Soma, ³§´Ç³¾Äå: 61 definitions
Introduction:
Soma means something in Buddhism, Pali, Hinduism, Sanskrit, Jainism, Prakrit, the history of ancient India, Marathi, Hindi, biology. If you want to know the exact meaning, history, etymology or English translation of this term then check out the descriptions on this page. Add your comment or reference to a book if you want to contribute to this summary article.
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In Hinduism
Purana and Itihasa (epic history)
Source: Wisdom Library: Bhagavata PuranaSoma (सोà¤�):—Soma was born from Atri’s tears. (Atri is the son of BrahmÄ). BrahmÄ appointed Soma the director of the brÄhmaṇas, drugs and luminaries. With TÄrÄ he begat a son called Budha. (see BhÄgavata PurÄṇa 9.14.3-14)
: Google Books: Cultural History from the VÄyu PurÄnaSoma (सोà¤�) and SurÄ (सà¥à¤°à¤¾): These were the principal drinks of the Ṛgvedic Aryans. Soma was probably a sacrificial drink and it must have originally been a popular drink also, but with the Ṛgvedic people SurÄ was a more popular drink.
The VÄyu-purÄṇa refers to Soma many times and associates it with gods only, thus suggesting that it was not a drink of human beings at all; but we have at one place a reference to a Dealer in Soma who was not invited for Å›rÄddha. This reference suggests that traffic in Soma was regarded with disapproval though such traffic was taking place. The prohibition is equally suggestive of the fact that Soma was primarily used in sacrifices and hence was considered too sacred to be an article for sale.
: archive.org: Puranic Encyclopedia1) Soma (सोà¤�).—A son born to fire BhÄnu by his third wife NiÅ›Ä, who had given birth to two sons Soma and Agni and a daughter named RohiṇÄ�. (²Ñ²¹³óÄå²ú³óÄå°ù²¹³Ù²¹ Vana Parva, Chapter 221, Verse 15).
2) Soma (सोà¤�).—One of the eight Vasus. The eight Vasus are Ä€pa, Dhruva, Soma, Dharma, Anila, Agni, Pratyūṣa and PrabhÄsa. (Viṣṇu PurÄṇa, Aṃśa 1. 15).
3) Soma (सोà¤�).—A son of JarÄsandha. It is stated in BhÄgavata, Skandha 9, that JarÄsandha had four sons named Soma, Sahadeva, Turya and ÅšrutaÅ›ru.
4) ³§´Ç³¾Äå (सोमा).—A celestial maid. This celestial beauty performed a dance at the birth festival of Arjuna. (²Ñ²¹³óÄå²ú³óÄå°ù²¹³Ù²¹ Ä€di Parva, Chapter 122, Verse 61).
5) Soma (सो�).—Juice extracted from Soma creeper. It is believed that the devas accept Soma in sacrifices.
: archive.org: Nilamata Purana: a cultural and literary studySoma (सोà¤�) refers to the “drink of the godsâ€� according to the NÄ«lamatapurÄṇa verse 1377.—Most of the references to the articles of diet occur in the NÄ«lamata in connection with the offerings made to the gods but it is not difficult to infer from them the food and drink of the common people because “what a man eats his gods eatâ€�.
: Cologne Digital Sanskrit Dictionaries: The Purana Index1a) Soma (सोà¤�).—A son born of Atri's eyes; honoured at birth by Åšiva and UmÄ; borne for 300 years by dik (directions) and when released became an ²¹á¹ƒÅ›a of BrahmÄ who took him in his Vedic chariot of 1000 horses to his loka where Brahmaṛṣis adored him as their king and was praised by mantras; nourished the crying MÄriá¹£Ä� in her babyhood with nectar; presented Pá¹›thu with undying horses.1 Appealed to Pracetas not to destroy trees and offered their daughter VÄrká¹£Ä� in marriage to him, married the twenty-seven daughters of ¶Ù²¹°ìá¹£a; Ká¹›ttikÄ and other stars as his wives; cursed by ¶Ù²¹°ìá¹£a he had no issue and was struck with disease propitiated ¶Ù²¹°ìá¹£a and recovered.2 Appointed by BrahmÄ as Lord of Plants, Brahmans and stars; worshipped for a life of enjoyments; also called RÄjÄ; father of Budha;3 got rid of his consumption by bathing in the PrabhÄsÄ; worshipped largely in ÅšÄlmalidvÄ«pa;4 conquered three worlds and took TÄrÄ, Bá¹›haspati's wife by force. TÄrÄ who was pregnant was given back to Bá¹›haspati through the intervention of BrahmÄ. This was Budha.5
- 1) BhÄgavata-purÄṇa IV. 1. 15 and 33; 14. 26; 30. 14; 15. 17; BrahmÄṇá¸a-purÄṇa III. 65. 1-20; Matsya-purÄṇa 4. 49; 23. 4-15; 198. 1;
- 2) Ib. 2. 12; 5. 13; 146. 16. BhÄgavata-purÄṇa VI. 3. 14; 4. 6-16; 6. 2, 23-24; VIII. 4. 21; 5. 34.
- 3) BhÄgavata-purÄṇa VIII. 18. 15; X. 84. 47; XI. 16. 16; II. 3. 9; IX. 1. 35; BrahmÄṇá¸a-purÄṇa III. 65. 46. 48; Matsya-purÄṇa 11. 53-4.
- 4) BhÄgavata-purÄṇa XI. 6. 36; V. 20. 11-12.
- 5) Ib. IX. 14. 2. 14; BrahmÄṇá¸a-purÄṇa III. 65. 28-44.
1b) (Candra s.v.)—a LokapÄla with his city VibhÄvarÄ« on the north of Meru;1 Lord of stars, and one face of Åšiva: served as calf when sages and Pá¹›thu milked the earth-cow;2 his rays gave rise to certain Apsara clans: KaÅ›yapa made him king of Brahmans;3 a ÅšrÄddhadeva: Lord of Pitá¹›s: (1/8) ²¹á¹ƒÅ›a of Åšiva coming out of the »å³óÄå³¾²¹ that issued along with tears of Åšiva: Nine women desired and enjoyed his company;4 one of the nine grahas with white colour;5 in the DevÄsura wars, was vanquished by mÄyÄ of KÄlanemÄ«, took part in the TÄrakÄmaya, helped Varuṇa at the suggestion of Indra;6 the dot in him is the earth's shadow;7 propitiated in the installation of an image and in house building;8 born from the ocean of milk;9 world of;10 nectar of, drunk by Pitá¹›s and gods;11 feeds rivers by causing rain.12
- 1) BrahmÄṇá¸a-purÄṇa II. 21. 33; 22. 14. 15; Matsya-purÄṇa 266. 26.
- 2) BrahmÄṇá¸a-purÄṇa II. 24. 46; 26. 41; 27. 112 ff.; Matsya-purÄṇa 10. 16.
- 3) BrahmÄṇá¸a-purÄṇa III. 5. 80; 7. 22; 8. 3. 77. 36. 204. Matsya-purÄṇa 11. 63.
- 4) Ib. 23-1, 8; 31. 12.
- 5) Ib. 93. 10-17.
- 6) Ib. 150. 153; 174. 24; 176. 1-33.
- 7) Ib. 176. 5.
- 8) Ib. 265. 39; 253. 27.
- 9) Ib. 250. 2; 268. 18.
- 10) Ib. 91. 1-10.
- 11) BrahmÄṇá¸a-purÄṇa II. 23. 39, 69-73.
- 12) VÄyu-purÄṇa 51. 14-21.
1c) A son of SÄvitrÄ« and Pṛśni.*
- * BhÄgavata-purÄṇa VI. 18. 1.
1d) A madhyamÄdhvaryu.*
- * BrahmÄṇá¸a-purÄṇa II. 33. 15.
1e) A Vasu: a son of Dharma and Sudevī; had five sons Varca, Budha, Dhara, Urmī and Kalila.*
- * BrahmÄṇá¸a-purÄṇa III. 3. 21; Matsya-purÄṇa 5. 21, 23; 171. 46; 203. 3.
1f) A SukhÄ god.*
- * BrahmÄṇá¸a-purÄṇa IV. 1, 18.
1g) The temple of, in the Supaká¹£a hill.*
- * VÄyu-purÄṇa 39. 63.
1h) A mukhya gaṇa.*
- * VÄyu-purÄṇa 100. 18.
1i) A son of Atri and AnasÅ«yÄ.*
- * Viṣṇu-purÄṇa I. 10. 8.
1j) A Vasu; the son of BhagavÄn Varca.*
- * Viṣṇu-purÄṇa I. 15. 110, 112.
Soma (सोà¤�) is a name mentioned in the ²Ñ²¹³óÄå²ú³óÄå°ù²¹³Ù²¹ (cf. I.30, I.29.3, I.60.17) and represents one of the many proper names used for people and places. Note: The ²Ñ²¹³óÄå²ú³óÄå°ù²¹³Ù²¹ (mentioning Soma) is a Sanskrit epic poem consisting of 100,000 Å›±ô´Ç°ì²¹²õ (metrical verses) and is over 2000 years old.
Soma is also mentioned in the ²Ñ²¹³óÄå²ú³óÄå°ù²¹³Ù²¹ (cf. III.85.12) and represents one of the many proper names used for people and places.
: Shodhganga: The saurapurana - a critical study1) Soma (सोà¤�) or Candramas refers to one of the three sons of Atri and ´¡²Ô²¹²õ³Ü²âÄå: one of the twenty-four daughters of ¶Ù²¹°ìá¹£a and PrasÅ«ti, according to the V²¹á¹ƒÅ›a (‘genealogical descriptionâ€�) of the 10th century ³§²¹³Ü°ù²¹±è³Ü°ùÄåṇa: one of the various UpapurÄṇas depicting Åšaivism.—Accordingly, Ä€kÅ«ti was married to Ruci and PrasÅ«ti to ¶Ù²¹°ìá¹£a. ¶Ù²¹°ìá¹£a produced in PrasÅ«ti twenty-four daughters. [...] [´¡²Ô²¹²õ³Ü²âÄå was given to Atri.]. [...] Atri and ´¡²Ô²¹²õ³Ü²âÄå gave birth to DurvÄsas, Soma and DattÄtreya.
2) Soma (सोà¤�) obtained twenty-seven daughters from ¶Ù²¹°ìá¹£a, in another account of V²¹á¹ƒÅ›a (‘genealogical descriptionâ€�) of the ³§²¹³Ü°ù²¹±è³Ü°ùÄåṇa.—Accordingly, ¶Ù²¹°ìá¹£a is spoken of as busy in creation. Ordered by BrahmÄ he creates the Sages, gods, demons etc. In order to have maithuni sṛṣá¹i ¶Ù²¹°ìá¹£a gets married to Asikni, the daughter of PrajÄpati Viraṇa and begot sixty daughters. [He gave twenty-seven daughters to Soma].
3) Soma (सोà¤�) also refers to one of the eight Vasus who are the sons of Vasu.—Accordingly, the ten wives of Dharma are [viz., Vasu]. The Vasus were born from Vasu. The eight Vasus are Ä€pa, Nala, Soma, Dhruva, Anila, Anala, Pratyuá¹£a and PrabhÄsa.

The Purana (पà¥à¤°à¤¾à¤�, purÄṇas) refers to Sanskrit literature preserving ancient India’s vast cultural history, including historical legends, religious ceremonies, various arts and sciences. The eighteen mahapuranas total over 400,000 shlokas (metrical couplets) and date to at least several centuries BCE.
Vaishnavism (Vaishava dharma)
: VedaBase: ÅšrÄ«mad BhÄgavatamAfter conquering the three worlds [the upper, middle and lower planetary systems], Soma, the moon-god, performed a great sacrifice known as the RÄjasÅ«ya-²â²¹Âáñ²¹. Because he was very much puffed up, he forcibly kidnapped Bá¹›haspati's wife, whose name was TÄrÄ.
Although requested again and again by Bá¹›haspati, the spiritual master of the demigods, Soma did not return TÄrÄ. This was due to his false pride. Consequently, a fight ensued between the demigods and the demons.

Vaishnava (वैषà¥à¤£à¤µ, vaiṣṇava) or vaishnavism (vaiṣṇavism) represents a tradition of Hinduism worshipping Vishnu as the supreme Lord. Similar to the Shaktism and Shaivism traditions, Vaishnavism also developed as an individual movement, famous for its exposition of the dashavatara (‘ten avatars of Vishnuâ€�).
Ayurveda (science of life)
Nighantu (Synonyms and Characteristics of Drugs and technical terms)
: WorldCat: RÄj nighaṇá¹u³§´Ç³¾Äå (सोमा) is another name for ³§´Ç³¾²¹±¹²¹±ô±ôÄ«, a medicinal plant identified with Sarcostemma brevistigma (synonym of Sarcostemma acidum or leafless east-Indian vine) from the Apocynaceae or “dog-awayâ€� family of flowering plants, according to verse 3.98-99 of the 13th-century Raj Nighantu or RÄjanighaṇá¹u. The third chapter (²µ³Üá¸Å«c²âÄå»å¾±-±¹²¹°ù²µ²¹) of this book contains climbers and creepers (±¹Ä«°ù³Ü»å³ó). Together with the names ³§´Ç³¾Äå and ³§´Ç³¾²¹±¹²¹±ô±ôÄ«, there are a total of eleven Sanskrit synonyms identified for this plant.
Dietetics and Culinary Art (such as household cooking)
: Shodhganga: Dietetics and culinary art in ancient and medieval India1) Soma (सोà¤�) refers to a commonly used source of animal fat according to the Aá¹£á¹Äá¹…gasaá¹…graha SÅ«trasthÄna VI.113-114, and is commonly found in literature dealing with the topics of dietetics and culinary art, also known as ±ÊÄå°ì²¹Å›Äå²õ³Ù°ù²¹ or ±ÊÄå°ì²¹°ì²¹±ôÄå.—Somarasa was a very common beverage in Vedic period which is made of Soma plant (Sarcostemma viminalis). It is one of the most acclaimed offerings in Å›°ù²¹³Ü³Ù²¹ rituals. Even the making of Soma drink (²õ´Ç³¾Äå²ú³ó¾±á¹£a±¹²¹) is a ritual in these sacrifices. Before crushing it, the plant was washed in water. Soma drink is prepared by grinding Soma creeper with a stone which is known as ²µ°ùÄå±¹Äå.
The preparations referred to in Vedas wherein Soma was mixed were °ì²¹°ù²¹á¹ƒb³ó²¹, »å³óÄå²Ô²¹, ²¹±èÅ«±è²¹, pakti, saktu, water and honey. The usage of Soma can also be seen in the texts of classical Sanskrit literature. Drinking Soma juice was referred to in Uttararamacarita. [...] Drinking of Sura is not considered as meritorious as Soma.
2) Soma (सोà¤�) or Somaroga refers to “polyuriaâ€� according to the 17th century BhojanakutÅ«hala (»å°ù²¹±¹²â²¹²µ³ÜṇÄg³Üṇa-°ì²¹³Ù³ó²¹²Ô²¹).—Accordingly, the dietetic effect soma-ghna (cures polyuria) is associated with the following conditions: Food utensils made of PÄá¹alapatra (patra=leaves).
Unclassified Ayurveda definitions
Source: Wisdom Library: Ä€yurveda and botany³§´Ç³¾Äå (सोमा) is another name for Avalguja (Psoralea corylifolia “Malaysian scurfpeaâ€�) according to the µþ³óÄå±¹²¹±è°ù²¹°ìÄåÅ›²¹, which is a 16th century medicinal thesaurus authored by BhÄvamiÅ›ra. The term is used throughout Ayurvedic literature.
: Sacred Texts: The Grihya Sutras, Part 2 (SBE30); AyurvedaSoma (सोà¤�) refers to a plant, which is supposed to be bought from northern barbarians, is botanically described in an Ayurvedic extract, quoted in the DhÅ«rtasvÄmi-bhÄá¹£yaá¹Ä«kÄ, as: “the creeper called Soma is dark, sour, without leaves, milky, fleshy on the surface, producing phlegm and vomiting, food for goatsâ€�. This passage, quoted from some Ayurvedic text, is still the only one which gives an approximative description of the Soma-plant. Dr. Hooker says that the predicates 'sour and milky' point to Sarcostemma, but the question is not decided yet.

Ä€yurveda (आयà¥à¤°à¥à¤µà¥‡à¤¦, ayurveda) is a branch of Indian science dealing with medicine, herbalism, taxology, anatomy, surgery, alchemy and related topics. Traditional practice of Ä€yurveda in ancient India dates back to at least the first millenium BC. Literature is commonly written in Sanskrit using various poetic metres.
Natyashastra (theatrics and dramaturgy)
Source: Wisdom Library: NÄá¹ya-Å›ÄstraSoma (सोà¤�) is the Sanskrit name for a deity to be worshipped during °ù²¹á¹…g²¹±èÅ«ÂáÄå, according to the NÄá¹yaÅ›Ästra 3.1-8. Accordingly, the master of the dramatic art who has been initiated for the purpose shall consecrate the playhouse after he has made obeisance (e.g., to Soma).

Natyashastra (नाटà¥à¤¯à¤¶à¤¾à¤¸à¥à¤¤à¥à¤°, ²ÔÄåá¹y²¹Å›Äå²õ³Ù°ù²¹) refers to both the ancient Indian tradition (shastra) of performing arts, (natya—theatrics, drama, dance, music), as well as the name of a Sanskrit work dealing with these subjects. It also teaches the rules for composing Dramatic plays (nataka), construction and performance of Theater, and Poetic works (kavya).
Vastushastra (architecture)
Source: Wisdom Library: VÄstu-Å›ÄstraSoma (सोà¤�, “mondayâ€�) corresponds with the moon and refers to the second of seven ±¹Äå°ù²¹ (days), according to the MÄnasÄra. It is also known by the name Candra or ÅšaÅ›i. VÄra is the fifth of the Äå²âÄå»å¾±á¹£aá¸v²¹°ù²µ²¹, or “six principlesâ€� that constitute the “horoscopeâ€� of an architectural or iconographic object. Their application is intended to “verifyâ€� the measurements of the architectural and iconographic object against the dictates of astrology that lay out the conditions of auspiciousness.
The particular day, or ±¹Äå°ù²¹ (e.g., soma) of all architectural and iconographic objects (settlement, building, image) must be calculated and ascertained. This process is based on the principle of the remainder. An arithmetical formula to be used in each case is stipulated, which engages one of the basic dimensions of the object (breadth, length, or perimeter/circumference). Among these ±¹Äå°ù²¹s, Guru (Thursday), Åšukra (Friday), Budha (Wednesday) and ÅšaÅ›i or Candra (Monday), are considered auspicious and therefore, to be preferred. The text states, however, that the inauspiciousness of the other three days are nullified if there occurs a Å›³Ü²ú³ó²¹²â´Ç²µ²¹, “auspicious conjunction (of planets)â€� on those days.
: Brill: Åšaivism and the Tantric Traditions (architecture)Soma (सोà¤�) refers to one of the deities to be installed in the ground plan for the construction of houses, according to the Bá¹›hatkÄlottara, chapter 112 (the ±¹Äå²õ³Ù³Ü²âÄå²µ²¹-±è²¹á¹a±ô²¹).—The plan for the construction is always in the form of a square. That square is divided into a grid of cells (padas). [...] Once these padas have been laid out, deities [e.g., Soma] are installed in them. In the most common pattern 45 deities are installed.
Soma as a doorway deity is associated with the Nakṣatra called Mṛgaśīrṣaka and the consequence is sampatkara. [...] The Mayasaṃgraha (verse 5.156-187) describes a design for a 9-by-9-part pura, a residential complex for a community and its lead figure. [...] This record lists a place for the treasury at Soma and Ṛgi (somadvaye).

Vastushastra (वासà¥à¤¤à¥à¤¶à¤¾à¤¸à¥à¤¤à¥à¤�, vÄstuÅ›Ästra) refers to the ancient Indian science (shastra) of architecture (vastu), dealing with topics such architecture, sculpture, town-building, fort building and various other constructions. Vastu also deals with the philosophy of the architectural relation with the cosmic universe.
Shaktism (Shakta philosophy)
Source: Wisdom Library: ÅšÄktismSoma (सोà¤�) refers to one of the 53 gods to be worshipped in the northern quarter and given ±èÄå²â²¹²õ²¹ (rice boiled in milk) according to the ³ÕÄå²õ³Ù³Ü²âÄå²µ²¹ rite in Åšaktism (cf. ÅšÄradÄtilaka-tantra III-V). The worship of these 53 gods happens after assigning them to one of the 64 compartment while constructing a µþ²¹±ô¾±³¾²¹á¹‡á¸²¹±è²¹. VÄstu is the name of a prodigious demon, who was killed by 53 gods (e.g., Soma).
: Google Books: Manthanabhairavatantram1) Soma (सोà¤�) or Somagranthi refers to the “Knot of the Moon (soma)â€� and represents one of the “sixteen knotsâ€� (granthi), according to the á¹¢aá¹sÄhasrasaṃhitÄ, an expansion of the KubjikÄmatatantra: the earliest popular and most authoritative Tantra of the KubjikÄ cult.—Accordingly, â€�(1) The Knot called Ananta, which is HAṂSA, should be placed (on the body). It is at the middle toe of the sixteen parts (of the body).The Knot of Time is below the ankle. [...] (8) (The Knot) called BrahmÄ is in the penis (²õ±¹Äå»å³ó¾±á¹£á¹³óÄå²Ô²¹) and (9) the Knot of the Moon (soma) is in the stomach. [...]â€�.
2) ³§´Ç³¾Äå (सोमा) is the name of the Tendril (valli) associated with PÅ«rṇagiri, one the eight Sacred Seats (±èīṻ·²¹), according to the Yogakhaṇá¸a (chapter 14) of the ManthÄnabhairavatantra, a vast sprawling work that belongs to a corpus of Tantric texts concerned with the worship of the goddess KubjikÄ.
3) Soma (सोà¤�) [=³§´Ç³¾Äånanda] refers to one of the eight Bhairavas (²ú³ó²¹¾±°ù²¹±¹²¹-²¹á¹£á¹²¹°ì²¹) associated with KÄmÄkhya (corresponding to the eastern face of Bhairava), according to the ManthÄnabhairavatantra, a vast sprawling work that belongs to a corpus of Tantric texts concerned with the worship of the goddess KubjikÄ.—[...] The eight Bhairavas (²ú³ó²¹¾±°ù²¹±¹ÄåṣṲ¹°ì²¹): Krodhīśa, Candragarbha, Kuṇá¹Ä«Å›a, Amá¹›teÅ›vara, TumburubhairaveÅ›a, Soma-Ä€nanda, Tridaṇá¸Ä«Å›a, ArdhanÄrīśa.
4) Soma (सोà¤�) [=³§´Ç³¾Äånanda] is the “secret nameâ€� of µþ³ó±ð°ùīś²¹â€”one of the Sixteen Siddhas according to the KubjikÄnityÄhnikatilaka: a derative text drawing from Tantras and other sources such as the á¹¢aá¹sÄhasrasaṃhitÄ.—These sixteen spiritual teachers represent the disciples of the Nine NÄthas who propagated the Western Transmission noted in the KubjikÄ Tantras.—µþ³ó±ð°ùīś²� is the CaryÄ name of this NÄtha (i.e., the public name the Siddha uses when living as a wandering renouncer). His Gopya or “secret nameâ€� is Soma-Ä€nanda. This secret name is the one by which he is known only to fellow initiates, his teachers and disciples. It is never revealed to anybody outside the circle of initiates.

Shakta (शाकà¥à¤�, Å›Äkta) or Shaktism (Å›Äktism) represents a tradition of Hinduism where the Goddess (Devi) is revered and worshipped. Shakta literature includes a range of scriptures, including various Agamas and Tantras, although its roots may be traced back to the Vedas.
Jyotisha (astronomy and astrology)
Source: Wisdom Library: Brihat Samhita by VarahamihiraSoma (सोà¤�) refers to one of the twelve yugas of Jupiter’s cycle, according to the Bá¹›hatsaṃhitÄ (chapter 8), an encyclopedic Sanskrit work written by VarÄhamihira mainly focusing on the science of ancient Indian astronomy astronomy (Jyotiá¹£a).—Accordingly, “The twelve yugas of Jupiter’s cycle are known as belonging to the Devas 1. Viṣṇu, 2. Jupiter, 3. Indra, 4. Agni (fire), 5. Tvaá¹£á¹Ä, 6. Ahirbudhnya, 7. The Pitá¹›s, 8. VÄsudeva, 9. Soma (the Moon), 10. IndrÄgni, 11. AÅ›vinideva, 12. Bhaga (the Sun)â€�.
: Google Books: Studies in the History of the Exact Sciences (Astronomy)Soma (सोà¤�) refers to the Moon, according to the ²µ°ù²¹³ó²¹Å›Äå²Ô³Ù¾± (cf. ²µ°ù²¹³ó²¹²â²¹Âáñ²¹) section of the YÄjñavalkyasmá¹›ti (1.295-309), preceded by the section called ±¹¾±²ÔÄå²â²¹°ì²¹°ì²¹±ô±è²¹ (1.271-294), prescribing a rite to be offered to VinÄyaka.—[Names of grahas]—The nine grahas are enumerated in the week-day order plus RÄhu and Ketu. This verse is indispensable since in the rest of this section this order is presupposed and the nine grahas are referred to only by this order instead of by their names. The names are standard ones: SÅ«rya (Sun), Soma (Moon), MahÄ«putra (the son of the earth, i.e., Mars), Somaputra (the son of the Moon, i.e., Mercury), Bá¹›haspati (Jupiter), Åšukra (Venus), ÅšanaiÅ›cara (Saturn), RÄhu, and Ketu.
: academia.edu: Tithikarmaguṇa in GÄrgÄ«yaÂá²â´Ç³Ù¾±á¹£a³§´Ç³¾Äå (सोमा) or Somatithi is the name of the sixth of fifteen tithis (cycle of time) according to the GÄrgÄ«yaÂá²â´Ç³Ù¾±á¹£a while the ÅšÄrdÅ«lakarṇÄvadÄna considers AÅ›iti as the sixth. The associated deity for ³§´Ç³¾Äå or AÅ›iti according to the Bá¹›hatsaṃhitÄ is Skanda. A tithi was defined as one thirtieth of a synodic month (c. 29.5 days), resulting in an average tithi being slightly less than a day.
Accordingly, â€�(21) The sixth tithi is called ³§´Ç³¾Äå (Vá¹›ddhi?/MÄsÄ?). It is auspicious for firm acts. One should engage in agricultural works, build houses and temples for deities. (22) One should build or take refuge in buildings such as the city-gates. Journey should be avoided. The deity for this tithi is KumÄra (Skanda)â€�.
: Wikibooks (hi): Sanskrit Technical TermsSoma (सो�).—A ritual beverage used in some ancient Vedic sacrifices. Note: Soma is a Sanskrit technical term used in ancient Indian sciences such as Astronomy, Mathematics and Geometry.

Jyotisha (जà¥à¤¯à¥‹à¤¤à¤¿à¤�, Âá²â´Ç³Ù¾±á¹£a or jyotish) refers to ‘astronomyâ€� or “Vedic astrologyâ€� and represents the fifth of the six Vedangas (additional sciences to be studied along with the Vedas). Jyotisha concerns itself with the study and prediction of the movements of celestial bodies, in order to calculate the auspicious time for rituals and ceremonies.
Vyakarana (Sanskrit grammar)
: Wikisource: A dictionary of Sanskrit grammarSoma (सोà¤�).â€�(or सोमयारà¥à¤¯ (²õ´Ç³¾²¹²âÄå°ù²â²¹)) name of the writer of a gloss named तà¥à¤°à¤¿à¤à¤¾à¤·à¥à¤¯à¤°à¤¤à¥à¤� (³Ù°ù¾±²ú³óÄåá¹£y²¹°ù²¹³Ù²Ô²¹) on the Taittiriya Pratisakhya.

Vyakarana (वà¥à¤¯à¤¾à¤•रà¤�, vyÄkaraṇa) refers to Sanskrit grammar and represents one of the six additional sciences (vedanga) to be studied along with the Vedas. Vyakarana concerns itself with the rules of Sanskrit grammar and linguistic analysis in order to establish the correct context of words and sentences.
Dharmashastra (religious law)
: Sacred Texts: The Grihya Sutras, Part 2 (SBE30)Soma (सोà¤�) refers to the “juice of the Soma-plantâ€�, mentioned as an example of a gift used in a Yajña (sacrifice), in the Ä€pastamba-²â²¹Âáñ²¹-paribhÄá¹£Ä�-²õÅ«³Ù°ù²¹²õ 1.—â¶Ä�²â²¹Âáñ²¹ [viz., ¾±á¹£á¹¾±], sacrifice, is an act by which we surrender something for the sake of the gods. Such an act must rest on a sacred authority (Äå²µ²¹³¾²¹), and serve for man’s salvation (Å›°ù±ð²â´Ç°ù³Ù³ó²¹). The nature of the gift is of less importance. It may be ±è³Ü°ù´Çá¸ÄÅ›a, cake; karu, pulse; ²õÄåṃnÄå²â²â²¹, mixed milk; ±è²¹Å›³Ü, an animal; soma, the juice of the Soma-plant, &c.; nay, the smallest offerings of butter, flour, and milk may serve for the purpose of a sacrificeâ€�.

Dharmashastra (धरà¥à¤®à¤¶à¤¾à¤¸à¥à¤¤à¥à¤�, dharmaÅ›Ästra) contains the instructions (shastra) regarding religious conduct of livelihood (dharma), ceremonies, jurisprudence (study of law) and more. It is categorized as smriti, an important and authoritative selection of books dealing with the Hindu lifestyle.
Shaivism (Shaiva philosophy)
: Brill: Åšaivism and the Tantric TraditionsSoma (सोà¤�) is explained to mean ²õ²¹-³Ü³¾Äå, i.e. “with/accompanied by UmÄâ€� (with reference to the fact that a male KÄpÄlika normally had a consort, just as Åšiva is accompanied by UmÄ), according to commentaries on the Prabodhacandrodaya of KṛṣṇamiÅ›ra (itself dating from 1041â€�1073). [...] The ²õ²¹-³Ü³¾Äå explanation of soma higlights an important trait of the KÄpÄlikas, namely that they were exceptional in the AtimÄrga in that male and female initiates performed rituals together and were obviously not required to maintain celibacy, unlike (most probably) the ascetics of the PÄÅ›upata and LÄkula groups.
: SOAS University of London: Protective Rites in the Netra TantraSoma (सोà¤�) is another name for DeveÅ›a or ´¡³¾á¹›t±ðÅ›²¹, according to the Netratantra of Ká¹£emarÄja: a Åšaiva text from the 9th century in which Åšiva (Bhairava) teaches PÄrvatÄ« topics such as metaphysics, cosmology, and soteriology.—Accordingly, [verse 9.5-11, while explaining the universality of ´¡³¾á¹›t±ðÅ›²¹]—“[...] Thus, in this way, DeveÅ›a [is found in all] Ä€gamas. He gives of all SÄdhakas the benefits [of worship] from all directions [i.e., no matter what their tradition]. Because of him, splendid gems light up [differently] under different conditions, giving the fruits of all Ä€gamas in all streams. Thus, he is Åšiva, SadÄÅ›iva, Bhairava, Tumburu, Soma, and SÅ«rya, with his own form arising bearing no formâ€�.

Shaiva (शै�, śaiva) or Shaivism (śaivism) represents a tradition of Hinduism worshiping Shiva as the supreme being. Closely related to Shaktism, Shaiva literature includes a range of scriptures, including Tantras, while the root of this tradition may be traced back to the ancient Vedas.
Ganitashastra (Mathematics and Algebra)
: archive.org: Hindu MathematicsSoma (सोà¤�) represents the number 1 (one) in the “word-numeral systemâ€� (²ú³óÅ«³Ù²¹²õ²¹á¹ƒk³ó²âÄå), which was used in Sanskrit texts dealing with astronomy, mathematics, metrics, as well as in the dates of inscriptions and manuscripts in ancient Indian literature.—A system of expressing numbers by means of words arranged as in the place-value notation was developed and perfected in India in the early centuries of the Christian era. In this system the numerals [e.g., 1â€�soma] are expressed by names of things, beings or concepts, which, naturally or in accordance with the teaching of the ÅšÄstras, connote numbers.

Ganita (गणित) or Ganitashastra refers to the ancient Indian science of mathematics, algebra, number theory, arithmetic, etc. Closely allied with astronomy, both were commonly taught and studied in universities, even since the 1st millennium BCE. Ganita-shastra also includes ritualistic math-books such as the Shulba-sutras.
Shilpashastra (iconography)
: archive.org: Catalogue of Pancaratra Agama Texts (shilpa)1) Soma (सोà¤�) refers to one of the Pari±¹Äå°ù²¹-DevatÄs (“attendant deitiesâ€�) according to chapter 22 (KriyÄpÄda) of the ±Ê²¹»å³¾²¹²õ²¹á¹ƒh¾±³ÙÄå: the most widely followed of SaṃhitÄ covering the entire range of concerns of PÄñcarÄtra doctrine and practice (i.e., the four-fold formulation of subject matterâ€�ÂáñÄå²Ô²¹, yoga, °ì°ù¾±²âÄå and ³¦²¹°ù²âÄå) consisting of roughly 9000 verses.—Description of the chapter [pari±¹Äå°ù²¹-vidhi]: Iconometry continues, this chapter being given over to rules for the attendant deities [pari±¹Äå°ù²¹-devatÄ]: [e.g., Soma] [...]. Then the discussion turns to the vehicles of the gods, namely BrahmÄ’s Swan and Rudra’s Ox, etc. (61b-64).
2) Soma (सोà¤�) or “moonâ€� refers to one of the “planetary deitiesâ€� (graha) whose iconographic details are discsussed in chapter 26 of the Ä€dikÄṇá¸a of the ±á²¹²â²¹Å›Ä«°ùá¹£a²õ²¹á¹ƒh¾±³ÙÄå: a large PÄñcarÄtra Ä€gama consisting of roughly 6500 verses dealing primarily with architecture, temple-building and consecration rituals and iconography.—Description of the chapter [²µ°ù²¹³ó²¹-±è°ù²¹³Ù¾±³¾Äå-±ô²¹°ìá¹£aṇa]: The nine personified planets are here treated iconographically: [e.g., Moon (Soma: 2)] [...].

Shilpashastra (शिलà¥à¤ªà¤¶à¤¾à¤¸à¥à¤¤à¥à¤°, Å›ilpaÅ›Ästra) represents the ancient Indian science (shastra) of creative arts (shilpa) such as sculpture, iconography and painting. Closely related to Vastushastra (architecture), they often share the same literature.
Pancaratra (worship of NÄrÄyaṇa)
: archive.org: Catalogue of Pancaratra Agama Texts1) Soma (सोà¤�) is the name of a deity for whom the YÄga (“worship and offeringâ€�) is discussed in chapter 1 of the ÅšivarÄtra section of the ³§²¹²Ô²¹³Ù°ì³Ü³¾Äå°ù²¹²õ²¹á¹ƒh¾±³ÙÄå: an encyclopedic Sanskrit text written in over 3500 verses dealing with a variety of topics such as yoga, temple-building, consecration ceremonies, initiation and dhanurveda (martial arts).—Description of the chapter [³Ù¾±³Ù³ó¾±-²âÄå²µ²¹]: SanatkumÄra proposes to deal here briefly with ³Ù¾±³Ù³ó¾±²âÄå²µ²¹ concerns during the bright fortnight. [...] Then follow directions for the ²âÄå²µ²¹²õ of Soma (343b-358); [...]
2) Soma (सोà¤�) or SomamudrÄ refers to one of the 81 MudrÄs (hand-gestures) described in chapter 2 of the ṚṣirÄtra section of the ³§²¹²Ô²¹³Ù°ì³Ü³¾Äå°ù²¹²õ²¹á¹ƒh¾±³ÙÄå: an encyclopedic Sanskrit text written in over 3500 verses dealing with a variety of topics such as yoga, temple-building, consecration ceremonies, initiation and dhanurveda (martial arts).—[Cf. the chapter ³¾³Ü»å°ùÄå-±ô²¹°ìá¹£aṇa].

Pancaratra (पाञà¥à¤šà¤°à¤¾à¤¤à¥à¤°, pÄñcarÄtra) represents a tradition of Hinduism where Narayana is revered and worshipped. Closeley related to Vaishnavism, the Pancaratra literature includes various Agamas and tantras incorporating many Vaishnava philosophies.
General definition (in Hinduism)
: archive.org: Vedic index of Names and SubjectsSoma (सोà¤�) was the famous plant which was used for the preparation of the libation of Soma made at the Vedic sacrifice. Its importance is sufficiently shown by the fact that the whole of the ninth Maṇá¸ala of the Rigveda, and six hymns in other Maṇá¸alas, are devoted to its praise.
: Apam Napat: Indian MythologySoma is the name of Chandra, the moon. It is also the name of the intoxicating drink that is offered to the Vedic Gods. The Rig Veda sometimes addresses Soma, the drink as a seperate deity in its own right.
: WikiPedia: HinduismSoma was a Vedic ritual drink of importance among the early Indo-Iranians, and the subsequent Vedic and greater Persian cultures. It is frequently mentioned in the Rigveda, whose Soma Mandala contains 114 hymns, many praising its energizing qualities. In the Avesta, Haoma has the entire Yašt 20 and Yasna 9-11 dedicated to it.
It is described as being prepared by extracting juice from the stalks of a certain plant. In both Vedic and Zoroastrian tradition, the name of the drink and the plant are the same, and also personified as a divinity, the three forming a religious or mythological unity.
In the Vedas, the drink, and the plant refer to the same entity. Drinking Soma produces immortality (Amrita, Rigveda 8.48.3). Indra and Agni are portrayed as consuming Soma in copious quantities. The consumption of Soma by human beings is well attested in Vedic ritual.
etymology: Soma (Sanskrit: सो� sóma), or Haoma (Avestan), from Proto-Indo-Iranian *sauma-.
Both Soma and the Avestan Haoma are thought to be derived from Proto-Indo-Iranian *sauma-. The name of the Scythian tribe Hauma-varga is related to the word, and probably connected with the ritual. The word is derived from an Indo-Iranian root *sav- (Sanskrit sav-/su) "to press", i.e. *sau-ma- is the drink prepared by pressing the stalks of a plant.[4] According to Mayhofer, the root is Proto-Indo-European (*sew(h)-)[5]
: Encyclopedia Mythica: Soma1) As a drink, Soma is the ambrosia of the gods. It was due to this influence that they could rise above all obstacles to achieve their goals. Indra was a great drinker of the substance; before his confrontation with Vritra, he drank rivers of it to gain the strength needed to overcome the fearsome dragon. Agni also consumed it in large amounts. Soma was what gave the Vedic gods their immortality. This drink is the same as Haoma in Persian mythology.
2) As the moon, Soma became equated with the god Chandra, who originally was the moon deity. The moon was considered the cup which held the drink Soma for the gods, and one reason that the moon waxed and waned was due to this fact. When the moon waned, it was because the gods were drinking down all the Soma; as it waxed, the god was re-creating himself, only to be consumed again once the cup was again full.
: Sreenivasarao’s blog: Who was Uddalaka Aruni? � Part OneSoma plant.—Many books have been written identifying its source from the birch forests of Siberia to China, Iran, Turkmenistan, India etc. It appears that Soma was a generic term and verities of creepers were called by that name. The Soma of the Rig Veda was mountainous creeper. And, Most scholars argue that Homa plant of the Iranian Avesta differs in many respects from the Soma of the Rig Veda, though both have certain common features
David Frawley also says ‘The Rig Veda describes Soma as a watery plant, growing near water (RV .8 .91.1) and as flowing with a milky juice�. The Somas in India, according to him, were mainly special powerful plants growing in mountain lakes and riverine regions of Himalayas. He also rejects Ephedra of Afghanistan and Iran being Soma; because Ephedra is a dry plant with very little juice. The Indian Soma plant is just not one particular plant; and therefore search for one single plant might be ‘misleading�.
In Buddhism
Theravada (major branch of Buddhism)
: Pali Kanon: Pali Proper Names1. Soma. See Sutasoma.
2. Soma
A deva to whom sacrifice is offered; he is generally mentioned with Varuna, Pajapati and Yama (D.i.244;ii.259; J.v.28; vi.201, 568,571).
In the Atanatiya Sutta (D.iii.204) he is spoken of as a Yakkha chief.
He is identified with the Moon god of later literature (E.g., Cv.lxii.5; lxiii.14), the founder of the Somavamsa (dynasty).
3. Soma. A Yavapala who offered grass for his seat to Kassapa Buddha. BuA.218; cf. Mtu.iii.105,106.
4. Soma - Friend of Somadatta (5).
-- or --
1. Soma Theri. She was the daughter of the chaplain of King Bimbisara. When she grew up, she saw the Buddha on his first visit to Rajagaha and became a lay disciple. Later she joined the Order, developed insight, and became an arahant.
One day, as she was spending her siesta at the foot of a tree in Andhavana, Mara, wishing to interrupt her privacy, approached her, invisible in the air, and teased her, remarking on the two finger consciousness of women. (The Commentary explains that women, when boiling rice, cannot tell if it is cooked without testing it between two fingers, hence the expression). Soma rebuked him, saying that the fact of being a woman was no obstacle to the comprehension of the Dhamma. (This incident is given also at S.i.129).
In the time of Sikhi Buddha Soma was born into the family of an eminent nobleman and became the chief consort of King Arunava. (Thig.vs.60-62; ThigA.66f). The rest of her story is identical with that of Abhaya Theri (q.v.). She is evidently identical with Uppaladayika of the Apadana. Ap.ii.601f.
2. Soma. Sister of Sakula and queen of Pasenadi. She was a devout follower of the Buddha. M.ii.125; MA.ii.757; she is probably the eminent lay woman referred to at A.iv.347.
3. Soma. An eminent Theri of Ceylon, expert in the Vinaya. Vin.xviii.14.
TheravÄda is a major branch of Buddhism having the the Pali canon (tipitaka) as their canonical literature, which includes the vinaya-pitaka (monastic rules), the sutta-pitaka (Buddhist sermons) and the abhidhamma-pitaka (philosophy and psychology).
Tibetan Buddhism (Vajrayana or tantric Buddhism)
Source: Wisdom Library: Tibetan Buddhism1a) Soma (सोà¤�) is the name of a Bodhisattva mentioned as attending the teachings in the 6th century MañjuÅ›rÄ«mÅ«lakalpa: one of the largest KriyÄ Tantras devoted to MañjuÅ›rÄ« (the Bodhisattva of wisdom) representing an encyclopedia of knowledge primarily concerned with ritualistic elements in Buddhism. The teachings in this text originate from MañjuÅ›rÄ« and were taught to and by Buddha ÅšÄkyamuni in the presence of a large audience (including Soma).
1b) Soma (सो�) is also the name of a Pratyekabuddha mentioned as attending the teachings in the 6th century Mañjuśrīmūlakalpa.
1c) Soma (सोà¤�) also refers to one of the various Grahas and MahÄgrahas mentioned as attending the teachings in the 6th century MañjuÅ›rÄ«mÅ«lakalpa.
2) ³§´Ç³¾Äå (सोमा) is the name of VidyÄrÄjñī (i.e., “wisdom queenâ€�) mentioned as attending the teachings in the 6th century MañjuÅ›rÄ«mÅ«lakalpa.

Tibetan Buddhism includes schools such as Nyingma, Kadampa, Kagyu and Gelug. Their primary canon of literature is divided in two broad categories: The Kangyur, which consists of Buddha’s words, and the Tengyur, which includes commentaries from various sources. Esotericism and tantra techniques (±¹²¹Âá°ù²¹²âÄå²Ô²¹) are collected indepently.
Mahayana (major branch of Buddhism)
: archive.org: Bulletin of the French School of the Far East (volume 5)1) Soma (सोà¤�) (in Chinese: Sou-mo) refers to one of the fifty-five kingdoms enumerated in chapter 17 of the Candragarbha: the 55th section of the MahÄsaṃnipÄta-sÅ«tra, a large compilation of SÅ«tras (texts) in MahÄyÄna Buddhism partly available in Sanskrit, Tibetan and Chinese.—In the CandragarbhasÅ«tra, the Bhagavat invites all classes of Gods and Deities to protect the Law [dharma?] and the faithful in their respective districts.—In Soma, the following deities are appointed (among others): The Devaputra RatnakeÅ›a; the Gandharva Madhumanta; the Kinnara UttamasÅ«tra [?]; the Yaká¹£a Upapañcaka; the NÄgarÄja KÄla; the Asura Manojña; the KumbhÄṇá¸a Kieou-lo-p'o; the Goddesses SÄ«tÄ and Po-tch'a.
1b) Soma (सोà¤�) [?] (in Chinese: Sou-mo) is the name of an ancient kingdom associated with ²Ñá¹›g²¹Å›¾±°ù²¹²õ or ²Ñá¹›g²¹Å›¾±°ù²¹²õnaká¹£atra, as mentioned in chapter 18.
2a) Soma (सोà¤�) is the name of a Yaká¹£a appointed as one of the Divine protector deities of Åš²¹²â²¹.
2b) Soma (सो�) is also the name of a Yakṣa appointed as one of the Divine protector deities of Avanti.

Mahayana (महायान, mahÄyÄna) is a major branch of Buddhism focusing on the path of a Bodhisattva (spiritual aspirants/ enlightened beings). Extant literature is vast and primarely composed in the Sanskrit language. There are many ²õÅ«³Ù°ù²¹²õ of which some of the earliest are the various PrajñÄpÄramitÄ ²õÅ«³Ù°ù²¹²õ.
In Jainism
General definition (in Jainism)
Source: Wisdom Library: Jainism1) Soma (सोà¤�) refers to a species of AnudiÅ›a gods, according to Jain cosmological texts in the Digambara tradition where the AnudiÅ›a heaven is one of the five heavens of the upper world (Å«°ù»å³ó±¹²¹±ô´Ç°ì²¹).
2) Soma (सोà¤�) is the father of SvayambhÅ«: the third VÄsudeva (“violent heroesâ€�) according to both ÅšvetÄmbara and Digambara sources. Since they enjoy half the power of a Cakravartin (universal monarch) they are also known as Ardhacakrins. Jain legends describe nine such VÄsudevas usually appearing together with their “gentlerâ€� twins known as the Baladevas. The legends of these twin-heroes usually involve their antagonistic counterpart known as the PrativÄsudevas (anti-heroes).
The stories of king Soma, queen Pá¹›thvÄ« and their son, SvayambhÅ« are related in texts such as the Triá¹£aá¹£á¹iÅ›alÄkÄpuruá¹£acarita (“the lives of the sixty-three illustrious personsâ€�), a twelfth-century ÅšvetÄmbara work by Hemacandra.
: archive.org: The Jaina IconographySoma (सोà¤�) or PadmÄvatÄ« is the father of Munisuvrata: the twentieth of twenty-four TÄ«rthaṃkaras or Jinas, commonly depicted in Jaina iconography.—Regarding the Jina’s parentage, we are informed that his father named Sumitra was the king of Magadha. His mother had the name of Soma (PadmÄvatÄ« according to some books). His dynasty is called the Hariv²¹á¹ƒÅ›a. The capital was at RÄjagá¹›ha. His name originated from the fact that he kept noble vows (Suvrata, good vows) devoutly and he was a Muni or a Saint.
: archive.org: Trisastisalakapurusacaritra1) Soma (सोà¤�) is the father of Puruá¹£ottama: one of the nine black VÄsudevas, according to chapter 1.6 [Äå»åīś±¹²¹°ù²¹-³¦²¹°ù¾±³Ù°ù²¹] of Hemacandra’s 11th century Triá¹£aá¹£á¹iÅ›alÄkÄpuruá¹£acaritra: an ancient Sanskrit epic poem narrating the history and legends of sixty-three illustrious persons in Jainism.
Accordingly: “[...] There will be nine black VÄsudevas, enjoyers of three parts of the earth, with half so much power as the Cakrins. [...] In this same city (i.e., D±¹Äå°ù²¹vati), the one named Puruá¹£ottama, fifty bows tall, son of Soma and SÄ«tÄ, with a life of thirty lacs of years while the Jina Ananta is living, will go to the sixth hell at the end of his life.â€�.
2) ³§´Ç³¾Äå (सोमा) is the wife of a BrÄhman named DÄmodara from SÄligrÄma, according to chapter 2.3.—Accordingly, as Ajita narrated, “[...] Not very far from this city is a large village granted to Brahmans, named SÄligrÄma. There lived the head of the BrÄhmans, named DÄmodara, and his wife ³§´Ç³¾Äå. They had a son Åšuddha²ú³ó²¹á¹á¹²¹ who married Sulaká¹£aṇÄ�, the daughter of Siddha²ú³ó²¹á¹á¹²¹. Sulaká¹£aṇÄ� and Åšuddha²ú³ó²¹á¹á¹²¹ grew up and enjoyed pleasures suitable to their position, as they liked. In course of time their parents died, and their fathersâ€� money also disappeared. Sometimes he would lie down at night, hungry in the midst of plentyâ€�.
: HereNow4U: Lord ÅšrÄ« PÄrÅ›vanÄthaSoma (सोà¤�) was the son of king of Ká¹£itipratiá¹£á¹hita, MahÄ«dhara and queen RevatÄ«. His wife’s name was CampakamÄlÄ. He also had a son who died at the age of four. His wife was sick, too and died. After these two deaths he became detached. Inspired by the Lord’s discourse he accepted the path of restraint and became the fifth Gaṇadhara.
: HereNow4u: Jain Dharma ka Maulika Itihasa (2)Soma (सोà¤�) was the son of king of MahÄ«dhara.—[...] The ‘ŚrÄ« PÄsanÄha Cariyaṃâ€� gives the following description of Lord PÄrÅ›vanÄtha’s Gaṇadharas (principal disciples).—â¶Äœ[...] Soma was the son of king of Ká¹£itipratiá¹£á¹hita, MahÄ«dhara and queen RevatÄ«. His wife's name was CampakamÄlÄ. He also had a son who died at the age of four. His wife was sick, too and died. After these two deaths he became detached. Inspired by the Lord's discourse he accepted the path of restraint and became the fifth Gaṇadharaâ€�.

Jainism is an Indian religion of Dharma whose doctrine revolves around harmlessness (ahimsa) towards every living being. The two major branches (Digambara and Svetambara) of Jainism stimulate self-control (or, shramana, ‘self-reliance�) and spiritual development through a path of peace for the soul to progess to the ultimate goal.
India history and geography
: Cologne Digital Sanskrit Dictionaries: Indian Epigraphical GlossarySoma.�(IE 7-1-2), ‘one�. Note: soma is defined in the “Indian epigraphical glossary� as it can be found on ancient inscriptions commonly written in Sanskrit, Prakrit or Dravidian languages.

The history of India traces the identification of countries, villages, towns and other regions of India, as well as mythology, zoology, royal dynasties, rulers, tribes, local festivities and traditions and regional languages. Ancient India enjoyed religious freedom and encourages the path of Dharma, a concept common to Buddhism, Hinduism, and Jainism.
Biology (plants and animals)
: Wisdom Library: Local Names of Plants and DrugsSoma in the Sanskrit language is the name of a plant identified with Peganum harmala L. from the Zygophyllaceae (Caltrop) family having the following synonyms: Peganum dauricum. For the possible medicinal usage of soma, you can check this page for potential sources and references, although be aware that any some or none of the side-effects may not be mentioned here, wether they be harmful or beneficial to health.
Soma [सोमा] in the Hindi language is the name of a plant identified with Cynanchum acidum (Roxb.) Oken from the Apocynaceae (Oleander) family having the following synonyms: Sarcostemma acidum, Asclepias acida, Sarcostemma brevistigma.
Soma [सोमा] in the Sanskrit language, ibid. previous identification.
Soma [सोम] in the Sanskrit language is the name of a plant identified with Periploca aphylla Decne. from the Apocynaceae (Oleander) family.
Soma [सोमा] in the Sanskrit language is the name of a plant identified with Ephedra gerardiana Wall. ex Stapf from the Ephedraceae (Joint-Pine) family.
: Google Books: CRC World Dictionary (Regional names)1) Soma in India is the name of a plant defined with Eleusine coracana in various botanical sources. This page contains potential references in Ayurveda, modern medicine, and other folk traditions or local practices It has the synonym Cynosurus coracanus L. (among others).
2) Soma is also identified with Ephedra gerardiana It has the synonym Ephedra gerardiana var. congesta C.Y. Cheng (etc.).
3) Soma is also identified with Pennisetum glaucum It has the synonym Cenchrus spicatus (L.) Cav. (etc.).
4) Soma is also identified with Rumex patientia It has the synonym Lapathum hortense Lam. (etc.).
5) Soma is also identified with Ruta graveolens It has the synonym Ruta hortensis Mill..
6) Soma is also identified with Sarcostemma acidum It has the synonym Asclepias acida Roxburgh (etc.).
7) Soma is also identified with Sarcostemma intermedium.
Example references for further research on medicinal uses or toxicity (see latin names for full list):
· Linnaea (1853)
· A Manual of Botany (1840)
· Econ. Bot. (1977)
· Rhodora (1916)
· Herbário Português (1914)
· J. Sci. Hiroshima Univ., Ser. B, (1984)
If you are looking for specific details regarding Soma, for example diet and recipes, chemical composition, side effects, health benefits, extract dosage, pregnancy safety, have a look at these references.

This sections includes definitions from the five kingdoms of living things: Animals, Plants, Fungi, Protists and Monera. It will include both the official binomial nomenclature (scientific names usually in Latin) as well as regional spellings and variants.
Languages of India and abroad
Pali-English dictionary
: BuddhaSasana: Concise Pali-English Dictionarysoma : (m.) the moon.

Pali is the language of the Tipiá¹aka, which is the sacred canon of TheravÄda Buddhism and contains much of the Buddha’s speech. Closeley related to Sanskrit, both languages are used interchangeably between religions.
Marathi-English dictionary
: DDSA: The Molesworth Marathi and English DictionarysÅma (सोà¤�).—m (S) The moon. 2 The moon-plant, Asclepias acida or aphylla: also the juice of it. 3 A form of leucorrhÅ“a. See »å³ó³Ü±è²¹á¹‡Ä�. 4 (By abridgment for ²õų¾²¹²âÄå²µ²¹) A sacrifice at which the juice of Asclepias acida is drunk. 5 A name of Shiva.
: DDSA: The Aryabhusan school dictionary, Marathi-EnglishsÅma (सोà¤�).â€�m The moon. A name of Shiva.
Marathi is an Indo-European language having over 70 million native speakers people in (predominantly) Maharashtra India. Marathi, like many other Indo-Aryan languages, evolved from early forms of Prakrit, which itself is a subset of Sanskrit, one of the most ancient languages of the world.
Sanskrit dictionary
: DDSA: The practical Sanskrit-English dictionarySoma (सोà¤�).—[²õÅ«-³¾²¹²Ô UṇÄdi-sÅ«tra 1.139]
1) Name of a plant, the most important ingredient in ancient sacrificial offerings.
2) The juice of the plant; as in सोमपà¤�, सोमपीथिनॠ(somapÄ, somapÄ«thin); Ms. 3.257.
3) Nectar, beverage of the gods; अलबà¥à¤§à¤à¤¾à¤—ाः सोमसà¥à¤¯ केवलà¤� कà¥à¤²à¥‡à¤¶à¤à¤¾à¤—िनà¤� (alabdhabhÄgÄá¸� somasya kevalaá¹� kleÅ›abhÄginaá¸�) BhÄgavata 8.1.23.
4) The moon. [In mythology, the moon is represented as having sprung from the eye of the sage Atri; (cf. R.2.75) or as produced from the sea at the time of churning. The twenty-seven asterisms--mythologically represented as so many daughters of ¶Ù²¹°ìá¹£a q. v. -are said to be his wives. The phenomenon of the periodical waning of the moon is explained by a myth which states that his nectareous digits are drunk up by different gods in regular rotation, or by the invention of another legend which says that the moon, on account of his particular fondness and partiality for RohiṇÄ�, one of the 27 daughters of ¶Ù²¹°ìá¹£a, was cursed by his father-in-law to be consumptive, but that at the intercession of his wives the sentence of eternal consumption was commuted to one of periodical consumption. Soma is also represented as having carried off TÄrÄ, the wife of Bá¹›haspati, by whom he had a son named Budha, who afterwards became the founder of the lunar race of kings; see TÄrÄ (b) also.]; पà¥à¤·à¥à¤£à¤¾à¤®à¤¿ चौषधीà¤� सरà¥à¤µà¤¾à¤ƒ सोमो à¤à¥‚तà¥à¤µà¤¾ रसातà¥à¤®à¤•ः (puṣṇÄmi cauá¹£adhÄ«á¸� sarvÄá¸� somo bhÅ«tvÄ rasÄtmakaá¸�) BhagavadgÄ«tÄ (Bombay) 15.13.
5) A ray of light.
6) Camphor.
7) Water.
8) Air, wind.
9) Name of Kubera.
1) Of Åšiva.
11) Of Yama.
12) Name of Sugrīva.
13) (As the last member of comp.) Chief, principal, best; as in नृसोà¤� (²Ôá¹›s´Ç³¾²¹) q. v.
14) An ape.
15) One of the Manes.
16) the vessel (²ÔÄåá¸Ä�) 'Iá¸Ä�'; यतà¥à¤° तदà¥� बà¥à¤°à¤¹à¥à¤® निरà¥à¤¦à¥à¤µà¤¨à¥à¤¦à¥à¤µà¤� यतà¥à¤° सोमः सहागà¥à¤¨à¤¿à¤¨à¤� à¥� वà¥à¤¯à¤µà¤¾à¤¯à¤� कà¥à¤°à¥à¤¤à¥‡ नितà¥à¤¯à¤‚ धीरो à¤à¥‚तानि धारयनॠ(yatra tad brahma nirdvandvaá¹� yatra ²õ´Ç³¾²¹á¸� sahÄgninÄ | vyavÄyaá¹� kurute nityaá¹� dhÄ«ro bhÅ«tÄni dhÄrayan) || ²Ñ²¹³óÄå²ú³óÄå°ù²¹³Ù²¹ (Bombay) 14.2.1 (com.).
17) Monday.
-³¾Äå The soma plant.
-mam 1 Rice gruel.
2) Sky, heaven.
Derivable forms: ²õ´Ç³¾²¹á¸� (सोमः).
: Cologne Digital Sanskrit Dictionaries: Edgerton Buddhist Hybrid Sanskrit DictionarySoma (सोà¤�).—name of a yaká¹£a: ²Ñ²¹³óÄå-²ÑÄå²âÅ«°ùÄ« 236.17 and 25.
--- OR ---
³§´Ç³¾Äå (सोमा).â€�(1) name of a ÅšÄkyan girl (a brahman's daughter): ´¡±¹²¹»åÄå²Ô²¹-Å›²¹³Ù²¹°ì²¹ ii.20.1 ff.; (2) name of a rÄká¹£asÄ«: ²Ñ²¹³óÄå-²ÑÄå²âÅ«°ùÄ« 243.34.
: Cologne Digital Sanskrit Dictionaries: Shabda-Sagara Sanskrit-English DictionarySoma (सो�).—m.
(-³¾²¹á¸�) 1. The moon. 2. Kuvera. 3. A monkey chief. 4. Air, wind. 5. Yama. 6. One of the demi-gods called Vasus. 7. Siva. 8. The moon-plant, (Asclepias acida, or Sarcostema viminalis.) 9. The acid juice of the Sarcostema. 10. A drug of supposed magical properties. 11. Water. 12. Nectar, the liquor of immortals. 13. Camphor. 14. A deified progenitor. 15. A mountain or mountainous range, the mountains of the moon. 16. The best, chief, (as the last member of a compound.) n.
(-³¾²¹á¹�) 1. Rice-water or gruel. 2. Heaven, sky, æther. E. á¹£Å� to bear, (as young,) or to sprinkle, Unadi aff. man .
: Cologne Digital Sanskrit Dictionaries: Benfey Sanskrit-English DictionarySoma (सो�).—i. e. 1. su + ma, I. m. 1. The acid juice of the Sarcostema viminalis,
Soma (सो�).—[masculine] the Soma (plant or juice, often personified as a god); the moon or the god of the moon.
: Cologne Digital Sanskrit Dictionaries: Aufrecht Catalogus Catalogorum1) Soma (सो�) as mentioned in Aufrecht’s Catalogus Catalogorum:—śr. Oppert. Ii, 5365.
—Āpast. and—[commentary] by Nṛsiṃha. B. 1, 152.
2) Soma (सोà¤�):—son of Hari, grandson of NÄá¸iga, father of MahÄdeva, father of Dharaṇigoṇiga, father of Acyuta (RasasaṃgrahasiddhÄnta). W. p. 299.
3) Soma (सोà¤�):—poet. Åšp. p. 96. [SubhÄshitÄvali by Vallabhadeva] See KavirÄjasoma.
4) Soma (सोà¤�):—of Benares: HorÄsetu.
5) Soma (सोà¤�):—son of Mudgala: RÄgavibodha music.
6) Soma (सोà¤�):—father of VÄgbhaá¹a (VÄgbhaá¹ÄlaṃkÄra).
7) Soma (सोà¤�):—as an author of a smá¹›ti, quoted by HemÄdri in PariÅ›eá¹£akhaṇá¸a 2, 733. 734. 737.
8) Soma (सोà¤�):—TribhÄá¹£yaratna.
: Cologne Digital Sanskrit Dictionaries: Monier-Williams Sanskrit-English Dictionary1) Soma (सोà¤�):â€�1. soma m. ([from] âˆ�3. su) juice, extract, ([especially]) the juice of the Soma plant, (also) the Soma plant itself (said to be the climbing plant Sarcostema Viminalis or Asclepias Acida, the stalks [²¹á¹ƒÅ›u] of which were pressed between stones [adri] by the priests, then sprinkled with water, and purified in a strainer [pavitra]; whence the acid juice trinkled into jars [°ì²¹±ô²¹Å›²¹] or larger vessels [»å°ù´Çṇa]; after which it was mixed with clarified butter, flour etc., made to ferment, and then offered in libations to the gods [in this respect corresponding with the ritual of the Iranian Avesta] or was drunk by the BrÄhmans, by both of whom its exhilarating effect was supposed to be prized; it was collected by moonlight on certain mountains [in, [Ṛg-veda x, 34, 1], the mountain MÅ«ja-vat is mentioned]; it is sometimes described as having been brought from the sky by a falcon [Å›²â±ð²Ô²¹] and guarded by the Gandharvas; it is personified as one of the most important of Vedic gods, to whose praise all the 114 hymns of the 9th book of the [Ṛg-veda] besides 6 in other books and the whole, [SÄma-veda] are dedicated; in post-Vedic mythology and even in a few of the latest hymns of the [Ṛg-veda] [although not in the whole of the 9th book] as well as sometimes in the [Atharva-veda] and in the [BrÄhmaṇa], Soma is identified with the moon [as the receptacle of the other beverage of the gods called Amá¹›ta, or as the lord of plants cf. indu, ´Çá¹£a»å³ó¾±-±è²¹³Ù¾±] and with the god of the moon, as well as with Viṣṇu, Åšiva, Yama, and Kubera; he is called °ùÄåÂá²¹²Ô, and appears among the 8 Vasus and the 8 Loka-pÄlas [Manu-smá¹›ti v, 96], and is the reputed author of [Ṛg-veda x, 124, 1, 5-9], of a law-book etc.; cf. below), [Ṛg-veda] etc. etc.
2) the moon or moon-god (See above)
3) a Soma sacrifice, [Aitareya-Äraṇyaka]
4) a day destined for extracting the Soma-juice, [ĀśvalÄyana-Å›°ù²¹³Ü³Ù²¹-sÅ«tra]
5) Monday (= soma-±¹Äå°ù²¹), [Inscriptions]
6) nectar, [cf. Lexicographers, esp. such as amarasiṃha, halÄyudha, hemacandra, etc.]
7) camphor, [cf. Lexicographers, esp. such as amarasiṃha, halÄyudha, hemacandra, etc.]
8) air, wind, [cf. Lexicographers, esp. such as amarasiṃha, halÄyudha, hemacandra, etc.]
9) water, [cf. Lexicographers, esp. such as amarasiṃha, halÄyudha, hemacandra, etc.]
10) a drug of supposed magical properties, [Horace H. Wilson]
11) a [particular] mountain or mountainous range ([according to] to some the mountains of the moon), [ib.]
12) a [particular] class of Pitá¹›s ([probably] for ²õ´Ç³¾²¹-±èÄå), [ib.]
13) Name of various authors (also with ±è²¹á¹‡á¸¾±³Ù²¹, ²ú³ó²¹á¹á¹²¹, Å›²¹°ù³¾²¹²Ô etc.; cf. above), [Catalogue(s)]
14) = somacandra, or somendu, [Hemacandra’s PariÅ›iá¹£á¹aparvan]
15) Name of a monkey-chief, [cf. Lexicographers, esp. such as amarasiṃha, halÄyudha, hemacandra, etc.]
16) ³§´Ç³¾Äå (सोमा):—[from soma] f. the Soma plant, [cf. Lexicographers, esp. such as amarasiṃha, halÄyudha, hemacandra, etc.]
17) [v.s. ...] Name of an Apsaras, [²Ñ²¹³óÄå²ú³óÄå°ù²¹³Ù²¹]
18) [v.s. ...] of a river, [MÄrkaṇá¸eya-purÄṇa]
19) [v.s. ...] of a queen, [Inscriptions]
20) Soma (सोà¤�):â€�n. rice-water, rice-gruel, [cf. Lexicographers, esp. such as amarasiṃha, halÄyudha, hemacandra, etc.]
21) heaven, sky, ether, [cf. Lexicographers, esp. such as amarasiṃha, halÄyudha, hemacandra, etc.]
22) mfn. relating to Soma ([probably] [wrong reading] for sauma), [KÄá¹haka]
23) 2. soma mfn. ([probably]) together with UmÄ, [Indische Studien by A. Weber]
: Cologne Digital Sanskrit Dictionaries: Yates Sanskrit-English DictionarySoma (सोà¤�):â€�(³¾²¹á¸�) 1. m. The moon; Kuvera; monkey chief; wind; Yama; demigod; moon-plant, Asclepias; its juice; water; nectar; camphor; mountain. n. Rice gruel; sky.
: DDSA: Paia-sadda-mahannavo; a comprehensive Prakrit Hindi dictionary (S)Soma (सोà¤�) in the Sanskrit language is related to the Prakrit words: Soma, ³§´Ç³¾Äå.
[Sanskrit to German]
Sanskrit, also spelled संसà¥à¤•ृतमà¥� (²õ²¹á¹ƒs°ìá¹›t²¹³¾), is an ancient language of India commonly seen as the grandmother of the Indo-European language family (even English!). Closely allied with Prakrit and Pali, Sanskrit is more exhaustive in both grammar and terms and has the most extensive collection of literature in the world, greatly surpassing its sister-languages Greek and Latin.
Hindi dictionary
: DDSA: A practical Hindi-English dictionarySoma (सोà¤�) [Also spelled som]:â€�(nm) the moon; Monday; the moon-creeper yielding an intoxicating juice which was drunk at sacrifices ([²â²¹Âáñ²¹]) in ancient times; ~[kara] moon-rays; -[±èÄå³Ù°ù²¹] a peg, wine glass; ~[±èÄå²Ô²¹] drinking of [somarasa; ~pÄyÄ«] one who drinks ~[rasa; ~²â²¹Âáñ²¹] the [²â²¹Âáñ²¹] which was performed with [soma] juice; ~[rasa] the intoxicating juice of the [soma] creeper; ~[latÄ / latikÄ / vallarÄ« /vallikÄ / vallÄ«] a creeper from which an intoxicating juice was extracted for [²â²¹Âáñ²¹] and drinking; ~[v²¹á¹ƒÅ›a] the lunar dynasty of kshatriyas in ancient India; ~[±¹²¹á¹ƒÅ›Ä«y²¹] of the lunar race; ~[vatÄ«/vÄrÄ« ²¹³¾Äå±¹²¹²õ²âÄå] the [²¹³¾Äå±¹²¹²õ²âÄå] i e. last day of the dark half of a month falling on a Monday.
...
Prakrit-English dictionary
: DDSA: Paia-sadda-mahannavo; a comprehensive Prakrit Hindi dictionary1) Soma (सो�) in the Prakrit language is related to the Sanskrit word: Soma.
2) Soma (सो�) also relates to the Sanskrit word: Saumya.
3) ³§´Ç³¾Äå (सोमा) also relates to the Sanskrit word: ³§´Ç³¾Äå.
4) ³§´Ç³¾Äå (सोमा) also relates to the Sanskrit word: ³§²¹³Ü³¾²âÄå.
Prakrit is an ancient language closely associated with both Pali and Sanskrit. Jain literature is often composed in this language or sub-dialects, such as the Agamas and their commentaries which are written in Ardhamagadhi and Maharashtri Prakrit. The earliest extant texts can be dated to as early as the 4th century BCE although core portions might be older.
Kannada-English dictionary
: Alar: Kannada-English corpusSÅma (ಸೋà²�):â€�
1) [noun] the plant Ephedra distachya ( = E. vulgaris) of Ephedraceae family.
2) [noun] the vine Rubia cordifolia ( =R.munjista) of Rubiaceae family; munjeet.
3) [noun] the creeper Sarcostemma acidum ( = S. brevistigma) of Asclepiadaceae family; sour creeper.
4) [noun] the juice extracted from the stalks of this plant used in religious sacrifices for offering it to the deities and also drunk.
5) [noun] another creeper Sarcostemma interedium of Asclepiadaceae family.
6) [noun] ambrosia, the food of gods.
7) [noun] the moon.
8) [noun] a volatile, crystalline ketone, with a strong characteristic odour, derived from the camphor tree; camphor.
9) [noun] water.
10) [noun] air; wind.
11) [noun] Åšiva.
12) [noun] a multitude of sages.
13) [noun] Yama, the God of Righteousness.
14) [noun] a ray of light.
15) [noun] a monkey.
16) [noun] Kubēra, the regent of Wealth.
17) [noun] name of one of the eight Vasus, a semi divinities.
18) [noun] Monday, the second day of the week.
19) [noun] rice gruel.
20) [noun] name of a particular astral tube, in the body, carrying prÄṇa (nerve current).
21) [noun] name of one of Åšaiva clans.
22) [noun] (math.) a symbol for the number one.
23) [noun] (pros.) a metrical food consisting of three syllables, the first being long and the others short ones (-uu).
Kannada is a Dravidian language (as opposed to the Indo-European language family) mainly spoken in the southwestern region of India.
Nepali dictionary
: unoes: Nepali-English DictionarySoma (सो�):—n. 1. moon; 2. (Rig-Veda) the liquid pressed from a soma plant; offered to the gods; and consumed by the priests; 3. Monday; adj. 1. lazy; slothful; slack; inactive; 2. (person) carefree; careless; negligent;
Nepali is the primary language of the Nepalese people counting almost 20 million native speakers. The country of Nepal is situated in the Himalaya mountain range to the north of India.
See also (Relevant definitions)
Partial matches: The, The, Te, Soma.
Starts with (+16): Soma bhagavatacarya, Soma bhatta, Soma daivajna, Soma ganaka, Soma grushtikaa, Soma lataa, Soma mishra, Soma pandita, Soma soma, Soma Sutta, Soma-balli, Somabhaksha, Somabhava, Somabhojana, Somabhrit, Somabhujagavali, Somabrihaspati, Somacakra, Somacakshas, Somacamasa.
Full-text (+2166): Somavara, Somavalli, Somayaga, Somapa, Somavallari, Somaraji, Somapana, Somasiddhanta, Sutasoma, Somanatha, Somaroga, Somavalka, Somavati, Bhadrasoma, Rudrasoma, Someshvara, Somayajna, Somadhara, Somavamsha, Somalata.
Relevant text
Search found 303 books and stories containing Soma, ³§´Ç³¾Äå, SÅma, SÅmÄ, The soma; (plurals include: Somas, ³§´Ç³¾Äås, SÅmas, SÅmÄs, The somas). You can also click to the full overview containing English textual excerpts. Below are direct links for the most relevant articles:
Bharadvaja-srauta-sutra (by C. G. Kashikar)
Rig Veda (translation and commentary) (by H. H. Wilson)
Sushruta Samhita, volume 4: Cikitsasthana (by Kaviraj Kunja Lal Bhishagratna)
Chapter XXX - Elixirs (rasayana) to remove mental and physical distress
Chapter XXIX - Elixirs (rasayana) for the prevention of death and decay
Soma in Vedic Mythology and Ritual (study) (by Anjana Chakraborty)
Chapter 1(c) - Association of Soma with other Gods
Chapter 3(d) - The Agnishtoma ritual
Chapter 3(i) - The rite of ‘pressing of Soma� (Abhisavana)
Satapatha-brahmana (by Julius Eggeling)
Kanda III, adhyaya 6, brahmana 2 < [Third Kanda]
Kanda III, adhyaya 3, brahmana 2 < [Third Kanda]
Kanda III, adhyaya 3, brahmana 3 < [Third Kanda]
Bhagavati-sutra (Viyaha-pannatti) (by K. C. Lalwani)
Chapter 5-8: Capital-cities of LokapÄlas < [Book 4]
Part 5 - Family Åšakrendra and others < [Chapter 5]
Part 3 - On patriarchs < [Chapter 5]
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