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; In Portugese: Soma; In Italian: Soma; In Polish: 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'
In Hinduism, Soma is multifaceted. It embodies the moon, eternal knowledge, and a sacred drink representing life's essence. It's a deity linked to blessings, a ritual element, and a substance for sacrifices, symbolizing immortality and spiritual power. Soma is also linked to vital elements, divine figures, and the source of the Kuru lineage.
From: Mahabharata (English)
(1) Soma is mentioned as one of the celestials who, along with others, approached Prajapati with concerns about the growing human population.[1] (2) Soma is a substance for which a pot-herb might be considered a substitute, implying a higher value or significance associated with Soma itself.[2] (3) This deity is part of a mythological comparison, highlighting the ideal relationship between a wife and her husband.[3] (4) Yudhishthira mounted the car, likened to Soma riding upon his own ambrosial vehicle, signifying his regal and divine presence.[4] (5) A deity whose celestial weapon was obtained by Arjuna from the lord of celestials.[5]
From: Gautami Mahatmya
(1) Soma, the distributor of nectar, was informed by the Sun-god about Rahu's true identity and gave nectar to the disguised Daitya.[6] (2) Soma, referring to Soma juice or the moon, was prayed to for the sake of Indra at Somatirtha, and is also addressed in Vedic Mantras.[7] (3) Soma, who is also referred to as the Moon, gave excellent nectar to the medicinal herbs, plants, and trees, which was then used to nourish the young Pippalada, causing him to grow rapidly in stature.[8] (4) It is identified as a world that Ravana journeyed to after conquering all the quarters.[9] (5) Offered by Ganga to the medicinal herbs as their husband because he has nectar within, dispelling distresses and sins.[10]
From: Markandeya Purana
(1) This name is part of the third group of twenty gods, known as Amita gods.[11] (2) He is revered along with Prajapati Kashyapa and Varuna, and the princes of religious devotion.[12] (3) Soma is the name given to a stream of the Ganges that flowed on to Mount Suparshva, which is at the foot of Mount Meru.[13] (4) A ritual drink consumed during sacrifices which is associated with immortality and fervent devotion towards Agni.[14] (5) A ritual drink of importance in Vedic sacrifices, which intoxicated Indra during Marutta's sacrifices.[15]
From: Ramayana of Valmiki (Shastri)
(1) A kingdom resembles a sacrifice without this element if it has already been enjoyed by another, which Rama will not accept.[16] (2) Soma, like Shakra, Yama, and Varuna, was cited by ascetics as a deity who had not accomplished feats of the magnitude witnessed at this particular sacrifice.[17] (3) This is the father of the son who speaks to Ila in the lonely forest, identifying himself as the beloved offspring of this entity.[18] (4) Soma acquired an imperishable state and renown in the world, celebrating the Rajasuya Sacrifice according to tradition.[19] (5) A sacred drink offered during rituals, signifying the spiritual importance of the event.[20]
From: Devi Bhagavata Purana
(1) This cuckoo-voiced attendant of Cupid was seen by the sages.[21] (2) Referred to as the King of all in the worship practices of Surasagara, representing a lunar or divine figure.[22]
From: Garuda Purana
(1) The juice of the ambrosial Soma is mentioned as the drink of the heavenly manes, highlighting their divine sustenance.[23] (2) Soma is one of the deities to whom obeisance should be made before divination, highlighting the importance of reverence in the process.[24] (3) One of the Vasus whose son was Varchas (light) by whom was generated Varchaswi (radiance), according to the text.[25] (4) A divine entity that is placed in the north-east during the worship rituals, representing a significant aspect of the celestial hierarchy.[26]
From: Harivamsha Purana
(1) Soma is among the Vasus, and Daksha conferred Rohini and other virtue-bestowing stars on Soma.[27] (2) Soma was installed as the king of Yajnas, asceticism, stars, planets, the twice-born, and herbs by Brahma.[28] (3) Soma is a ritual drink that the Daityas demanded as their share in the Yajna, which Brahmadatta refused because sacrificial offerings were not laid down for them in the Vedas.[29] (4) The illustrious son born to Rishi Prabhakara and Rudra.[30] (5) The sacred drink offered in Vedic rituals believed to grant immortality, associated with the lunar aspects of divinity.[31]
From: Vishnu Purana
(1) He is identified as one of the three sinless sons of Anasuya and Atri, and is also referred to as the moon.[32] (2) The moon, the form in which Hari, the creator, is worshipped in Plaksha-dvipa.[33] (3) Soma, identified with the moon, plays a critical role by attempting to pacify the situation with the Pracetasas and mediating between them and nature.[34]
From: Satapatha-brahmana
(1) A specific substance or ritual element that is to be purchased under certain conditions.[35] (2) This substance is mentioned as a leader for Brahman (m.), guiding it towards a heavenly realm.[36] (3) Soma is associated with the graha of food, indicating that when a deity draws this specific graha, it becomes seized by it and fulfills the intended wish, linking Soma to this ritualistic act.[37] (4) The text mentions the stream of Soma, from which the Ashvina graha is taken, indicating its importance in ritualistic practices and its connection to divine offerings.[38] (5) An invitatory and offering prayer is made to Soma with reference to Soma's butter-portion, which is taken from the pap and offered with clarified butter.[39]
From: Hiranyakesi-grihya-sutra
(1) Soma is referred to as the king in a formula recited during the ritual, which also mentions the Brahmana tribes and the Ganga.[40] (2) Soma is a deity mentioned in the mantras used during the shaving ritual, linking them to the act of cutting hair.[41] (3) A divine figure invoked during the Shraddha, associated with immortality and the harvest, honored through chants.[42] (4) A deity referenced as 'Indu', associated with blessings and prosperity in relation to the prayers for wealth.[43]
From: Manusmriti with the Commentary of Medhatithi
(1) Soma, a ritualistic plant or its juice, is listed as a forbidden item for Brahmanas to sell, indicating restrictions on sacred substances.[44] (2) Drinking Soma does not yield its reward for an individual lacking sufficient wealth, irrespective of prior consumption of Soma.[45] (3) Soma, or the Soma plant, is described as ‘anagnidagdha’ because it is not cooked on fire, a fact associated with the Anagnidagdhas.[46] (4) According to the Vedic declaration, vessels do not become unclean by "Soma", implying a specific context where ordinary purification methods may not apply.[47] (5) A ritual drink. The verse specifies 'who has partaken of Soma', implying it doesn't apply to those who performed Darsha-purnamasa sacrifices.[48]
From: Khadira-grihya-sutra
(1) A deity to whom offerings are made in conjunction with Agni during the full moon festival for those who have established sacred fires.[49]
From: Vasistha Dharmasutra
(1) Soma is considered the king of the Brahmana, signifying a deep connection and reverence for this element within their spiritual life.[50] (2) A substance often involved in religious rites, linked to purification and sustenance.[51]
From: Gobhila-grihya-sutra
(1) A celestial deity or a ritualistic drink, mentioned in a verse stating he gave the bride to the Gandharva.[52] (2) A reference to the transcendental beverage associated with the Fathers during sacrifices.[53]
From: Asvalayana-grihya-sutra
(1) The recitation of the Atharvan and Aṅgiras hymns satiates the gods with oblations of "Soma", leading to rivers of Soma flowing as a funeral oblation.[54] (2) A deity associated with ritual blessings, specifically referenced in the singing performed by lute-players.[55]
From: Baudhayana Dharmasutra
(1) A deity or sacred drink, purified by Prajapati through a specific rite, underscoring the significance of purification.[56]
From: Sankhayana-grihya-sutra
(1) Soma is associated with Mrigashiras, denoting a deity's connection to a specific celestial entity within a system of cosmic associations.[57] (2) A deity to whom Ajya oblations are made during the ritual.[58]
From: Apastamba Yajna-paribhasa-sutras
(1) The Soma-plant is described as a creeper that is dark, sour, leafless, milky, fleshy, produces phlegm, causes vomiting, and is food for goats.[59]
From: Bharadvaja-srauta-sutra
(1) A substance that is purified as part of the ritual process.[60] (2) A ritual substance consumed or applied during ceremonies, representing divine essence and involving specific invocations.[61] (3) A divine entity referenced in the Anuvaka whose essence is being purified, symbolizing longevity and divine energy.[62] (4) A sacred intoxicating drink used in Vedic rituals, referred to in the invocation during offerings.[63] (5) A ritual drink made from the Soma plant, consumed during sacrifices and believed to provide strength and immortality.[64]
From: Bharadvaja-srauta-sutra
(1) Soma is a sacred substance that the Brahman is directed to hold in his lap and hand over to the Pratiprasthatri at designated moments in the ceremony.[65] (2) Soma is a sacred substance that is consumed, mixed with dhanas, and involved in various ritual recitations and offerings, including those for Indra and the Ashvins.[66] (3) The Soma, having been partaken of and consumed by the wealthy gods who have partaken of the oblations, is linked to the request for the gods to grant wealth to the participants of the ritual.[67] (4) It is to swell with a formula, and after that, a recitation should occur over it, imploring it to spread wealth widely for the sacrificer with its light from the sky, earth, and midregion.[68] (5) The Adhvaryu calls to recite the puronuvakya relating to the offering of these prepared the day before yesterday for Ashvins. While these are being offered, the Pratiprasthatri should offer the entire cake.[69]
From: Journal of Ayurveda and Integrated Medical Sciences
(1) Also known as Kapha, it is one of the Tridoshas described in the text.[70] (2) This is a simily for Kapha in Lokapurusha Samya.[71] (3) Soma is a god, and the Veda begins with an address to Agni, Indra, Soma, and other gods.[72] (4) This is a single drug therapy used in Rasayana treatments, and it is used for Pratishyaya, and it is used in conjunction with other treatments to combat diseases and promote overall health.[73] (5) This, along with Agni, forms a resulting product of union that travels to the Garbhasaya.[74]
From: International Research Journal of Ayurveda and Yoga
(1) This is one of the six vital elements that constitute Marma, along with Maruta, Tejas, Satva, Raja, and Tama.[75]
From: Charaka Samhita (English translation)
(1) A sacred herb in the context of Ayurveda, often associated with immortality and health benefits.[76]
From: Brihadaranyaka Upanishad
(1) Soma, which is liquid, was produced from Viraj's seed and represents food in the universe, being appeasing in nature.[77]
From: Thirty minor Upanishads
(1) It is one of the entities to which salutations are offered, representing the moon or lunar energy.[78]
From: Chandogya Upanishad (english Translation)
(1) This is the leader or the face through which one experiences and enjoys a certain nectar, implying a guiding principle or a means of access.[79]
From: Taittiriya Upanishad
(1) It is one of the names used to call a sleeping man.[80]
From: Mundaka Upanishad (Madhva commentary)
(1) This individual is an official on the Path of the Eagle, along with Varuna, and others, according to the text.[81]
From: Chandogya Upanishad (Shankara Bhashya)
(1) A ritual offering in Vedic traditions that was notably carried by the Gayatri to the deities.[82]
From: Bhakti-rasamrta-sindhu
(1) Soma is identified as the ruling deity of Ojas, indicating a celestial influence on the body's strength and nourishment.[83]
From: Garga Samhita (English)
(1) A being or entity that wielded an ice-weapon and engaged in combat.[84] (2) Soma; the entity that will descend as Abhimanyu.[85]
Jain concept of 'Soma'
In Jainism, Soma holds multiple meanings. It can be a character, a city mirroring Vijayadeva's capital, or a participant in key events. Soma also represents a Lokapala, similar to Camarendra, each with their consorts.
From: Trishashti Shalaka Purusha Caritra
(1) Soma was a descendant of Bahubali, son of Rishabha Svamin, and was an ancestor of Trinabindu and King Ayodhana's brother-in-law.[86] (2) Soma, the daughter of the Brahman Somasharman, was also married to Gajasukumala at the insistence of his mother and brother, even though he was unwilling to do so, and this shows the pressures he faced.[87] (3) One of the individuals, along with Rama and other kings, who participated in the joyful installation of Vishnu as Ardhacakrin, as stated in the provided text.[88] (4) A character who recognizes Prince Aparajita during his battle at the svayamvara.[89] (5) A character accompanying Sharngin, although his role is not fully described in the text.[90]
From: Bhagavati-sutra (Viyaha-pannatti)
(1) Soma is identified as the capital city of Maharaja Soma and is located beneath the great vimana Sumana, with its details mirroring those of Vijayadeva's capital city.[91] (2) The Lokapala or lord of a direction, similar to Camarendra, also with principal consorts.[92]
The concept of Soma in local and regional sources
Soma is a multifaceted concept. It's a plant used in Ayurvedic treatments for longevity and anti-aging, and a sacred drink in Vedic rituals. Soma is associated with immortality, divine connection, and is a key element in the Rigveda. It's also a substance in Ayurvedic texts used to combat aging and death.
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.[93] (2) This refers to a significant element in the Rigveda, often discussed in relation to its original concept and usage within ancient Indian traditions.[94] (3) Soma is a substance mentioned in the rasayana sections of classical Ayurvedic texts, and Shankara’s Vivarana glosses rasayanena as “by eating soma, amalaka and so on”.[95] (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.[96] (5) This denotes the sacred drink of Vedic Aryans but also the ‘moon,’ and is the name of the father of Planet Mercury in one of the astral myths.[97]
The concept of Soma in scientific sources
Soma, in this context, represents the neuron's cell body. Research indicates Adrenomedullin expression within the soma of small and medium-sized neurons. This highlights the soma's role in neuronal function and the presence of specific molecules.
From: International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health (MDPI)
(1) Soma is used to describe a sensitive body that is full of life and emotions, as opposed to a purely physical body without life and feelings.[98] (2) It is the Institute of Osteopathy of Milan where the subjects were evaluated, and the study was approved by its Institutional Review Board, following the principles of Helsinki for human experimentation.[99]
From: International Journal of Pharmacology
(1) The cell body of a neuron, where Adrenomedullin was found to be expressed in small and medium diameter neurons.[100]
From: Religions Journal (MDPI)
(1) Soma, the Greek word for body, is attested only four times in Mark, referring to the physical body of Jesus, and does not provide critical exposition on the body in relation to flesh.[101]