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Soma, also called as Indu or Soma-Pavamana, is
one of the most important deities in the Rgveda. The entire
ninth Mandala is devoted to his praise. He is the presiding
deity of the Soma creeper whose juice is often used in
sacrifices as offering and also drink. He is sometimes praised
as the Supreme God. He cures the mortals of their diseases,
gives them joy and leads them to immortal blissful worlds. It
was because of the power he bestowed that Indra was able to do
wonderful deeds and slay the demon Vrtra. He rules over the mind
and activates speech.
Hence he is sometimes described as Vacaspati, 'lord of speech'.
It is he who makes ordinary mortals Rsis, wise sages. He creates
the worlds, rules over mountains and rivers.
The name Soma has been used in the Rgveda for the deity that
animates the Soma creeper, the juice of the creeper itself, as
also the moon. In later literature, Some has been practically
identified with the moon itself. Scholars opine that the deity
Homa of the Zend-Avesta is this Soma itself.
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