Vedic influence in Rome Sautramani Soma Sacrifice

Sautramani ritual contd.

In another myth, Indra cuts off the head of Rishi Dadhichi because the rishi imparted the knowledge about Soma juice to the Aswins. The Aswins are associated with dawn and once again the soma juice refers to the moon’s sacrifice when it is seen to give up its light to the morning Sun. The cutting of the Rishi’s head is a reference to Orion sacrifice. The soma juice or the “honey” obtained by the Aswins is the knowledge of the self or atman sacrificing itself as oblation to the Supreme Self. Indra is said to have fashioned himself the vajra weapon from the bones of Dadhichi. The bones of Dadhichi refer to the belt stars of Orion. Indra is said to have killed Vrita with this weapon. This refers to the Sun as Indra killing the darkness of winter when he comes in conjunction with the belt stars.

To be continued tomorrow.