Soma and fivefold rasa

[Pinco Pallino]

Dear fellow indologists,


In adhyAya I, 29 of the ViSNudharmottara PurANa the lunar orb is described, among others, as:

zarIriNAM zaroreSu (read: zarIreSu) rasaM paJcAtmakaM smRtam / (5)
AlambakaM kledakaM ca tathA caivAvabodhakaM /
saGghAtakaM tarSakaM ca dehinAM dehagocaram / (6)

Since the numbering appears to span the zloka boundary, the following  half-zloka may also be connected in meaning:

manaH sarvendriyANAM ca sarveSAM nAthamaK tathA.


Does anybody have a hint as to the origin and meaning of this doctrine of soma as fivefold bodily essence: sustaining, moistening, awakening, holding together (?) and appetite-stirring?



Thanks,
Paolo Magnone
Catholic University of Milan
p.magnone at agora.stm.it