the pressing of which is vital to the continuation of sacrificial practices.[13] (2) A vital element during the rituals, related to the drink that is associated with sacrifice, purity, and divine connection.[14] (3) A deity linked to the moon and seen as the 'food of the gods,' significant in the context of lunar rituals.[15] (4) A deity representing sacred offerings, especially linked with the fathers in the sacrificial context.[16] (5) A significant element in the sacrifice that is linked to gladdening Prajapati and part of the offerings.[17]
From: Mahabharata (English)
(1) A sacred drink in Vedic rituals associated with the moon and considered divine.[18] (2) A ritual drink of significance in Vedic sacrifices, symbolizing immortality and spiritual power.[19] (3) A divine entity associated with the moon and immortality, suggesting connections of the lady to divine powers.[20] (4) A character mentioned as the son of Atri and part of the divine lineage.[21] (5) A celestial drink in the context, indicating its significant role in divine affairs and interactions.[22]
From: Harivamsha Purana
(1) The illustrious son born to Rishi Prabhakara and Rudra.[23] (2) The sacred drink offered in Vedic rituals believed to grant immortality, associated with the lunar aspects of divinity.[24] (3) Refers to the moon as a manifestation of eternal knowledge, symbolizing the connection between the divine and the Vedas.[25]
From: Markandeya Purana
(1) A ritual drink consumed during sacrifices which is associated with immortality and fervent devotion towards Agni.[26] (2) A ritual drink of importance in Vedic sacrifices, which intoxicated Indra during Marutta's sacrifices.[27] (3) The son begotten by Atri, characterized by passion; also a representation of Brahma.[28]
From: Devi Bhagavata Purana
(1) Referred to as the King of all in the worship practices of Surasagara, representing a lunar or divine figure.[29]
From: Ramayana of Valmiki (Shastri)
(1) A sacred drink offered during rituals, signifying the spiritual importance of the event.[30]
From: Garuda Purana
(1) A divine entity that is placed in the north-east during the worship rituals, representing a significant aspect of the celestial hierarchy.[31]
From: Vishnu Purana
(1) Soma, identified with the moon, plays a critical role by attempting to pacify the situation with the Pracetasas and mediating between them and nature.[32]
From: Garga Samhita (English)
(1) Soma; the entity that will descend as Abhimanyu.[33]
From: Chandogya Upanishad (Shankara Bhashya)
(1) A ritual offering in Vedic traditions that was notably carried by the Gayatri to the deities.[34]
From: Charaka Samhita (English translation)
(1) A sacred herb in the context of Ayurveda, often associated with immortality and health benefits.[35]
Jain concept of 'Soma'
In Jainism, Soma may represent a Lokapala, akin to Camarendra, an accompanying character to Sharngin, and one who identifies Prince Aparajita at his svayamvara, indicating various symbolic and narrative roles.
From: Trishashti Shalaka Purusha Caritra
(1) A character who recognizes Prince Aparajita during his battle at the svayamvara.[36] (2) A character accompanying Sharngin, although his role is not fully described in the text.[37]
From: Bhagavati-sutra (Viyaha-pannatti)
(1) The Lokapala or lord of a direction, similar to Camarendra, also with principal consorts.[38]
The concept of Soma in local and regional sources
Soma is a multifaceted concept in ancient Indian tradition, encompassing a sacred plant involved in rasayana for longevity, a divine drink linked to immortality, and celestial associations within Vedic texts, highlighting its significance in Ayurvedic practices.
From: History of Science in South Asia
(1) This is defined as a substance created for the eradication of ageing and death, and its use is associated with extreme intervention in rasayana therapy.[39] (2) This refers to a significant element in the Rigveda, often discussed in relation to its original concept and usage within ancient Indian traditions.[40] (3) Soma is a substance mentioned in the rasayana sections of classical Ayurvedic texts, and Shankara鈥檚 Vivarana glosses rasayanena as 鈥渂y eating soma, amalaka and so on鈥�.[41] (4) Soma is a plant mentioned in the Sushrutasamhita as a basis for rasayana treatments, and it is associated with the generation of longevity and anti-aging, although the identification of this plant is unclear.[42] (5) This denotes the sacred drink of Vedic Aryans but also the 鈥榤oon,鈥� and is the name of the father of Planet Mercury in one of the astral myths.[43]