Soma

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.