Soma Ras: “An Elixir Of Life”
Disclaimer:
It is a humble request to the readers not to follow anything in a rush as research and exploration are needed to shed light on the actual soma plant.
“Soma” is an ancient plant and has many potential siblings like Hoama, Ephedra, Amanita muscaria, etc. resembling it. The identity of the soma plant remained a subject of debate and speculation for centuries. However, no consensus has been reached, and the exact botanical identity remains uncertain.
* What is Soma plant?
The term “Soma” refers to a plant or divine nectar associated with religious rituals and spiritual experiences. “Ras” means “juice” or “extract”. Soma Ras or Soma Rasayana is a term associated with Ayurvedic medicine. It refers to a formulation or preparation that is believed to have medicinal properties. The word has two entities attached to it including the drink/elixir and the moon god, however, no literature could be traced that proves whether it is a fruit, mushroom, or creeper. Nevertheless, I have attached literature work for ready reference which can be reviewed by readers themselves.
*Characteristics of Soma plant:
In terms of physical characteristics, the soma plant has fleshy, green stems which can grow up to several meters in length. The stems are typically thick and succulent, and they often have sharp thorns or spines along their length. The plant produces small, fragrant, yellowish-white flowers, and it bears fruits that contain seeds.
*Benefits:
- Rejuvenation and Longevity: It is believed to support overall health and vitality, helping individuals lead a healthy and youthful life for an extended period.
- Mental and Emotional Well-being: It is believed to have a calming and soothing effect on the mind, helping to reduce stress, anxiety, and mental fatigue. It is also thought to enhance cognitive functions, improve memory, and promote mental clarity and focus.
- Immunity and Vitality: It is believed to strengthen the immune system, making the body more resistant to diseases and infections.
- Detoxification and Purification: Soma Rasayana is believed to help eliminate toxins and waste materials from the body, supporting the proper functioning of organs and systems.
- Nourishment and Nutritional Support: It is believed to provide nourishment to the body at a cellular level, supporting the overall nutritional status. Soma Rasayana is considered beneficial for promoting healthy tissues, enhancing strength, and supporting various physiological functions.
- Phytochemical Analysis: Some researchers have conducted phytochemical analysis of plants proposed as candidates for the soma plant. These studies aim to identify and analyse the chemical compounds present in the plants and assess their potential psychoactive or medicinal properties. Research papers on the phytochemistry of potential soma plants can shed light on their chemical composition and biological activities.
* Origin of Soma Ras Found in Rigveda:
According to ancient Vedic texts, a whole chapter is dedicated to Soma ras which was basically a “drink of Gods”. In the Rigveda, Soma is described as a deity, a ritual drink, and a divine plant. It is considered a god associated with the ritual sacrifice, fertility, and immortality. An ancient collection of hymns, contains numerous references to the Soma plant and its rituals. Scholars have extensively studied the Rigvedic texts to gain insights into the botanical identity, preparation, and significance of Soma. It was believed that consuming the Soma drink during rituals enabled the priests and participants to establish a direct connection with the gods, gain blessings, and seek divine guidance. Soma was often associated with enlightenment, higher consciousness, and the pursuit of spiritual knowledge.The consumption of soma was believed to induce a state of euphoria, divine inspiration, and heightened awareness. Soma was often described as a “divine intoxicant” with powerful effects on the mind and body. The Bhagavad Gita also holds information about this.
*How it is consumed?
The plant material, believed to be the soma plant’s stalks or leaves, was gathered and pressed to extract the juice, then it is filtered in sheep’s cloth, juice that comes out is slightly bitter, (these descriptions are from “The Rigveda”) the resulting liquid was mixed with milk and other ingredients and then consumed by the priests and participants during the soma rituals. (Psychedelic concoction).
Another way for consumption by Zoroastrian states: dry twigs of the plant mixed with twigs of a pomegranate tree, water, and goat’s milk and prepared for a libation. It is said that after having it feels good and is not at all an intoxicant.
- Feel free to interpret these images through your lens of imagination. Your unique perspective will undoubtedly add layers of richness and depth to the mental imagery evoked. Remember, the pictures are merely starting points, and your mind has the power to create an infinite array of possibilities beyond what is shown. These pictures are my speculations of the preparation of the drink.
*The following are the pictures of plants that are similar to Soma plant:
- Sarcostemma acidum is a medicinal plant, a perennial , succulent plant native to the Indian subcontinent. It can treat various ailments including fractures, bone disorders and joint pains. Promote bone healing and may help in strengthening bones and connective tissues.
- Somlata acts as an effective bronchodilator. It is mainly used in slimming medications because it reduces the feeling of hunger, suppresses the appetite and increases the metabolism rate. This also enhances the concentration and improves the performance of athletes. It stimulates central nervous system and rejuvenate body and tissues giving anti-aging effect.
- Hoama was an anti-depressant agent and it was even used for curing bladder stones and stomach aches.
- This mushroom has beneficial effects for preventing depression, epilepsy, hypertension, insomnia and low appetite.
Image credits:
https://www.hinduscriptures.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/soma-plant-making.jpg
https://honeyguideapps.com/sites/default/files/Soma%20Moon.jpg
https://www.sciencesource.com/pix/143/1431962-soma-plant.jpg
(https://era-india.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/Sarcostemmaacidum-PradipKrishen.jpg)
https://www.flowersofindia.net/catalog/slides/Somlata.jpg
https://pragyata.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/Solving-the-Soma-Mystery-%E2%80%93-Part-2.jpg
https://tamilandvedas.files.wordpress.com/2013/05/eb57e-sarcostemma.jpg?w=320
https://static.inaturalist.org/photos/26555709/medium.jpg
craiyon.com and DALL-E for AI visuals(A*)
canva.com (Flowchart)
Sources:
https://www.easyayurveda.com/2020/09/21/soma-rasayana/
https://www.vedicfolks.com/life-time-management/karma-remedies/shared-homam/soma-yagya-.html
TLDR:
Soma Ras is an ancient plant or divine nectar associated with religious rituals and spiritual experiences in Hinduism. It is believed to have medicinal properties that can promote longevity, mental and emotional well-being, immunity and vitality, detoxification and purification, and nourishment. It is described as a deity, a ritual drink, and a divine plant in the Rigveda, and was consumed as a ritual drink in Vedic ceremonies. It is believed to induce a state of euphoria, divine inspiration, and heightened awareness. It is similar to Sarcostemma acidum, Hoama, Ephedra, Amanita muscaria, and Somlata.
