Nitesh: Pranam gurudev. What do we mean by Som. Is Som veerya?
Swami Ram Swarup: There are several meanings of Som like green vegetables, herbs, smoke risen while performing Havan/Yajyen, name of Almighty God and Divine merriment of realizing Almighty God by a Yogi in Samadhi. So, suitable meaning is preached, according to ved mantras. In this regard, my article is also pasted below:-
Som
The word ‘Som’ has been defined in Vedas as “divine pleasure” experienced by a yogi when he realizes God in the “Dharam-megh” Samadhi. Dharam megh Samadhi is attained after deep study of Vedas and hard practice of Ashtang Yoga Philosophy doing holy Yajyen, regular contact with learned acharya of Vedas. It is sad that due to lack of study of Vedas, the meaning of pious word “Som” has been defined as intoxicating drink at one’s own discretion.
Also the meaning of Som is green vegetation. Som is also the name of Almighty God and we offer aahuti in Yajyen reciting “Om Somaye Swaha” for God. The literal meaning of Som is “Form of divine pleasure”.
Rahul: Mahabharta character Ashwathama’s death since he was given forever life.
Swami Ram Swarup: Forever life on this earth/after taking birth is quite impossible according to Yajurveda mantra 3/62, a perfect Yogi can only attain maximum age of four-hundred years and not more than this. So against the fundamental law of nature which are mentioned in Vedas no body can live forever. So is the case of Ashwathama. Actually several false statements and
stories against the Vedas and fundamental laws of nature are being spread to indulge the people in illusion with an intention to keep the people away from the Vedas knowledge.
Rajan: What to do if karva chauth vrat is broken by mistake?
Swami Ram Swarup: No kind of vrat including Karva Chauth Vrat is preached in Vedas by God. So it makes no difference if karva chauth Vrat is continued or broken. It is a custom and people desirous of the same can do at their own.
