Soma emerges in the Rigveda as both a divine sovereign and an intoxicating elixir, praised in over a hundred hymns that pour heart and soul into its cosmic significance. Dubbed the “king of herbs,” its golden sap is said to sparkle like molten dawn, surge like mountain torrents and bestow strength upon gods and mortals alike. Indra’s thunderbolt is fueled by Soma’s fire; Agni’s sacrificial flame dances higher at its touch; even the twin Asvins drink deep of its youthful vigor.

Rituals hinge on a meticulous extraction process: stalks of the sacred plant are crushed between stone rollers, filtered through layers of fleece, and the precious juice collected in three libations symbolizing earth, atmosphere and sky. Each pour carries a charged mantra, beckoning divine presence and sealing a silent pact between worshipper and deity. Priests then taste the remaining draught, often described as a ride on cloud nine—an ecstatic glimpse of immortality that sharpens wit, steadies nerves and kindles inner fire.

Vivid metaphors in the hymns cast Soma as the very breath of the universe. It bursts from hidden crags to herald the dawn, courses through veins of the sacrificer and rises to mingle with the sun. While modern ethnobotanists debate its botanical identity and psychoactive potential, Rigvedic poets focus less on chemistry than on communion—a shared sip that knits heaven and earth into one tapestry.

A 2022 documentary on streaming platforms reignited curiosity about Soma’s modern-day ritual revival: artisanal juicers replace ancient rollers, yet the essence remains unchanged. Contemporary seekers still gather at fire altars, chanting ancient mantras while offering the amber drink to gods and guests alike. Centuries on, Soma continues to stand as a testament to how a simple plant, when steeped in devotion and verse, can transcend time—binding spirits, sparking wonder and turning worship into living poetry.