Vedic Mythology c5.s3.t4.23

c5.s3.t4.23

The exhilerating effect of the draught on man was naturally transferred to the gods, to whom the Soma was offered. The main application of its intoxicating power is its stimulating effect on Indra in his conflict with the hostile powers of the air. That Soma strengthens Indra for the fight with Vṛtra, is mentioned in innumerable passages of the RV. (8, 81¹⁷ &c.). In the intoxication of Soma Indra slays all foes (9, 1¹⁰) and no one can resist him in battle when he has drunk it (6, 47¹). Soma is the soul of Indra (9, 85³), the auspicious friend of Indra (10, 25⁹), whose vigour he stimulates (9, 76²) and whom he aids in slaying Vṛtra (9, 61²²). With Soma as a companion Indra made the waters to flow for man and slew the dragon (4, 28¹). Thus Soma is sometimes even called the bolt (*vajra*) of Indra (9. 72⁷. 77¹ 111³). Soma, Indra's juice, becomes a thousand-winning bolt (9, 47³). It is the intoxicating draught which destroys a hundred forts (9, 48²) and is a Vṛtra-slaying intoxicating stalk (6, 17¹¹). Thus the god Soma is said to be 'like Indra a slayer of Vṛtras and a fort-destroyer' (9, 88⁴) and comes to receive half a dozen times the epithet *vṛtrahan*, 'Vṛtra-slaying', which primarily belongs to Indra³⁷.