Whilst the Soma-sacrifice has been thus developed by the Brahmanas in an extraordinary degree, its essential identity with the Avestan Haoma-cult shows that its origin goes back at all events to the Indo-Iranian period.
On solemn occasions the inspiring drink soma (haoma) ministered to the enjoyment of the devout.
In the worship the drink prepared from the haoma (Indian soma) plant had a prominent place.
10 Gaokerena is'the mythic white haoma plant (Zendavesta, Vendidad, xx.
It is an idealization of the yellow haoma of the mountains which was used in sacrifices (Yasna, x.
The Haoma (Horn) Yasht (9, i i) and the ancient confession of faith (12), which is of value as a document for the history of civilization.