Minerals and Metals in Ancient India v2.c39.s1.3

v2.c39.s1.3

The words related to purification: *pavana, pavamāna, pavitra*, etc. appeared in many places and under different contexts. We have already discussed pneumatic separation as in winnowing; purifying the juice of *soma* through a strainer or filter represented another kind (*RV*, 1.28.9, 3.36.7, AV, 6.124.3, 9.6.16, 12.3.3, etc.), for which the word *pavitra* was used. Purification by roasting or smelting was well recognised, and *agni* or fire was qualified as *pavamāna* or that which purifies (*Ait. Brā*, 2.37, *Tait. Brā*. 1.1.5.10, 2.2.4.2., *Ś. Brā*, 2.2.1.6, 2.2.3.22, etc.).