Significance of Soma
Synonyms: Body, Physique, Form, Structure, Anatomy
In Dutch: Soma; In Finnish: Soma; In Spanish: 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 symbolizes a sacred drink associated with immortality and divine favor within Vedic rituals. It embodies various elements like the moon, offerings, and purification, reflecting its crucial role in spiritual practices and sacrifices.
From: Mahabharata (English)
(1) A sacred drink in Vedic rituals associated with the moon and considered divine.[1] (2) A ritual drink of significance in Vedic sacrifices, symbolizing immortality and spiritual power.[2] (3) A divine entity associated with the moon and immortality, suggesting connections of the lady to divine powers.[3] (4) A character mentioned as the son of Atri and part of the divine lineage.[4] (5) A celestial drink in the context, indicating its significant role in divine affairs and interactions.[5]
From: Skanda Purana
(1) The substance present in the body in five forms, responsible for moisture and taste recognition.[6] (2) A substance associated with sacrifices that is imbibed by the Thousand-eyed Lord, indicating the significance of offerings at Dashashvamedhika.[7] (3) A sacred drink in ancient Indian rituals, often associated with divine offerings and the esoteric.[8] (4) A divine entity referred to as the Moon-god who performs devotion to achieve blessings.[9] (5) The Moon-god, considered the source of Sudha (Nectar), through whom Ganga entered.[10]
From: Harivamsha Purana
(1) The illustrious son born to Rishi Prabhakara and Rudra.[11] (2) The sacred drink offered in Vedic rituals believed to grant immortality, associated with the lunar aspects of divinity.[12] (3) Refers to the moon as a manifestation of eternal knowledge, symbolizing the connection between the divine and the Vedas.[13]
From: Markandeya Purana
(1) A ritual drink consumed during sacrifices which is associated with immortality and fervent devotion towards Agni.[14] (2) A ritual drink of importance in Vedic sacrifices, which intoxicated Indra during Marutta's sacrifices.[15] (3) The son begotten by Atri, characterized by passion; also a representation of Brahma.[16]
From: Padma Purana
(1) A sacred drink offered during the sacrifice, often associated with the Vedic rituals.[17] (2) The calf used by the sages to milk the earth, representing celestial power.[18]
From: Brahmanda Purana
(1) The moon and a divine entity associated with nourishment and refulgence, embodying the essence of the universe.[19] (2) A divine being associated with the moon, whose essence is said to be strengthened and developed through rituals performed by the Pitris.[20]
From: Devi Bhagavata Purana
(1) Referred to as the King of all in the worship practices of Surasagara, representing a lunar or divine figure.[21]
From: Ramayana of Valmiki
(1) A sacred drink offered during rituals, signifying the spiritual importance of the event.[22]
From: Markandeya Purana (Study)
(1) A sacred drink in ancient Indian literature, associated with purity and used sacrificially, as well as enjoyed by deities.[23]
From: Brahma Purana
(1) The Moon-god, associated with the cycle of life and death, whose daughter Urja becomes a focal point of desire for the manes.[24]
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.[25]
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.[26]
From: Vishnu Purana (Taylor)
(1) The regal deity of the moon, who approached the Pracetases and offered a proposal for marriage to Marisha, suggesting she would enhance their lineage.[27]
From: Bharadvaja-srauta-sutra
(1) A substance that is purified as part of the ritual process.[28] (2) A ritual substance consumed or applied during ceremonies, representing divine essence and involving specific invocations.[29] (3) A divine entity referenced in the Anuvaka whose essence is being purified, symbolizing longevity and divine energy.[30] (4) A sacred intoxicating drink used in Vedic rituals, referred to in the invocation during offerings.[31] (5) A ritual drink made from the Soma plant, consumed during sacrifices and believed to provide strength and immortality.[32]
From: Hiranyakesi-grihya-sutra
(1) A divine figure invoked during the Shraddha, associated with immortality and the harvest, honored through chants.[33] (2) A deity referenced as 'Indu', associated with blessings and prosperity in relation to the prayers for wealth.[34]
From: Paraskara-grihya-sutra
(1) A deity referenced as a king in the stanza sung during the ritual.[35] (2) A deity related to fertility and nourishment within the context of marriage and progeny.[36]
From: Gobhila-grihya-sutra
(1) A reference to the transcendental beverage associated with the Fathers during sacrifices.[37]
From: Asvalayana-grihya-sutra
(1) A deity associated with ritual blessings, specifically referenced in the singing performed by lute-players.[38]
From: Vasistha Dharmasutra
(1) A substance often involved in religious rites, linked to purification and sustenance.[39]
From: Satapatha-brahmana
(1) A sacred substance used in rituals, the pressing of which is vital to the continuation of sacrificial practices.[40] (2) A vital element during the rituals, related to the drink that is associated with sacrifice, purity, and divine connection.[41] (3) A deity linked to the moon and seen as the 'food of the gods,' significant in the context of lunar rituals.[42] (4) A deity representing sacred offerings, especially linked with the fathers in the sacrificial context.[43] (5) A significant element in the sacrifice that is linked to gladdening Prajapati and part of the offerings.[44]
From: Shaiva Upanishads (A Critical Study)
(1) The nectar produced by the union of Shiva and Shakti, symbolizing divine energy and enlightenment.[45]
From: Lakulisha-Pashupata (Philosophy and Practice)
(1) The moon, which Varahamihira associates with the birth of Vrddhas.[46]
From: Kashyapa Shilpa-shastra (study)
(1) Refers to one of the four different schools of the Shaivagama, contributing to the overall Shaiva philosophy.[47]
From: Charaka Samhita (English translation)
(1) A sacred herb in the context of Ayurveda, often associated with immortality and health benefits.[48]
From: Harshacharita (socio-cultural Study)
(1) A famous ritual drink mentioned in connection to sacrifices; also consumed by Bana's family.[49]
From: Garga Samhita (English)
(1) Soma; the entity that will descend as Abhimanyu.[50]
From: Chandogya Upanishad (Shankara Bhashya)
(1) A ritual offering in Vedic traditions that was notably carried by the Gayatri to the deities.[51]
Jain concept of 'Soma'
In Jainism, Soma may symbolize a multifaceted character associated with Sharngin, a Lokapala akin to Camarendra, and a figure who identifies Prince Aparajita during his svayamvara battle, revealing themes of recognition and divine guardianship.
From: Trishashti Shalaka Purusha Caritra
(1) A character who recognizes Prince Aparajita during his battle at the svayamvara.[52] (2) A character accompanying Sharngin, although his role is not fully described in the text.[53]
From: Bhagavati-sutra (Viyaha-pannatti)
(1) The Lokapala or lord of a direction, similar to Camarendra, also with principal consorts.[54]
The concept of Soma in local and regional sources
Soma is a sacred drink in Vedic rituals, symbolizing immortality and divine connection, and is notably consumed during sacrifices, highlighting its significance in ancient spiritual practices and its role in religious ceremonies.
From: Impact of Vedic Culture on Society
(1) A sacred drink in Vedic rituals, associated with immortality and divine connection, notably consumed during sacrifices.[55]