|
In the Vedas, Soma is represented as holy and as a god. Soma is the name of god, the drink and the plant. Lord Indra and Agni are portrayed as consuming Soma in abundant quantities. If human being consumes soma then he is bestowed by divine qualities.
In the Rig veda, it is mentioned that the person who consumes Soma become immortal and attains the light. The Ninth Mandala of the Rig veda is known as the Soma Mandala. It consists entirely of hymns addressed to Soma Pavamana or purified Soma. The drink Soma was kept and distributed by the Gandharvas. The Rigveda says that there is a connection of Soma with the Sushoma, Arjikiya and other regions.
It is referred that the soma plant was found on the banks of the lake named Sharyanavat. The soma plant is described as growing in the mountains with long stalks, and is of yellow or tawny colour. The soma drink is prepared by priests smashing the stalks with stones that create tapas. The juice of Soma is mixed with other ingredients before it is drunk.
In Hinduism, the god Soma is portrayed as a bull or bird, and also as an embryo, but not as an adult human. God Soma is said to be lunar deity. The moon is the cup from which the gods drink Soma, and so Soma is identified with the moon god Chandra. Soma had twenty-seven wives who were the star goddesses, the Nakshatras. Soma's wives were the daughters of Daksha. Soma abused Daksha by saying that, Daksha only paid attention to one of his daughter Rohini and not the others. Daksha infuriated at this cursed Soma to wither and die, but the wives intruded and the death became periodic and temporary. This is represented by the waxing and fading of the moon for twenty seven days. Monday or Somvar is said to be the day governed by Soma God or Chandra.
(Last Updated on : 31-01-2009)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Recently Updated Articles in Indian Religion
|
|
|
| • | Varna System in Ancient India
Varna System in Ancient India formed the basic structure of Hindu society. It is among the world’s oldest forms of surviving social stratification. Varna system divided the society into four major sections based on the occupation of the people.
| | | • | Nadar Caste
One of the most renowned castes of Tamil Nadu is the Nadar caste. The Nadar community is a mixture of sub-castes and classes of different origins, which came under one banner of Nadar caste gradually.
| | | • | Concept of Ultimate Reality
Concept of Ultimate Reality in Bhagavad Gita states that Brahman is ground of existence and all realities. As per the Concept of Ultimate Reality, Brahman is all-embracing, uncreated and infinite. Brahman is the reason and objective of all that exists in the world..
| | | • | Elements of Vastu
Vastu Shastra is traditional Indian systems of architecture originating in India. Elements of Vastu are Earth, Water, Air, Space and Fire.
| | | • | Sati
Sati is the wife of Lord Shiva and the Hindu goddess of marital felicity and longevity. She is known to have immolated herself unable to tolerate foul words for her husband, spoken by her father Daksha.
| | |
|
|
|
|
|
