Contains 191 सुक्त and 1754 श्लोक . The ninth मन्दल of the रिग् वेद is known for its dedication to सोम , the sacred ritual beverage revered in ancient Vedic rituals and mythology. This मन्दल consists of 114 hymns, each extolling the virtues, significance, and divine attributes of सोम , personified as a deity. सोम is portrayed as an invigorating and purifying elixir that empowers gods and humans alike, providing strength, prosperity, and cleansing corruption [rv-9-1-3 ] rv • Book 9 [rv-9-6-9 ] rv • Book 9 .

सोम is not just a drink but a cosmic force binding celestial and earthly realms. It is depicted as a life-sustaining and enlightening substance that eradicates evil and invigorates deities like इन्द्र , empowering them to perform their divine duties [rv-9-9-3 ] rv • Book 9 [rv-9-11-7 ] rv • Book 9 . सोम is often addressed in the hymns as "Indu," meaning drop, mirroring its flow from mountain streams into ceremonial vessels during sacrifices, symbolizing fertility and continuity [rv-9-13-9 ] rv • Book 9 [rv-9-50-5 ] rv • Book 9 .

The Mandala celebrates the journey of सोम through ritual preparations where it is harvested, pressed, purified, and offered during sacrifices. These processes are metaphors for enlightenment and transformation, as सोम 's journey to the heavens parallels spiritual elevation [rv-9-15-3 ] rv • Book 9 [ [rv-9-30-6 ] rv • Book 9 ]. Priest-poets or ऋषिस् play a critical role in praising and purifying सोम , which bestows boons ranging from wealth and progeny to victory against adversaries [rv-9-95-5 ] rv • Book 9 [ [rv-9-31-6 ] rv • Book 9 ].

Throughout its hymns, सोम is consistently likened to natural and cosmic phenomena—a chariot, swift streams, a falcon, and even the radiant sun—as it transcends the earthly and champions divine order, combatting chaos and enhancing cosmic stability [rv-9-21-7 ] rv • Book 9 [rv-9-39-3 ] rv • Book 9 This highlights its role not only as a sacrificial drink but as an enduring symbol of cosmic vitality and the interconnectedness of life [rv-9-90-3 ] rv • Book 9 [rv-9-33-5 ] rv • Book 9 .

The reverence for सोम in the ninth मन्दल also reflects socio-religious aspects of Vedic society, where agricultural abundance, purification, and prosperity through divine favor were central to cultural and spiritual practices. सोम 's presence in rituals promises renewal, universal harmony, and the flourishing of life, making it a source of both physical and metaphysical sustenance [rv-9-58-1 ] rv • Book 9 [rv-9-47-5 ] rv • Book 9 .

Lastly, the literary beauty of the hymns within this मन्दल is underscored by their rich imagery and symbolism. Each verse not only serves a ritualistic purpose but also provides a glimpse into the sacred worldviews of the वेदिच् people, for whom सोम was a divine essence, revered across generations, encapsulating the essence of divine bounty and enlightenment [rv-9-86] [rv-9-42]