40th B.P.S.C. (Pre) 1995

Vedic Ritual and Literature

Authentic Past Paper Standard Evaluation

The ninth mandala of the Rig Veda is devoted wholly to:

Solution & Analysis

Answer: D

Concept The Rig Veda is organized into ten Mandalas, with some being dedicated to specific priestly families and others to specific ritual themes.

Explanation The 9th Mandala contains 114 hymns, all addressed to 'Soma Pavamana' (Soma being purified). It is unique because it is the only Mandala dedicated to a single procedural focus.

Logical Breakup
Logic 1: Soma refers to both a plant/drink and the deity presiding over it.
Logic 2: The hymns describe the process of crushing the plant and filtering the juice through a woolen sieve.

Active Recall

Question

What was the significance of the Soma drink in Vedic life?

Answer

It was considered a divine intoxicant or hallucinogen that inspired the poets and gave strength to Indra for his battles.

Core Insight

The dedication of an entire Mandala to Soma highlights its absolute centrality to the early Vedic sacrificial system (Yajna).