Consumption of Alcohol by Gods and Goddesses
Rama & Sita
Rama the Maryada Purshottom (ideal man) is said to have made his wife Sita drink wine and then enjoyed dance of women…
Ramayana of Valmiki, Uttarakhanda 7, Sarga 42, Verses 18-23 “Like unto Purandara with Sachi he took Sita by the hand, made her sit and drink the wine distilled in the province of Mira. And in no time the servants brought for him well-cooked meat and various fruits. Being inebriate the beautiful Apsaras, well-skilled in the art of singing and dancing, began to dance before Rama in the company of Kinnaris. The virtuous souled Rama, the foremost of those who know how to please, satisfied those beautiful damsels adorned with various ornaments.” Tr. Manmatha Nath Dutt
Ramayana of Valmiki, Uttarakhanda 7, Sarga 42, Verses 18-23 “Like unto Purandara with Sachi he took Sita by the hand, made her sit and drink the wine distilled in the province of Mira. And in no time the servants brought for him well-cooked meat and various fruits. Being inebriate the beautiful Apsaras, well-skilled in the art of singing and dancing, began to dance before Rama in the company of Kinnaris. The virtuous souled Rama, the foremost of those who know how to please, satisfied those beautiful damsels adorned with various ornaments.” Tr. Manmatha Nath Dutt
This verse appears in the 52nd Sarga of M.N. Dutt’s translation but actually it is supposed to be in 42nd Sarga. Following is another English translation by Hindu scholar Hari Prasad Shastri,
Valmiki Ramayana, Uttarakhanda 7, Sarga 42, Verses 18-23 “Taking Sita by the hand, Kakutstha gave her delicious wine made of distilled honey to drink, as formerly Puandara had offered to Sachi. Thereafter pure viands and fruits of every kind were brought by servants, whilst lovely Apsaras, skilled in the arts of singing and dancing, began to perform in the Prince’s presence and troops of Nymphs and Uragas, surrounded by the Kinneris intoxicated with wine, danced before Kakutstha, and the virtuous Rama, the most captivating of warriors, delighted those ravishing and charming women.” Tr. Hari Prasad Shastri
Following is the Hindi translation with Sanskrit text by Chaturvedi Dwaraka Prasad Sharma,
The Sanskrit word mentioned here is Madhu Maireya, which is a type of liquor made from honey, Panini defines the word Madhu Maireya as,
Ashtadhyaya Panini, Book VI, Ch 11, verse 70 “…Thus ग्रुंडमेरेय: ‘the wine maireya prepared from treacle or molasses’. मधुमैरेय: ‘maireya prepared from honey‘. Why do we say when denoting ‘an ingredient?’ Observe परममैरेय: Why do we say ‘before मेरेय?’ Observe पुष्पासव: Every sort of spirituous liquor except सुरा is called मेरेय.” Tr. Srisa Chandra Vasu
Above passage also makes the definition of the word Sura (सुरा) clear.
When Hanuman met Sita in the Ashok Vatika, he informed Sita about the condition of Rama, he told Sita that Rama has given up consumption of liquor and meat due to the grief of being separated from her,
Ramayana of Valmiki, Sundara Khanda 5, Sarga 36, verse 41 “Rama is not eating meat, nor indulging even in spirituous liquor. Every day, in the evening, he is eating the food existing in the forest, well arranged for him.” Tr. K.M.K. Murthy
We know that Rama was a meat eater, when he was about to go to Vanvaas (exile) he lamented that he would have to live in the forest without meat. So, this verse indicates that Rama also consumed liquor. A verse from Ayodhya Kanda of Valmiki Ramayana states that Sita vowed to offer hundred cups of wine to goddess if her wish is fulfilled,
Ramayana of Valmiki, Ayodhya Kanda 2, Sarga 55, verses 19-20 “Having come near the middle of the Kalindi, Sita prayed unto her, saying, ‘Hail to thee, O goddess! I cross thee. If my husband can successfully perform his vow. I will worship thee with a thousand cows and a hundred vessels of wine.” Tr. Manmatha Nath Dutt
Hanuman
The ardent Bhakt of Rama is also said to have taken intoxicants,
Mahabharata Vana Parva 3, Section 145, Verse 86 “…The powerful Hanuman, however, opening his eyes partially looked at him (Bhima) with disregard, with eyes reddened with intoxication…” Tr. K.M. Ganguli
Krishna
In the Mahabharata, Sanjay describes Krishna and Arjuna in the company of Draupadi and Satyabhama (wife of Krishna and an incarnation of Bhudevi), exhilarated by Bassia wine,
Mahabharata, Udyog Parva 5, Section 59, verses 2-5 “Sanjaya said, ‘Listen, O king, as I tell thee the state in which I found Krishna and Dhananjaya. I will also, O Bharata, tell thee what those heroes said; O king, with looks bent down and hands joined together, and with senses well restrained, I entered the inner apartments for conferring with those gods among men. Neither Abhimanyu nor the Twins can repair to that place where are the two Krishnas and Draupadi and lady Satyabhama. There I beheld those chastisers of foes, exhilarated with Bassia wine, their bodies adorned with garlands of flowers.” Tr. Kisari Mohan Ganguli
Renowned Hindu scholar Kumarila Bhatta explained this verse of Mahabharata and justified it saying that by drinking wine Krishna and Arjuna did not transgress the law. Kumarila Bhatta wrote that Sura (prepared from grain) is prohibited whereas Krishna and Arjuna drank Madhu which is not prohibited and that Kshatriyas and Vaishyas can have Madhu and Sidhi (types of liquors made from honey and molasses),
Tantra Vartika, Adhyaya 1, Pada III, Adhi 4(a) “Then remains the case of Krshna and Arjuna being drunk with wine, and having married the daughters of their respective maternal uncles, both being instances of direct transgressions of the law. But it is only the wine distilled from grains, which is called ‘Sura’, that is prohibited for the three higher castes; says the Smrti: ‘Sura is the impure essence of the grains and it is evil that is spoken of as impure; hence the Brahmana, the Kshatriya and the Vaicya should never drink Sura.’ As for the particular wines ‘Madhu’ (wine distilled from certain fruits, as grapes and the like), and the ‘Sidhu’ (that distilled from molasses), these are not prohibited for the Kshatriya and the Vaicya, as ‘all intoxicating drinks’ have been prohibited for the Brahmana alone. Though there is a passage that declares ‘all the three kinds of wine, the Gaudi (that distilled from molasses) Paishthi (that distilled from grains) and Madhu (distilled from fruits), being the same, they should not be drunk by the Brahmavadis,’ yet here the word ‘Brahmavadi’ should be taken as denoted the Brahmanas only, as the word literally means ‘one who is capable of teaching Brahma,’ or ‘whose duty it is to teach Brahma’, or ‘whose excellence lies in such teaching’, and as the root ‘Vada’ is synonymous with ‘Bru’ such duties are distinctly restricted to the Brahmana alone, by such texts as ‘from among the three higher castes, the Brahmana alone should teach’…Hence we take the passage ‘All the three kinds of wine, etc,’ to mean that just as the one, Sura distilled from grains, is not drinkable by the three higher castes, so are all the three undrinkable by the Brahmana otherwise, if the simple prohibition of wine in general were meant, then the words ‘Yathava, etc.,’ and ‘Brahmavadibhih’ would be totally redundant. The mention of ‘the three castes’ we shall supply from out of another verse. For this reason, the fact of Krshna and Arjuna both Kshatriyas being intoxicated with ‘Madhu’ (grape wine) is in no way a transgression of the law. And, as a matter of fact, we have Vedic texts that distinctly show (1) that the prohibition of wine is for others (i.e, Brahmanas), and also (2) that is distinctly permissible (in the case of others)…hence the Brahmana should not drink the wine; lest he be attached to evil’, and (2) ‘The Kshatriya should say to the Brahmana ‘the drinking of wine does no harm to him who knows this’, and this latter is with the reference to the ‘Madhu’ and the ‘Sidhu’ (and not the ‘Sura’ which is in no case allowed to anyone else but the Cudra)…” Tr. Ganganath Jha
As far as my opinion is concerned, Even Sura is not prohibited for Brahmins as Vedas the eternal law for Hindus gives instructions on consumption of Sura for Brahmins and Kshatriyas. Padma Purana states that Krishna used to drink wine in company of his wives who also enjoyed wine,
Padma Purana V.89.53-59a “Then the two, O brahmana, being tired due to many pastimes proper for the times in the groves endowed with vernal breezes on all sides, resort, with their attendants, to the root of a tree, and sitting on a divine seat, drink liquor, O best sage. Then the two, intoxicated due to the liquor, with their eyes closed due to sleep, holding each other’s hands, being under the influence of Cupid’s arrows, and desiring to sport, enter, with their words and mind stumbling on the path. There they sport like a female elephant and (the male elephant) the lord of the herd. All the friends also, intoxicated by wine, and with their eyes troubled by sleep (i.e. drowsy) sleep all around in the charming bowers. Again, and again incited by his beloved, Krsna, the lord, would go near all, with a separate body (for each) and simultaneously. Having satisfied all of them as a lord of elephants satisfies the female elephants, he would, along with his beloved and with them, go to the lake to sport.” Tr. N.A. Deshpande
A story mentioned in Skanda and Samba Purana goes like, Narada Muni visited Krishna, all the Yadu boys received him with their heads bowed down in respect but Samba the son of Krishna didn’t greet him properly, So Narada thought of teaching him a lesson. So, he told Krishna that his 16100 wives were sexually attracted to Samba. Krishna does not believe him. Then Narada visits him again after a gap of few days, there he sees that Krishna along with his wives were engaged in drinking liquor. Narada takes this as an opportunity to teach Samba a lesson so he tells Samba that his father i.e. Krishna is calling him. Samba goes there and sits next to his father Krishna. Intoxicated wives of Krishna become sexually aroused seeing the handsome boy and their private parts becomes moistened so much that even their underwear becomes drenched due to arousal. Then suddenly Narada Muni enters the place and all the wives of Krishna gets up to pay respect to Narada Muni and then all their dresses slip from their bodies including their wet underwear. Krishna then curses his wives. So, it shows that Krishna used to quaff liquor along with his wives, story mentioned in Skanda Purana is too long, I have tried my best to shorten it while the Samba Purana is a summarized version by Wendy Doniger. The Skanda Purana verse also states that Samba used to enjoy liquor and had illicit relationship with women,
Samba Purana 3.6-55 “One day Narada came to Dvaraka to see Krsna. All the Yadu boys received him with respect, but Samba, proud of his young beauty and deluded by the fated, inevitable force of the curse, disregarded Narada. To teach Samba a lesson, Narada told Krsna that all of Krsna’s sixteen thousand wives were in love with Samba. Samba was summoned, and the women, whose minds were blurred by wine, showed inmistakable signs of passion when Samba appeared…”
Skanda Purana Book VII, Section I, Chapter 101, verses 1-38 “At this very juncture (came) venerable sage Narada…In the court of his wandering at will, he always used to come to Dvaravati to pay a visit to Vasudeva. As he came on quickly all the Yadava youths beginning with Pradyumna remained with their heads (politely) bent down…but Samba due to the inevitability of the curse, slighted the noble souled Narada as usual. Being very proud of his youth and handsome features he was forever indulgent in sexual dalliance and liquor. On seeing him impolite and rude, Narada thought thus: Today I shall try to curb this impolite one…After thinking thus, he spoke to Vasudeva: O most excellent one among Devas, here there are sixteen thousand women. O my Lord, their emotional fondness for Samba is much…On hearing these words from Narada, Kesava began to think. What has thus been mentioned by Narada may have some truth in it…Narada went away as he came. A few days thereafter, he returned to Dvaraka. On that day, the Lord was engaged in drinking liquor after enjoying aquatic sports along with all the members of his Antahpura (inner apartment)…Staying there the Lord drank the liquor of great auspicious flavour. In the meantime, fully aware that the women were inebriated due to liquor, Narada spoke to Samba: ‘O princely youth, do come and stand here. The Lord calls you. It is not proper on my part to stay on there.’ Urged by Narada…Samba entered quickly and bowed down to his father. He took the seat pointed out by Visnu with natural feeling. In the meantime, those women there, who were deficient in self-control became highly agitated as soon as they saw Samba. As they were staying within the Antahpura so long, they had not seen him before. The liquor had its own effect in making them forget everything. Further they were naturally devoid of self-control. Hence their loins became moistened. On seeing an excellent man, the excellent organ of generation of women becomes moistened and dump even if they are observing celibacy or are Yoginis…After sending Samba in, Narada also came hurriedly closely on the heels of Samba. On seeing the sage coming with pleasant manners, all those women suddenly got up; they were tipsy. Even as Vasudeva was watching, when they got up suddenly their valuable garments got torn and fell down into the pots (of liquor). The clothes clinging to their loins (underwear) also fell separately. On seeing it Hari became angry, he cursed those women: O women, since your minds strayed elsewhere unmindful of me, you will not get into the regions occupied by your husband at the close of your life. Slipping down from the world of your husband as well as from the path of heaven, you will have no refuge and will fall into the clutches of robbers. As a result of this defect and curse, those women, at the time of Krsna’s heavenward departure, were abducted by robbers belonging to Pancanada even as Arjuna was looking on.” Tr. Ganesh Vasudeo Tagare
Mahabharata Virata Parva 4, Section 72, Verses 19-28 “And Krishna gave unto each of the illustrious sons of Pandu numerous female slaves, and gems and robes. And then the nuptial festival set in between the families of the Matsya king and the Pandavas. And then conchs and cymbals and horns and drums and other musical instruments appointed by the Pandavas, began to play in the palace of Virata. And deer of various kinds and clean animals by hundreds were slain. And wines of various kinds and intoxicating juices of trees were profusely collected.” Tr. K.M. Ganguli
Krishna in the following verse is mentioned as Rama,
Skanda Purana VII.I.202.10-11 “Rama with the plough as his weapon, went to the city of Dvaravati teeming with delighted and contented people. There he indulged in a drunken bout with the persons (ladies) of his Antahpura. After imbibing wine, he seized a mace with his hand and went to the splendid garden of Raivatodyana accompanied by Revati and others. Moving in the midst of groups of women, he went along with faltering steps like an inebriated person…” Tr. G.V. Tagare
Skanda Purana VII.I.202.31-32 “The Brahmanas assembled there, were well-versed in the Puranas and were glad to listen to the stories and conducts of the primordial celestial sages. On seeing Rama with eyes reddened due to drinking wine they thought, ‘He is thoroughly drunk’, and hurriedly got up and began to honour and adore Halayudha excepting Suta who continued to sit.” Tr. G.V. Tagare
Suta kills the Brahmins so Krishna feels the guilt of drinking wine, vows to abstain from wine drinking and also orders corporal punishment to those guilty of drinking wine therefrom. But was the law ever implemented? Because his beloved brother Balrama was addicted to wine and Krishna’s son Samba and grandson Pradumnya is also said to have relished wine.
Balarama
Krishna’s brother Balarama was addicted to drinking liquor, several texts mentions this habit of Balarama,
Brahma Purana 90.5-7 “Roaming about that spot Balarama inhaled the intensive odour of wine. After smelling it, he experienced the delight that he previously used to have in wine. O sages, thereafter, Balarama saw a current of liquor suddenly falling form Kadamba. He derived great joy therefrom. He drank it joyously in the company of cowherds and cowherdesses…” Tr. Board of Scholars, edited by J.L. Shastri
Harivamsa Purana, Visnu Parva 2.41.5-13 “Then the valiant, auspicious Sankarsana (Balarama), appearing like an elephant roamed on the peak of the mountain, without Krishna. He went under the shade of the kadamba (Nauclea Cadamba) tree, fully blossomed, enjoying the breeze with a faint smell, comfortably. While he was enjoying the breeze there, the smell of (vinous) spirituous liquor entered his nose. Immediately he was affected by the desire to have Varuni, (spirituous liquor). His face appeared dim like the face of an intoxicated person in the afternoon. Then the lord immediately remembered the ancient incident of partaking Amrita (nectar). Then, searching for spirituous liquor, he saw that tree. The water from the rain clouds, showered on the fully blossomed, beautiful tree became the spirituous liquor in the hollows of the tree. After drinking that liquor again and again with desire, his body was swaying with intoxication. The eyes on the face of the intoxicated Balarama, with the colour of the moon in winter, started moving and rolling. Born in the hollows of kadamba, that liquor named KdambarI (kadamba liquor) is Varuni in the body form, the nectar liquor of the deva-s.” Tr. A. Purushothaman and A. Harindranath
Vishnu Purana 5.251-11 “Varuńa, in order to provide for his recreation, said to his wife Váruńí (the goddess of wine), “Thou, Madirá, art ever acceptable to the powerful Ananta; go therefore, auspicious and kind goddess, and promote his enjoyments.” Obeying these commands, Váruní went and established herself in the hollow of a Kadamba tree in the woods of Vrindávana. Baladeva, roaming about, came there, and smelling the pleasant fragrance of liquor, resumed his ancient passion for strong drink. The holder of the ploughshare observing the vinous drops distilling from the Kadamba tree, was much delighted, and gathered and quaffed them along with the herdsmen and the Gopís, whilst those who were skilful with voice and lute celebrated him in their songs. Being inebriated with the wine…Tr. H.H. Wilson
Brahma Purana 100.11-14 “…Once Balarama, the highly blessed Revati and other excellent ladies were seated in the Raivata garden and engaged in drinking wine…” Tr. Board of Scholars, edited by J.L. Shastri
Srimad Bhagavatam 10.67.9-15 “There he saw Śrī Balarāma, the Lord of the Yadus, adorned with a garland of lotuses and appearing most attractive in every limb. He was singing amidst a crowd of young women, and since He had drunk vāruṇī liquor, His eyes rolled as if He were intoxicated. His body shone brilliantly as He behaved like an elephant in rut…Angered, Lord Balarāma, the best of fighters, hurled a rock at him, but the cunning ape dodged the rock and grabbed the Lord’s pot of liquor. Further infuriating Lord Balarāma by laughing and by ridiculing Him, wicked Dvivida then broke the pot and offended the Lord even more by pulling at the girls’ clothing. Thus, the powerful ape, puffed up with false pride, continued to insult Śrī Balarāma.” Tr. Swami Prabhupada
Harivamsa Purana 2.46.21-23 “Meanshile, Gopas, knowledgeable about the place and time, presented the liquor, Varuni to Balarama, the learned soul. At that time, Balarama drank (the liquor) surrounded by the acquaintances. Balarama, who had gone to the interior of the forest drank the stimulating liquor.” Tr. A. Purushothaman and A. Harindranath
Brahma Purana 84.34-45 “There in the waters of Yamuna he saw Balarama with a thousand hoods…His ear-rings were fine. He was inebriate and was stationed on the borrom bed of the river water. In his lap he saw Krsna. He was dark in complexion like the cloud…” Tr. Baord of Scholars, edited by J.L. Shastri
Mahabharata Vana Parva 3, Section 18, Verse 18 “What will the elder brother of Kesava, the mighty-armed Baladeva, clad in blue and inebriate with wine, say, when he returneth…” Tr. K.M. Ganguli
Krishan’s grandson Pradumyna
Shiva Purana, Rudra Samhita 2, Yuddha Khanda section 5, Ch 52, verses 50-53 “Then taking leave of her friend, and knowing him to be the grandson of Ksna, Citralekha got ready to go to Dvaraka with the velocity of the mind…Then in the park of the harem the son of Pradyumna was seen by her playing with women and drinking wine. He was dark complexioned but beautiful in every limb, smiling in the prime of youth.” Tr. J.L. Shastri
Shiva & Parvati
In Vayu Purana Shiva is addressed as an imbiber of wine,
Vayu Purana, Section I, Ch 30, verse 265 “You are a holder of the rod (of chastisement), the wielder of a staff, adorned with staff, and tonsured head. You are imbiber of poison, drinker of nectar, drinker of wine, drinker of milk and Soma juice. [268] O Siva, neither Brahma nor Visnu nor the ancient sages can understand your greatness precisely.” Tr. G.P. Bhatt, edited by G.V. Tagare
Brahmanda Purana mentions Bhairava (form of Shiva) of having pink eyes due to intoxicant consumption,
Brahmanda Purana, Lalita-Mahatmya 35.45-46 “Martanda Bhairava is present there, O sage, in twelve different forms. He is accompanied by Saktis of fiery refulgence numbering crores. He is Mahaprakasarupa (having the form of great radiance). His eyes are pink due to inebriation…” Tr. G.V. Tagare
Mahakala a form of Shiva is described as being fond of meat and wine,
Shiva Purana, Vayaviyasamhita 6, Section II, Ch 31, verses 62-64 “Mahakala of great arms is like another Mahadeva unto those who seek refuge in him…He is fond of honey, meat and wine…” Tr. J.L. Shastri
Kausiki daughter of Parvati (also considered her form) is also described as being fond of wine,
Shiva Purana, Vayaviya Samhita 6, Section II, Ch 31, verses 89-90 “Kausiki is the daughter of Parvati. She rides on a lion. She is the great Maya, the slumber of Visnu. She is the suppressor of the demon Mahisa. She destroyed Sumbha and Nisumbha. She is fond of wine and meat…” Tr. J.L. Shastri
Indra
A verse from Devi Bhagavatam states that Indra after being intoxicated with wine began to copulate with Apsara Rambha,
Devi Bhagavatam 9.40.13-25 ”Nârâyana said :– In ancient days, Indra the Lord of the three worlds, intoxicated with wine and becoming lustful and shameless, began to enjoy Rambhâ in a lonely grove. After having enjoyed her, he became attracted to her; his mind being wholly drawn to her, he remained there in that forest, his mind becoming very passionate.” Tr. Swami Vijnananda
It is mentioned in Puranas that Indra with the help of Rambha made Vritra drink and then slew him deceitfully,
Padma Purana II.25.11-20 “[Vrtra said] O you beautiful lady, I have sought your shelter. Protect me form the (disturbance caused by) sexual desire. O you of large eyes, resort to me, who am, O dear one, distressed by sexual desire. Rambha said: There is no doubt that today I shall submit myself to you; O hero, you should do whatever I tell you to do…Having thus established a relation with her, the very powerful best demon enjoyed in that very meritorious forest. The great demon was very much stupefied by her singing, dancing, charming smile, and sexual intercourse (with her). She said to that noble and best demon: ‘(Please) drink wine; (please) drink madhu-madhavi (a kind of intoxicating drink)… But that respectable lady Rambha lovingly gave wine to him against his will. Due to civility for her he drinks wine at that time. When he was extremely stupefied by the wine, and lost his senses, just then Indra struck him with his thunderbolt. Then that killer of Vrtra (i.e. Indra) was tainted with such sins as killing a brahmana.” Tr. N.A. Deshpande
Varuna
Brahmanda Purana, Lalita-Mahatmya 33.64-66 “To the north of it (i.e. in the west) in between the two gateways, Varuna stays permanently resorting to the Varuna world. He is excited and inebriated by tasting spirituous liquor…” Tr. G.V. Tagare
Durga & Her Forms
Hindu goddess Durga drank wine cups after cups before killing Mahishasura,
Devi Bhagavatam 5.18.54-70 “Vyâsa said :— O King! Saying thus, the Devî, wrathful and eager to kill Mahisâsura, took up the golden cup filled with wine and drank again and again. When the Devî finished Her drink of the sweet grape juice, She pursued him with trident in Her hands, to the great joy of gladdening all the Devas.” Tr. Swami Vijnananda
Devi Bhagavatam 5.9.41-48 “…Vyâsa said :— No sooner the messengers heard these words of Mahisa, than they at once went to the Devî and saw that Her body and the several parts thereof were all very beautiful; She had eighteen hands, She was decorated completely with various ornaments all over Her body, all the auspicious signs were being seen in Her body and that She was holding excellent divine weapons. That auspicious Goddess beautiful, was holding in Her hands, the cup and drinking wine again and again. Beholding Her this form, they were afraid and fled at once to the Mahisa and informed him the cause of that sound…” Tr. Swami Vijnananda
In Garuda Purana, Goddess Camundi a form of Durga is addresses as fond of wine and flesh,
Garuda Purana I.38.7 “…O deity fond of blood, flesh and wine…” Tr. J.L. Shastri
Skanda Purana V.iii.186.6-15 “…After Mahadeva had gone, O king, the younger brother of Aruna propitiated Camunda embellished with skulls, the goddess who being the resident deity of cremation ground, was accompanied by many goblins. She was a Yogini, perfect in the practice of Yogic exercise. She was fond of suet, flesh and wine…” Tr. G.V. Tagare
Kali & Her Forms
In the Mahabharata Kali is described as one fond of wine,
Mahabharata Virata Parva 4, Section 6, Verse 18 “…Thy eternal abode is on Vindhya–that foremost of mountains. O Kali, O Kali, thou art the great Kali, ever fond of wine and meat and animal sacrifice….” Tr. K.M. Ganguli
Shiva Purana states that Kali drank wine before fighting Danavas,
Shiva Purana, Rudra Samhita 2, Yuddha Khanda section 5, Ch 38, verses 1-3 “Going to the battle ground, the goddess Kali roared like a lion. On hearing that the Danavas fainted. She laughed boisterously again and again boding ill to the Asuras. She drank the distilled grapewine and danced on the battle ground. The manifestations of Durga viz Ugradamstra (one with fierce fangs) Ugradanda (one with fierce baton) and Kotavi (the naked) danced on the battle ground and drank wine.” Tr. J.L. Shastri
Chandika is a combined form of Kali, Saraswati and Lakshmi,
Shiva Purana, Uma Samhita 5, Ch 46, verses 53-56 “He then agitated three worlds including the mobile and immobile beings. Then, Candika of great honour and exploit became infuriated. She drank the beverage again and again. With eyes rolling she laughed aloud…With her face reddened as a result of the inebriation after drinking wine, and with her senses excited, she spoke in a tone as majestic as the rumbling of the clouds.” Tr. J.L. Shastri
Bhadrakali is another form of Kali,
Devi Bhagavatam 9.22.1-75 “Bhadrakâlî shouted aloud inauspicious peals after peals of laughter. Then She drank Madhu and danced in the battlefield. Ugra Damstrâ, Ugrachandâ, Kotavî, the Yoginîs, Dâkinîs, and the Devas all drank Madhu (wine).” Tr. Swami Vijnananda
Other Goddesses and Shaktis
Brahmanda Purana, Lalita-Mahatmya 32.23 “Madhusri and Madhavasri these two deities are the wives of that shining lord (Vasanta). Both of them are inebriated through spirituous liquor extracted from flowers…” Tr. G.V. Tagare
Wine was often consumed by goddesses like Kali, her forms and Shaktis before a battle. There was a battle between Saktis and Danavas, the battle seems to have come to a standstill for some time while Saktis were drinking wine.
Brahmanda Purana, Lalita-Mahatmya 28.71-89 “The oceans of liquors showered torrents of liquors of various kinds, such as Gaudi (spirit distilled from molasses), Paisti (spirit distilled from meal), Madhvi (liquor made from honey, the excellent Kadambari (spirit distilled from Kadamba flowers (Nauclea Cadamba,) Haintali (spriti from the palm of the variety, Hintala (elatepaludosa) Langaleya (spirit from the palm of the variety Langala (Mithonia superba) many varieties of palm-made spirits, divine liquors were made from the Kalpa tree. Liquors coming from various countries, liquors with good taste, fragrance, liquors with pleasant odour, liquors rendered sweet smelling by means of Bakula flowers (Mimusops Elengi), liquors sparkling with foams and bubbles, liquors with all types of tastes such a Katuka (pungent), Kasaya (astringent), Madhura (sweet), Tikta (bitter), Isadamla (slightly sour), Katvamla (pungent and sour), Madhuramla (sweet and sour), liquors with diverse colours, liquors of slimy nature, Chedinis (? those that pierce and tear); liquors dispelling the pain of wounds of weapons, liquors that bring about union in a broken bone, cool liquors that dispel vertigo and giddiness while fighting. Liquors light and lukewarm and different varieties of liquors that dispel distress and bestow victory. The Madirarnava (ocean of liquor) showered different kinds of liquor in torrent. Each one of the Yoginis (i.e. Saktis) joyously drank the torrent of liquor as big as the trunk of Airavata elephant uninterruptedly for the period of one full Yama. (3 hours). Saktis went on drinking liquor joyously with their eyes closed. Their faces were supine and moving to and fro with lolling tongues. After propitiating them by means of torrents of liquors of various kinds in this manner, the ocean of liquor assumed a divine form and came there. He approached Dandanatha and after bowing to her spoke these words…One seeing Saktis thus pointed out by the ocean of liquor, Dandini was extremly satisfied and she said to him…Due to my favour henceforth, in the age of Dvapara you will be extremely worthy of being used by Yajlikas (priests who perform sacrifices) in their sacrifices like the drinking of Soma. All the deities will drink you after you have been sanctified by means of Mantras in the course of sacrifice. After drinking you, purified by the Mantras, let the people attain Siddhi (spiritual achievement), Rddhi (prosperity), strength, heavenly bliss, and salvation. All these great people will drink you viz: Mahesvari, Mahadeva, Baladeva, Bhargava, Dattatreya, Vidhi and Visnu.” Tr. Board of Scholars, edited by J.L. Shastri
Brahmanda Purana, Lalita-Mahatmya 28.90-93 “…After gratifying the ocean of liquor by granting boons thus Dandini urged Mantrini for fighting once again and asked her to hasten it. Again, the fight between Saktis and Danavas was resumed. The loud and boisterous laughter of joy pierced the eight cardinal points and mountains. Intoxicated due to the fresh wine and with the eyes rendered red, Saktis fell upon the troops of Daityas in a body and sportively.” Tr. Board of Scholars, edited by J.L. Shastri
Brahmanda Purana, Lalita-Mahatmya 35.28 “By frequently drinking the water therein viz.: wine, the Saktis stationed on its banks become mad with inebriation and play about. They become excessively red (in their faces) due to intoxication.” Tr. Board of Scholars, edited by J.L. Shastri
Brahmanda Purana, Lalita-Mahatmya 19.49b-52 “Then, three deities were stationed on the second step of the leading chariot Cakraratha. They were seated on three (different) seats. They were endowed with eight arms in which they held bows, arrows, a drinking bowl. a citron (fruit) and dagger as well as shields, serpentine noose and a bell of loud sound, They were intoxicated due to liquor…” Tr. G.V. Tagare
Brahmanda Purana, Lalita-Mahatmya 20.6-8 “Three deities viz.: Jrmbhinl, Mohini and Stambhini had occupied the second step at the same centre of that chariot. It resembled a full blown pomegranate flower. The deities who were competent to suppress Danavas, held the pestle, plough and liquor pot studdent with many precious stones and jewels…” Tr. G.V. Tagare
Brahmanda Purana, Lalita-Mahatmya 20.25-26 “On the other side of the same step in a divine temple were stationed two deities well-known as Krodhini and Stambhini. They fanned with two Camaras (Chowries) as the bangles round their tender creeper like hands moved to and fro. They were excessively proud after drinking liquor and the blood of soldiers in the army of demons…” Tr. G.V. Tagare
Asava (liquor) was given to Devahuti daughter of Swayambhuva Manu and wife of Kardama Muni,
Srimad Bhagavatam 3.23.28 “The girls, being very respectful to Devahūti, brought her forth, and after bathing her with valuable oils and ointments, they gave her fine, new, spotless cloth to cover her body. They then decorated her with very excellent and valuable jewels, which shone brightly. Next, they offered her food containing all good qualities, and a sweet inebriating drink called āsavam.” Tr. Swami Prabhupada
Swami Prabhupada insists that Asava is not liquor but an Ayuvedic drink made from herbs, but then he translates the same word Asava as beer in Srimad Bhagavatam 4.18.16.
Matangi is one of the Mahavidyas, ten Tantric goddesses and a ferocious aspect of Devi, the Hindu Divine Mother. She is considered to be the Tantric form of Sarasvati,
Skanda Purana III.ii.18.146-7 “They should perform four circumambulations. The couple should cover themselves with a silken cloth and go ahead. After sprinkling water over Matangi the excellent Madhvika (honey that intoxicates) should be taken. The intelligent devotee should worship Matangi with vacal and instrumental music.” Tr. G.V. Tagare
RISHIS
Dattatreya
The Markandeya Purana tells us that once, when the gods were defeated by the demons in a battle, they approached Brihaspati for help. Brihaspati sent them to Muni Dattatreya the son of Rishi Atri. When the gods approached Dattatreya, they found him drinking wine in the company of Lakshmi with whom he also had sex. The gods prayed to him for help, but he pointed out his own faults, drinking, attachment, affection, and sexual enjoyment of women. But then the gods told him that he is sinless, and he is not stained by these acts,
Markandeya Purana 18.23-32 “Thus exhorted the gods then went to Dattatreya’s hermitage, and they beheld the high-souled Muni, attended by Lakshmi, hymned by Gandharvas and engrossed in quaffing spirituous liquor…Daddatreya addressed the prostrate gods, ‘What desire ye of me, that ye do me this obeisance…I am drinking strong drink, I have remnants of food in my mouth, nor I subdued my senses. How is it, O gods, ye seek for victory over your enemies even from me?’ The gods spoke. Thou art sinless, O lord of the world; no stain hast thou, into whose heart, purified by the ablution of learning, has entered the light of knowledge. True is this, o gods! all learning have I, who am impartial in view: but by reason of association with this woman I am now impure after eating. For commerce with women when continually pursued tends to depravity. Thus addressed, the gods then spoke again. This woman, O sinless brahman! is the mother of the world; she is not depraved…”
Lakshmi was present there and then he tells gods that he had copulation with this woman (i.e. Lakshmi), Padma Purana tells us that Dattatreya had sex with Lakshmi though it does not mention Lakshmi, but the above verse attests this statement,
Padma Purana II.103.110-113 “Atri’s son Dattatreya, the high-souled brahmana, the great sage, with his eyes red due to (having drunk) spirituous liquor, was sporting with a woman. The virtuous one, intoxicated by wine, having seated a young, auspicious woman, best of all women, on his lap, sang, danced and heavily drank liquor…” Tr. N.A. Deshpande
Another verse shows that Dattatreya asked a king to bring for him some meat and wine and the king presented the same,
Padma Purana II.103.124-8 “When a long time of many days passed, Dattatreya, in an intoxicated condition, said to the best king: ‘Do as I tell you. Give me wine in a cup; and the meal of flesh that is got cooked.’ Hearing those words of him, that Ayu, the lord of the earth, being eager, speedily got wine in a cup, and quickly cut off well-cooked flesh with his hand, and, O best one, the best king, gave these to Dattatreya. That best sage became happy in mind…” Tr. N.A. Deshpande
Kashyapa
According to Puranas, Kashyapa was a drunkard, he was addicted to wine and thus he was given the name Kashya (wine) + Hasya (laughter),
Brahmanda Purana 2.3.1.120-1 “When Daksa was over-bearing in his speech in regard to his daughters, the holy lord became angry. Then he drank Kasya. Liquor is called by the name Kasya. The word Kasi should be understood to have the sense of Hasya (Humour, wit). The speech and mind are mentioned by the word Kasya. Liquor is remembered by Brahmanas by means of the word Kasya. The sage is called Kasyapa due to his drinking liquor.” Tr. G.V. Tagare
Vayu Purana, Section II, Ch 4, verse 114-5 “Kasyapa was the knower of the sun (?) Hence he was on a par with Brahma. In every Manvantara, he is born through a part of Brahma. The subjects were angered by Daksa, it is said (?) for the sake of (his) daughters. Then he drank wine. The word ‘Kasya’ means wine. Hascekasa should be known as Brahma’s Kasya. Kasya is remembered by Brahmanas as wine. Because he drank Kasya (wiine) he is called Kasyapa.” Tr. G.P. Bhatt, edited by G.V. Tagare
Vashistha
Vasistha’s cow Kamdhenu provided him Maireya (Rum) a type of wine made from molasses,
Ramayana of Valmiki, Bala Kanda 1, Sarga 53 “Thus addressed by Vasistha, that bestower of all that was desired, Savala, O destroyer of thy foes, brought forth everything that was desired by everyone. And she produced sugarcanes, and honey, and fried rice, and excellent Maireya, and costly drinks, and various viands, and heaps of warm rice resembling hills, and other kinds of edibles, and soups, and Dadhikulyas, together with silver plates by thousands filled with meats of diverse tastes.” Tr. M.N. Dutt
Bharadwaja
Rishi Bharadwaja is said to have provided wine as well as 7-8 women to each soldier of Prince Bharat’s army after invoking Vishwakarma,
Ramayana of Valmiki, Ayodhya Kanda 2, Sarga 91, verses 10-15 “Thereafter Bharata, having been commanded by that great sage to bring the army there, allowed the army’s arrival to the hermitage…I wish to offer hospitality to the guest I summon vishvakarma who is also the divine carpenter. Let arrangements be made in that connection for me…Let some rivers flow with Maireya (a kind of wine made from date palms etc) some others flow with highly refined spirituous liquor and some others flow with cool water with a taste of sugarcane. [52-54] O, wine-bibbers! Drink the wine, however much you desire! O troops stricken with hunger! Let milk thickened with rice and the meats which are very much fresh, be eaten (as you will). Seven or eight young women bathed every single man on the beautiful river-banks, after massaging their body with oil. [84] The soldiers, intoxicated with spirituous liquor, were likewise excited with joy. Likewise, the men were drenched in charming aloes and sandal paste. Various kinds of excellent and charming garlands were there, crushed and garlands were there, crushed and scattered at distances, likewise.” Tr. K.M.K. Murthy
Vishwarupa
Srimad Bhagavatam 6.9.1 “Śrī Śukadeva Gosvāmī continued: Viśvarūpa, who was engaged as the priest of the demigods, had three heads. He used one to drink the beverage soma-rasa, another to drink wine and the third to eat food. O King Parīkṣit, thus I have heard from authorities.” Tr. Swami Prabhupada
Consumption by Kings
Liquor drinking seems to be part of the life of nobles in Vedic and Puranik period, there are some references about consumption of liquor by kings,
Mahabharata Asramavasika Parva 15, Section 1 “…Pandu’s son, collected costly robes and garlands of diverse kinds and duly offered them to Dhritarashtra. Maireya wines, fish of various kinds, and sherbets and honey, and many delightful kinds of food prepared by modifications (of diverse articles), were caused to be made for the old king as in his days of prosperity….” Tr. K.M. Ganguli
Consumption by Indra, Agni, Saraswati and Ashwins and offering them liquors in sacrifices as per Vedas
युवं सुराममश्विना नमुचावासुरे सचा |
विपिपानाशुभस पती इन्द्रं कर्मस्वावतम ||
पुत्रमिव पितरावश्विनोभेन्द्रावथुः काव्यैर्दंसनाभिः |
यत सुरामं वयपिबः शचीभिः सरस्वतीत्वा मघवन्नभिष्णक ||
yuvaṃ surāmamaśvinā namucāvāsure sacā |
vipipānāśubhas patī indraṃ karmasvāvatam ||
putramiva pitarāvaśvinobhendrāvathuḥ kāvyairdaṃsanābhiḥ |
yat surāmaṃ vyapibaḥ śacībhiḥ sarasvatītvā maghavannabhiṣṇak ||
Rig Veda 10.131.4-5 “Ye, Aśvins, Lords of Splendour, drank full draughts of grateful Soma juice,
And aided Indra in his work with Namuci of Asura birth. As parents aid a son, both Aśvins, Indra, aided thee with their wondrous Powers and wisdom. When thou, with might hadst drunk the draught that gladdens, Sarasvatī, O Maghavan, refreshed thee.” Tr. Ralph T.H. Griffith
Griffith has translated the word Sura as draught here. These verses are also repeated in Yajur Veda 20.76-78 where Griffith has mentioned the word Sura in his translation and I have further explained it in this article in the Sautramani sacrifice category. These verses are elaborated in Baudhayana Srauta Sutra,
Baudhayana Srauta Sutra XVII.35 “…The Maitravruna recites as the puronuvakya the verse, ‘O Asvins the guardians of the auspicious, do you two partaking of the Sura-soma in association with the demon Namuci help Indra in his deeds.’ Having crossed the alter and having caused to announce, he says (to the Maitravaruna), ‘Do you impel (the Hotr to recite the yajya for the Sura-soma set forth for the Asvins, Sarasvati and Sutraman Indra.’ The Maitravaruna pronounces the call, ‘Let the Hotr recite the yajya for the Asvins, Sarasvati and Sutraman Indra. These Sura-soma (o gods) set forth for you-powerful, exhilerating, prepared out of the mixture…May the Avins, Sarasvati and Sutraman Indra the Vrtra-killer enjoy them; may they drink the sweet wine, become exhilarated and enjoy. O Hotr, do you recite the yajya. The Hotr recites the yajya, ‘O Asvins, do you favour us with your deed like the parents their son. O Indra, when thou didst consume the Sura-soma in order to achieve good deeds and to possess powers, Sarasvati healed thee…” Tr. Chintaman Ganesh Kashikar
As you can read, the Sanskrit word mentioned here is Sura which means liquor, following is the snapshot from Vaman Shivaram Apte’s Sanskrit-English lexicon,
[The Practical Sanskrit-English Dictionary, p.1132, by Vaman Shivaram Apte, Published by Shiralkar, Poona, 1890]
Consumption of Alcohol by Gods and Goddesses
Rama & Sita
Rama the Maryada Purshottom (ideal man) is said to have made his wife Sita drink wine and then enjoyed dance of women,
Ramayana of Valmiki, Uttarakhanda 7, Sarga 42, Verses 18-23 “Like unto Purandara with Sachi he took Sita by the hand, made her sit and drink the wine distilled in the province of Mira. And in no time the servants brought for him well-cooked meat and various fruits. Being inebriate the beautiful Apsaras, well-skilled in the art of singing and dancing, began to dance before Rama in the company of Kinnaris. The virtuous souled Rama, the foremost of those who know how to please, satisfied those beautiful damsels adorned with various ornaments.” Tr. Manmatha Nath Dutt
Ramayana of Valmiki, Uttarakhanda 7, Sarga 42, Verses 18-23 “Like unto Purandara with Sachi he took Sita by the hand, made her sit and drink the wine distilled in the province of Mira. And in no time the servants brought for him well-cooked meat and various fruits. Being inebriate the beautiful Apsaras, well-skilled in the art of singing and dancing, began to dance before Rama in the company of Kinnaris. The virtuous souled Rama, the foremost of those who know how to please, satisfied those beautiful damsels adorned with various ornaments.” Tr. Manmatha Nath Dutt
This verse appears in the 52nd Sarga of M.N. Dutt’s translation but actually it is supposed to be in 42nd Sarga. Following is another English translation by Hindu scholar Hari Prasad Shastri,
Valmiki Ramayana, Uttarakhanda 7, Sarga 42, Verses 18-23 “Taking Sita by the hand, Kakutstha gave her delicious wine made of distilled honey to drink, as formerly Puandara had offered to Sachi. Thereafter pure viands and fruits of every kind were brought by servants, whilst lovely Apsaras, skilled in the arts of singing and dancing, began to perform in the Prince’s presence and troops of Nymphs and Uragas, surrounded by the Kinneris intoxicated with wine, danced before Kakutstha, and the virtuous Rama, the most captivating of warriors, delighted those ravishing and charming women.” Tr. Hari Prasad Shastri
Following is the Hindi translation with Sanskrit text by Chaturvedi Dwaraka Prasad Sharma,
The Sanskrit word mentioned here is Madhu Maireya, which is a type of liquor made from honey, Panini defines the word Madhu Maireya as,
Ashtadhyaya Panini, Book VI, Ch 11, verse 70 “…Thus ग्रुंडमेरेय: ‘the wine maireya prepared from treacle or molasses’. मधुमैरेय: ‘maireya prepared from honey‘. Why do we say when denoting ‘an ingredient?’ Observe परममैरेय: Why do we say ‘before मेरेय?’ Observe पुष्पासव: Every sort of spirituous liquor except सुरा is called मेरेय.” Tr. Srisa Chandra Vasu
Above passage also makes the definition of the word Sura (सुरा) clear.
When Hanuman met Sita in the Ashok Vatika, he informed Sita about the condition of Rama, he told Sita that Rama has given up consumption of liquor and meat due to the grief of being separated from her,
Ramayana of Valmiki, Sundara Khanda 5, Sarga 36, verse 41 “Rama is not eating meat, nor indulging even in spirituous liquor. Every day, in the evening, he is eating the food existing in the forest, well arranged for him.” Tr. K.M.K. Murthy
We know that Rama was a meat eater, when he was about to go to Vanvaas (exile) he lamented that he would have to live in the forest without meat. So, this verse indicates that Rama also consumed liquor. A verse from Ayodhya Kanda of Valmiki Ramayana states that Sita vowed to offer hundred cups of wine to goddess if her wish is fulfilled,
Ramayana of Valmiki, Ayodhya Kanda 2, Sarga 55, verses 19-20 “Having come near the middle of the Kalindi, Sita prayed unto her, saying, ‘Hail to thee, O goddess! I cross thee. If my husband can successfully perform his vow. I will worship thee with a thousand cows and a hundred vessels of wine.” Tr. Manmatha Nath Dutt
Hanuman
The ardent Bhakt of Rama is also said to have taken intoxicants,
Mahabharata Vana Parva 3, Section 145, Verse 86 “…The powerful Hanuman, however, opening his eyes partially looked at him (Bhima) with disregard, with eyes reddened with intoxication…” Tr. K.M. Ganguli
Krishna
In the Mahabharata, Sanjay describes Krishna and Arjuna in the company of Draupadi and Satyabhama (wife of Krishna and an incarnation of Bhudevi), exhilarated by Bassia wine,
Mahabharata, Udyog Parva 5, Section 59, verses 2-5 “Sanjaya said, ‘Listen, O king, as I tell thee the state in which I found Krishna and Dhananjaya. I will also, O Bharata, tell thee what those heroes said; O king, with looks bent down and hands joined together, and with senses well restrained, I entered the inner apartments for conferring with those gods among men. Neither Abhimanyu nor the Twins can repair to that place where are the two Krishnas and Draupadi and lady Satyabhama. There I beheld those chastisers of foes, exhilarated with Bassia wine, their bodies adorned with garlands of flowers.” Tr. Kisari Mohan Ganguli
Renowned Hindu scholar Kumarila Bhatta explained this verse of Mahabharata and justified it saying that by drinking wine Krishna and Arjuna did not transgress the law. Kumarila Bhatta wrote that Sura (prepared from grain) is prohibited whereas Krishna and Arjuna drank Madhu which is not prohibited and that Kshatriyas and Vaishyas can have Madhu and Sidhi (types of liquors made from honey and molasses),
Tantra Vartika, Adhyaya 1, Pada III, Adhi 4(a) “Then remains the case of Krshna and Arjuna being drunk with wine, and having married the daughters of their respective maternal uncles, both being instances of direct transgressions of the law. But it is only the wine distilled from grains, which is called ‘Sura’, that is prohibited for the three higher castes; says the Smrti: ‘Sura is the impure essence of the grains and it is evil that is spoken of as impure; hence the Brahmana, the Kshatriya and the Vaicya should never drink Sura.’ As for the particular wines ‘Madhu’ (wine distilled from certain fruits, as grapes and the like), and the ‘Sidhu’ (that distilled from molasses), these are not prohibited for the Kshatriya and the Vaicya, as ‘all intoxicating drinks’ have been prohibited for the Brahmana alone. Though there is a passage that declares ‘all the three kinds of wine, the Gaudi (that distilled from molasses) Paishthi (that distilled from grains) and Madhu (distilled from fruits), being the same, they should not be drunk by the Brahmavadis,’ yet here the word ‘Brahmavadi’ should be taken as denoted the Brahmanas only, as the word literally means ‘one who is capable of teaching Brahma,’ or ‘whose duty it is to teach Brahma’, or ‘whose excellence lies in such teaching’, and as the root ‘Vada’ is synonymous with ‘Bru’ such duties are distinctly restricted to the Brahmana alone, by such texts as ‘from among the three higher castes, the Brahmana alone should teach’…Hence we take the passage ‘All the three kinds of wine, etc,’ to mean that just as the one, Sura distilled from grains, is not drinkable by the three higher castes, so are all the three undrinkable by the Brahmana otherwise, if the simple prohibition of wine in general were meant, then the words ‘Yathava, etc.,’ and ‘Brahmavadibhih’ would be totally redundant. The mention of ‘the three castes’ we shall supply from out of another verse. For this reason, the fact of Krshna and Arjuna both Kshatriyas being intoxicated with ‘Madhu’ (grape wine) is in no way a transgression of the law. And, as a matter of fact, we have Vedic texts that distinctly show (1) that the prohibition of wine is for others (i.e, Brahmanas), and also (2) that is distinctly permissible (in the case of others)…hence the Brahmana should not drink the wine; lest he be attached to evil’, and (2) ‘The Kshatriya should say to the Brahmana ‘the drinking of wine does no harm to him who knows this’, and this latter is with the reference to the ‘Madhu’ and the ‘Sidhu’ (and not the ‘Sura’ which is in no case allowed to anyone else but the Cudra)…” Tr. Ganganath Jha
As far as my opinion is concerned, Even Sura is not prohibited for Brahmins as Vedas the eternal law for Hindus gives instructions on consumption of Sura for Brahmins and Kshatriyas. Padma Purana states that Krishna used to drink wine in company of his wives who also enjoyed wine,
Padma Purana V.89.53-59a “Then the two, O brahmana, being tired due to many pastimes proper for the times in the groves endowed with vernal breezes on all sides, resort, with their attendants, to the root of a tree, and sitting on a divine seat, drink liquor, O best sage. Then the two, intoxicated due to the liquor, with their eyes closed due to sleep, holding each other’s hands, being under the influence of Cupid’s arrows, and desiring to sport, enter, with their words and mind stumbling on the path. There they sport like a female elephant and (the male elephant) the lord of the herd. All the friends also, intoxicated by wine, and with their eyes troubled by sleep (i.e. drowsy) sleep all around in the charming bowers. Again, and again incited by his beloved, Krsna, the lord, would go near all, with a separate body (for each) and simultaneously. Having satisfied all of them as a lord of elephants satisfies the female elephants, he would, along with his beloved and with them, go to the lake to sport.” Tr. N.A. Deshpande
A story mentioned in Skanda and Samba Purana goes like, Narada Muni visited Krishna, all the Yadu boys received him with their heads bowed down in respect but Samba the son of Krishna didn’t greet him properly, So Narada thought of teaching him a lesson. So, he told Krishna that his 16100 wives were sexually attracted to Samba. Krishna does not believe him. Then Narada visits him again after a gap of few days, there he sees that Krishna along with his wives were engaged in drinking liquor. Narada takes this as an opportunity to teach Samba a lesson so he tells Samba that his father i.e. Krishna is calling him. Samba goes there and sits next to his father Krishna. Intoxicated wives of Krishna become sexually aroused seeing the handsome boy and their private parts becomes moistened so much that even their underwear becomes drenched due to arousal. Then suddenly Narada Muni enters the place and all the wives of Krishna gets up to pay respect to Narada Muni and then all their dresses slip from their bodies including their wet underwear. Krishna then curses his wives. So, it shows that Krishna used to quaff liquor along with his wives, story mentioned in Skanda Purana is too long, I have tried my best to shorten it while the Samba Purana is a summarized version by Wendy Doniger. The Skanda Purana verse also states that Samba used to enjoy liquor and had illicit relationship with women,
Samba Purana 3.6-55 “One day Narada came to Dvaraka to see Krsna. All the Yadu boys received him with respect, but Samba, proud of his young beauty and deluded by the fated, inevitable force of the curse, disregarded Narada. To teach Samba a lesson, Narada told Krsna that all of Krsna’s sixteen thousand wives were in love with Samba. Samba was summoned, and the women, whose minds were blurred by wine, showed inmistakable signs of passion when Samba appeared…”
Skanda Purana Book VII, Section I, Chapter 101, verses 1-38 “At this very juncture (came) venerable sage Narada…In the court of his wandering at will, he always used to come to Dvaravati to pay a visit to Vasudeva. As he came on quickly all the Yadava youths beginning with Pradyumna remained with their heads (politely) bent down…but Samba due to the inevitability of the curse, slighted the noble souled Narada as usual. Being very proud of his youth and handsome features he was forever indulgent in sexual dalliance and liquor. On seeing him impolite and rude, Narada thought thus: Today I shall try to curb this impolite one…After thinking thus, he spoke to Vasudeva: O most excellent one among Devas, here there are sixteen thousand women. O my Lord, their emotional fondness for Samba is much…On hearing these words from Narada, Kesava began to think. What has thus been mentioned by Narada may have some truth in it…Narada went away as he came. A few days thereafter, he returned to Dvaraka. On that day, the Lord was engaged in drinking liquor after enjoying aquatic sports along with all the members of his Antahpura (inner apartment)…Staying there the Lord drank the liquor of great auspicious flavour. In the meantime, fully aware that the women were inebriated due to liquor, Narada spoke to Samba: ‘O princely youth, do come and stand here. The Lord calls you. It is not proper on my part to stay on there.’ Urged by Narada…Samba entered quickly and bowed down to his father. He took the seat pointed out by Visnu with natural feeling. In the meantime, those women there, who were deficient in self-control became highly agitated as soon as they saw Samba. As they were staying within the Antahpura so long, they had not seen him before. The liquor had its own effect in making them forget everything. Further they were naturally devoid of self-control. Hence their loins became moistened. On seeing an excellent man, the excellent organ of generation of women becomes moistened and dump even if they are observing celibacy or are Yoginis…After sending Samba in, Narada also came hurriedly closely on the heels of Samba. On seeing the sage coming with pleasant manners, all those women suddenly got up; they were tipsy. Even as Vasudeva was watching, when they got up suddenly their valuable garments got torn and fell down into the pots (of liquor). The clothes clinging to their loins (underwear) also fell separately. On seeing it Hari became angry, he cursed those women: O women, since your minds strayed elsewhere unmindful of me, you will not get into the regions occupied by your husband at the close of your life. Slipping down from the world of your husband as well as from the path of heaven, you will have no refuge and will fall into the clutches of robbers. As a result of this defect and curse, those women, at the time of Krsna’s heavenward departure, were abducted by robbers belonging to Pancanada even as Arjuna was looking on.” Tr. Ganesh Vasudeo Tagare
Mahabharata Virata Parva 4, Section 72, Verses 19-28 “And Krishna gave unto each of the illustrious sons of Pandu numerous female slaves, and gems and robes. And then the nuptial festival set in between the families of the Matsya king and the Pandavas. And then conchs and cymbals and horns and drums and other musical instruments appointed by the Pandavas, began to play in the palace of Virata. And deer of various kinds and clean animals by hundreds were slain. And wines of various kinds and intoxicating juices of trees were profusely collected.” Tr. K.M. Ganguli
Krishna in the following verse is mentioned as Rama,
Skanda Purana VII.I.202.10-11 “Rama with the plough as his weapon, went to the city of Dvaravati teeming with delighted and contented people. There he indulged in a drunken bout with the persons (ladies) of his Antahpura. After imbibing wine, he seized a mace with his hand and went to the splendid garden of Raivatodyana accompanied by Revati and others. Moving in the midst of groups of women, he went along with faltering steps like an inebriated person…” Tr. G.V. Tagare
Skanda Purana VII.I.202.31-32 “The Brahmanas assembled there, were well-versed in the Puranas and were glad to listen to the stories and conducts of the primordial celestial sages. On seeing Rama with eyes reddened due to drinking wine they thought, ‘He is thoroughly drunk’, and hurriedly got up and began to honour and adore Halayudha excepting Suta who continued to sit.” Tr. G.V. Tagare
Suta kills the Brahmins so Krishna feels the guilt of drinking wine, vows to abstain from wine drinking and also orders corporal punishment to those guilty of drinking wine therefrom. But was the law ever implemented? Because his beloved brother Balrama was addicted to wine and Krishna’s son Samba and grandson Pradumnya is also said to have relished wine.
Balarama
Krishna’s brother Balarama was addicted to drinking liquor, several texts mentions this habit of Balarama,
Brahma Purana 90.5-7 “Roaming about that spot Balarama inhaled the intensive odour of wine. After smelling it, he experienced the delight that he previously used to have in wine. O sages, thereafter, Balarama saw a current of liquor suddenly falling form Kadamba. He derived great joy therefrom. He drank it joyously in the company of cowherds and cowherdesses…” Tr. Board of Scholars, edited by J.L. Shastri
Harivamsa Purana, Visnu Parva 2.41.5-13 “Then the valiant, auspicious Sankarsana (Balarama), appearing like an elephant roamed on the peak of the mountain, without Krishna. He went under the shade of the kadamba (Nauclea Cadamba) tree, fully blossomed, enjoying the breeze with a faint smell, comfortably. While he was enjoying the breeze there, the smell of (vinous) spirituous liquor entered his nose. Immediately he was affected by the desire to have Varuni, (spirituous liquor). His face appeared dim like the face of an intoxicated person in the afternoon. Then the lord immediately remembered the ancient incident of partaking Amrita (nectar). Then, searching for spirituous liquor, he saw that tree. The water from the rain clouds, showered on the fully blossomed, beautiful tree became the spirituous liquor in the hollows of the tree. After drinking that liquor again and again with desire, his body was swaying with intoxication. The eyes on the face of the intoxicated Balarama, with the colour of the moon in winter, started moving and rolling. Born in the hollows of kadamba, that liquor named KdambarI (kadamba liquor) is Varuni in the body form, the nectar liquor of the deva-s.” Tr. A. Purushothaman and A. Harindranath
Vishnu Purana 5.251-11 “Varuńa, in order to provide for his recreation, said to his wife Váruńí (the goddess of wine), “Thou, Madirá, art ever acceptable to the powerful Ananta; go therefore, auspicious and kind goddess, and promote his enjoyments.” Obeying these commands, Váruní went and established herself in the hollow of a Kadamba tree in the woods of Vrindávana. Baladeva, roaming about, came there, and smelling the pleasant fragrance of liquor, resumed his ancient passion for strong drink. The holder of the ploughshare observing the vinous drops distilling from the Kadamba tree, was much delighted, and gathered and quaffed them along with the herdsmen and the Gopís, whilst those who were skilful with voice and lute celebrated him in their songs. Being inebriated with the wine…Tr. H.H. Wilson
Brahma Purana 100.11-14 “…Once Balarama, the highly blessed Revati and other excellent ladies were seated in the Raivata garden and engaged in drinking wine…” Tr. Board of Scholars, edited by J.L. Shastri
Srimad Bhagavatam 10.67.9-15 “There he saw Śrī Balarāma, the Lord of the Yadus, adorned with a garland of lotuses and appearing most attractive in every limb. He was singing amidst a crowd of young women, and since He had drunk vāruṇī liquor, His eyes rolled as if He were intoxicated. His body shone brilliantly as He behaved like an elephant in rut…Angered, Lord Balarāma, the best of fighters, hurled a rock at him, but the cunning ape dodged the rock and grabbed the Lord’s pot of liquor. Further infuriating Lord Balarāma by laughing and by ridiculing Him, wicked Dvivida then broke the pot and offended the Lord even more by pulling at the girls’ clothing. Thus, the powerful ape, puffed up with false pride, continued to insult Śrī Balarāma.” Tr. Swami Prabhupada
Harivamsa Purana 2.46.21-23 “Meanshile, Gopas, knowledgeable about the place and time, presented the liquor, Varuni to Balarama, the learned soul. At that time, Balarama drank (the liquor) surrounded by the acquaintances. Balarama, who had gone to the interior of the forest drank the stimulating liquor.” Tr. A. Purushothaman and A. Harindranath
Brahma Purana 84.34-45 “There in the waters of Yamuna he saw Balarama with a thousand hoods…His ear-rings were fine. He was inebriate and was stationed on the borrom bed of the river water. In his lap he saw Krsna. He was dark in complexion like the cloud…” Tr. Baord of Scholars, edited by J.L. Shastri
Mahabharata Vana Parva 3, Section 18, Verse 18 “What will the elder brother of Kesava, the mighty-armed Baladeva, clad in blue and inebriate with wine, say, when he returneth…” Tr. K.M. Ganguli
Krishan’s grandson Pradumyna
Shiva Purana, Rudra Samhita 2, Yuddha Khanda section 5, Ch 52, verses 50-53 “Then taking leave of her friend, and knowing him to be the grandson of Ksna, Citralekha got ready to go to Dvaraka with the velocity of the mind…Then in the park of the harem the son of Pradyumna was seen by her playing with women and drinking wine. He was dark complexioned but beautiful in every limb, smiling in the prime of youth.” Tr. J.L. Shastri
Shiva & Parvati
In Vayu Purana Shiva is addressed as an imbiber of wine,
Vayu Purana, Section I, Ch 30, verse 265 “You are a holder of the rod (of chastisement), the wielder of a staff, adorned with staff, and tonsured head. You are imbiber of poison, drinker of nectar, drinker of wine, drinker of milk and Soma juice. [268] O Siva, neither Brahma nor Visnu nor the ancient sages can understand your greatness precisely.” Tr. G.P. Bhatt, edited by G.V. Tagare
Brahmanda Purana mentions Bhairava (form of Shiva) of having pink eyes due to intoxicant consumption,
Brahmanda Purana, Lalita-Mahatmya 35.45-46 “Martanda Bhairava is present there, O sage, in twelve different forms. He is accompanied by Saktis of fiery refulgence numbering crores. He is Mahaprakasarupa (having the form of great radiance). His eyes are pink due to inebriation…” Tr. G.V. Tagare
Mahakala a form of Shiva is described as being fond of meat and wine,
Shiva Purana, Vayaviyasamhita 6, Section II, Ch 31, verses 62-64 “Mahakala of great arms is like another Mahadeva unto those who seek refuge in him…He is fond of honey, meat and wine…” Tr. J.L. Shastri
Kausiki daughter of Parvati (also considered her form) is also described as being fond of wine,
Shiva Purana, Vayaviya Samhita 6, Section II, Ch 31, verses 89-90 “Kausiki is the daughter of Parvati. She rides on a lion. She is the great Maya, the slumber of Visnu. She is the suppressor of the demon Mahisa. She destroyed Sumbha and Nisumbha. She is fond of wine and meat…” Tr. J.L. Shastri
Indra
A verse from Devi Bhagavatam states that Indra after being intoxicated with wine began to copulate with Apsara Rambha,
Devi Bhagavatam 9.40.13-25 ”Nârâyana said :– In ancient days, Indra the Lord of the three worlds, intoxicated with wine and becoming lustful and shameless, began to enjoy Rambhâ in a lonely grove. After having enjoyed her, he became attracted to her; his mind being wholly drawn to her, he remained there in that forest, his mind becoming very passionate.” Tr. Swami Vijnananda
It is mentioned in Puranas that Indra with the help of Rambha made Vritra drink and then slew him deceitfully,
Padma Purana II.25.11-20 “[Vrtra said] O you beautiful lady, I have sought your shelter. Protect me form the (disturbance caused by) sexual desire. O you of large eyes, resort to me, who am, O dear one, distressed by sexual desire. Rambha said: There is no doubt that today I shall submit myself to you; O hero, you should do whatever I tell you to do…Having thus established a relation with her, the very powerful best demon enjoyed in that very meritorious forest. The great demon was very much stupefied by her singing, dancing, charming smile, and sexual intercourse (with her). She said to that noble and best demon: ‘(Please) drink wine; (please) drink madhu-madhavi (a kind of intoxicating drink)… But that respectable lady Rambha lovingly gave wine to him against his will. Due to civility for her he drinks wine at that time. When he was extremely stupefied by the wine, and lost his senses, just then Indra struck him with his thunderbolt. Then that killer of Vrtra (i.e. Indra) was tainted with such sins as killing a brahmana.” Tr. N.A. Deshpande
Varuna
Brahmanda Purana, Lalita-Mahatmya 33.64-66 “To the north of it (i.e. in the west) in between the two gateways, Varuna stays permanently resorting to the Varuna world. He is excited and inebriated by tasting spirituous liquor…” Tr. G.V. Tagare
Durga & Her Forms
Hindu goddess Durga drank wine cups after cups before killing Mahishasura,
Devi Bhagavatam 5.18.54-70 “Vyâsa said :— O King! Saying thus, the Devî, wrathful and eager to kill Mahisâsura, took up the golden cup filled with wine and drank again and again. When the Devî finished Her drink of the sweet grape juice, She pursued him with trident in Her hands, to the great joy of gladdening all the Devas.” Tr. Swami Vijnananda
Devi Bhagavatam 5.9.41-48 “…Vyâsa said :— No sooner the messengers heard these words of Mahisa, than they at once went to the Devî and saw that Her body and the several parts thereof were all very beautiful; She had eighteen hands, She was decorated completely with various ornaments all over Her body, all the auspicious signs were being seen in Her body and that She was holding excellent divine weapons. That auspicious Goddess beautiful, was holding in Her hands, the cup and drinking wine again and again. Beholding Her this form, they were afraid and fled at once to the Mahisa and informed him the cause of that sound…” Tr. Swami Vijnananda
In Garuda Purana, Goddess Camundi a form of Durga is addresses as fond of wine and flesh,
Garuda Purana I.38.7 “…O deity fond of blood, flesh and wine…” Tr. J.L. Shastri
Skanda Purana V.iii.186.6-15 “…After Mahadeva had gone, O king, the younger brother of Aruna propitiated Camunda embellished with skulls, the goddess who being the resident deity of cremation ground, was accompanied by many goblins. She was a Yogini, perfect in the practice of Yogic exercise. She was fond of suet, flesh and wine…” Tr. G.V. Tagare
Kali & Her Forms
In the Mahabharata Kali is described as one fond of wine,
Mahabharata Virata Parva 4, Section 6, Verse 18 “…Thy eternal abode is on Vindhya–that foremost of mountains. O Kali, O Kali, thou art the great Kali, ever fond of wine and meat and animal sacrifice….” Tr. K.M. Ganguli
Shiva Purana states that Kali drank wine before fighting Danavas,
Shiva Purana, Rudra Samhita 2, Yuddha Khanda section 5, Ch 38, verses 1-3 “Going to the battle ground, the goddess Kali roared like a lion. On hearing that the Danavas fainted. She laughed boisterously again and again boding ill to the Asuras. She drank the distilled grapewine and danced on the battle ground. The manifestations of Durga viz Ugradamstra (one with fierce fangs) Ugradanda (one with fierce baton) and Kotavi (the naked) danced on the battle ground and drank wine.” Tr. J.L. Shastri
Chandika is a combined form of Kali, Saraswati and Lakshmi,
Shiva Purana, Uma Samhita 5, Ch 46, verses 53-56 “He then agitated three worlds including the mobile and immobile beings. Then, Candika of great honour and exploit became infuriated. She drank the beverage again and again. With eyes rolling she laughed aloud…With her face reddened as a result of the inebriation after drinking wine, and with her senses excited, she spoke in a tone as majestic as the rumbling of the clouds.” Tr. J.L. Shastri
Bhadrakali is another form of Kali,
Devi Bhagavatam 9.22.1-75 “Bhadrakâlî shouted aloud inauspicious peals after peals of laughter. Then She drank Madhu and danced in the battlefield. Ugra Damstrâ, Ugrachandâ, Kotavî, the Yoginîs, Dâkinîs, and the Devas all drank Madhu (wine).” Tr. Swami Vijnananda
Other Goddesses and Shaktis
Brahmanda Purana, Lalita-Mahatmya 32.23 “Madhusri and Madhavasri these two deities are the wives of that shining lord (Vasanta). Both of them are inebriated through spirituous liquor extracted from flowers…” Tr. G.V. Tagare
Wine was often consumed by goddesses like Kali, her forms and Shaktis before a battle. There was a battle between Saktis and Danavas, the battle seems to have come to a standstill for some time while Saktis were drinking wine.
Brahmanda Purana, Lalita-Mahatmya 28.71-89 “The oceans of liquors showered torrents of liquors of various kinds, such as Gaudi (spirit distilled from molasses), Paisti (spirit distilled from meal), Madhvi (liquor made from honey, the excellent Kadambari (spirit distilled from Kadamba flowers (Nauclea Cadamba,) Haintali (spriti from the palm of the variety, Hintala (elatepaludosa) Langaleya (spirit from the palm of the variety Langala (Mithonia superba) many varieties of palm-made spirits, divine liquors were made from the Kalpa tree. Liquors coming from various countries, liquors with good taste, fragrance, liquors with pleasant odour, liquors rendered sweet smelling by means of Bakula flowers (Mimusops Elengi), liquors sparkling with foams and bubbles, liquors with all types of tastes such a Katuka (pungent), Kasaya (astringent), Madhura (sweet), Tikta (bitter), Isadamla (slightly sour), Katvamla (pungent and sour), Madhuramla (sweet and sour), liquors with diverse colours, liquors of slimy nature, Chedinis (? those that pierce and tear); liquors dispelling the pain of wounds of weapons, liquors that bring about union in a broken bone, cool liquors that dispel vertigo and giddiness while fighting. Liquors light and lukewarm and different varieties of liquors that dispel distress and bestow victory. The Madirarnava (ocean of liquor) showered different kinds of liquor in torrent. Each one of the Yoginis (i.e. Saktis) joyously drank the torrent of liquor as big as the trunk of Airavata elephant uninterruptedly for the period of one full Yama. (3 hours). Saktis went on drinking liquor joyously with their eyes closed. Their faces were supine and moving to and fro with lolling tongues. After propitiating them by means of torrents of liquors of various kinds in this manner, the ocean of liquor assumed a divine form and came there. He approached Dandanatha and after bowing to her spoke these words…One seeing Saktis thus pointed out by the ocean of liquor, Dandini was extremly satisfied and she said to him…Due to my favour henceforth, in the age of Dvapara you will be extremely worthy of being used by Yajlikas (priests who perform sacrifices) in their sacrifices like the drinking of Soma. All the deities will drink you after you have been sanctified by means of Mantras in the course of sacrifice. After drinking you, purified by the Mantras, let the people attain Siddhi (spiritual achievement), Rddhi (prosperity), strength, heavenly bliss, and salvation. All these great people will drink you viz: Mahesvari, Mahadeva, Baladeva, Bhargava, Dattatreya, Vidhi and Visnu.” Tr. Board of Scholars, edited by J.L. Shastri
Brahmanda Purana, Lalita-Mahatmya 28.90-93 “…After gratifying the ocean of liquor by granting boons thus Dandini urged Mantrini for fighting once again and asked her to hasten it. Again, the fight between Saktis and Danavas was resumed. The loud and boisterous laughter of joy pierced the eight cardinal points and mountains. Intoxicated due to the fresh wine and with the eyes rendered red, Saktis fell upon the troops of Daityas in a body and sportively.” Tr. Board of Scholars, edited by J.L. Shastri
Brahmanda Purana, Lalita-Mahatmya 35.28 “By frequently drinking the water therein viz.: wine, the Saktis stationed on its banks become mad with inebriation and play about. They become excessively red (in their faces) due to intoxication.” Tr. Board of Scholars, edited by J.L. Shastri
Brahmanda Purana, Lalita-Mahatmya 19.49b-52 “Then, three deities were stationed on the second step of the leading chariot Cakraratha. They were seated on three (different) seats. They were endowed with eight arms in which they held bows, arrows, a drinking bowl. a citron (fruit) and dagger as well as shields, serpentine noose and a bell of loud sound, They were intoxicated due to liquor…” Tr. G.V. Tagare
Brahmanda Purana, Lalita-Mahatmya 20.6-8 “Three deities viz.: Jrmbhinl, Mohini and Stambhini had occupied the second step at the same centre of that chariot. It resembled a full blown pomegranate flower. The deities who were competent to suppress Danavas, held the pestle, plough and liquor pot studdent with many precious stones and jewels…” Tr. G.V. Tagare
Brahmanda Purana, Lalita-Mahatmya 20.25-26 “On the other side of the same step in a divine temple were stationed two deities well-known as Krodhini and Stambhini. They fanned with two Camaras (Chowries) as the bangles round their tender creeper like hands moved to and fro. They were excessively proud after drinking liquor and the blood of soldiers in the army of demons…” Tr. G.V. Tagare
Asava (liquor) was given to Devahuti daughter of Swayambhuva Manu and wife of Kardama Muni,
Srimad Bhagavatam 3.23.28 “The girls, being very respectful to Devahūti, brought her forth, and after bathing her with valuable oils and ointments, they gave her fine, new, spotless cloth to cover her body. They then decorated her with very excellent and valuable jewels, which shone brightly. Next, they offered her food containing all good qualities, and a sweet inebriating drink called āsavam.” Tr. Swami Prabhupada
Swami Prabhupada insists that Asava is not liquor but an Ayuvedic drink made from herbs, but then he translates the same word Asava as beer in Srimad Bhagavatam 4.18.16.
Matangi is one of the Mahavidyas, ten Tantric goddesses and a ferocious aspect of Devi, the Hindu Divine Mother. She is considered to be the Tantric form of Sarasvati,
Skanda Purana III.ii.18.146-7 “They should perform four circumambulations. The couple should cover themselves with a silken cloth and go ahead. After sprinkling water over Matangi the excellent Madhvika (honey that intoxicates) should be taken. The intelligent devotee should worship Matangi with vacal and instrumental music.” Tr. G.V. Tagare
RISHIS
Dattatreya
The Markandeya Purana tells us that once, when the gods were defeated by the demons in a battle, they approached Brihaspati for help. Brihaspati sent them to Muni Dattatreya the son of Rishi Atri. When the gods approached Dattatreya, they found him drinking wine in the company of Lakshmi with whom he also had sex. The gods prayed to him for help, but he pointed out his own faults, drinking, attachment, affection, and sexual enjoyment of women. But then the gods told him that he is sinless, and he is not stained by these acts,
Markandeya Purana 18.23-32 “Thus exhorted the gods then went to Dattatreya’s hermitage, and they beheld the high-souled Muni, attended by Lakshmi, hymned by Gandharvas and engrossed in quaffing spirituous liquor…Daddatreya addressed the prostrate gods, ‘What desire ye of me, that ye do me this obeisance…I am drinking strong drink, I have remnants of food in my mouth, nor I subdued my senses. How is it, O gods, ye seek for victory over your enemies even from me?’ The gods spoke. Thou art sinless, O lord of the world; no stain hast thou, into whose heart, purified by the ablution of learning, has entered the light of knowledge. True is this, o gods! all learning have I, who am impartial in view: but by reason of association with this woman I am now impure after eating. For commerce with women when continually pursued tends to depravity. Thus addressed, the gods then spoke again. This woman, O sinless brahman! is the mother of the world; she is not depraved…”
Lakshmi was present there and then he tells gods that he had copulation with this woman (i.e. Lakshmi), Padma Purana tells us that Dattatreya had sex with Lakshmi though it does not mention Lakshmi, but the above verse attests this statement,
Padma Purana II.103.110-113 “Atri’s son Dattatreya, the high-souled brahmana, the great sage, with his eyes red due to (having drunk) spirituous liquor, was sporting with a woman. The virtuous one, intoxicated by wine, having seated a young, auspicious woman, best of all women, on his lap, sang, danced and heavily drank liquor…” Tr. N.A. Deshpande
Another verse shows that Dattatreya asked a king to bring for him some meat and wine and the king presented the same,
Padma Purana II.103.124-8 “When a long time of many days passed, Dattatreya, in an intoxicated condition, said to the best king: ‘Do as I tell you. Give me wine in a cup; and the meal of flesh that is got cooked.’ Hearing those words of him, that Ayu, the lord of the earth, being eager, speedily got wine in a cup, and quickly cut off well-cooked flesh with his hand, and, O best one, the best king, gave these to Dattatreya. That best sage became happy in mind…” Tr. N.A. Deshpande
Kashyapa
According to Puranas, Kashyapa was a drunkard, he was addicted to wine and thus he was given the name Kashya (wine) + Hasya (laughter),
Brahmanda Purana 2.3.1.120-1 “When Daksa was over-bearing in his speech in regard to his daughters, the holy lord became angry. Then he drank Kasya. Liquor is called by the name Kasya. The word Kasi should be understood to have the sense of Hasya (Humour, wit). The speech and mind are mentioned by the word Kasya. Liquor is remembered by Brahmanas by means of the word Kasya. The sage is called Kasyapa due to his drinking liquor.” Tr. G.V. Tagare
Vayu Purana, Section II, Ch 4, verse 114-5 “Kasyapa was the knower of the sun (?) Hence he was on a par with Brahma. In every Manvantara, he is born through a part of Brahma. The subjects were angered by Daksa, it is said (?) for the sake of (his) daughters. Then he drank wine. The word ‘Kasya’ means wine. Hascekasa should be known as Brahma’s Kasya. Kasya is remembered by Brahmanas as wine. Because he drank Kasya (wiine) he is called Kasyapa.” Tr. G.P. Bhatt, edited by G.V. Tagare
Vashistha
Vasistha’s cow Kamdhenu provided him Maireya (Rum) a type of wine made from molasses,
Ramayana of Valmiki, Bala Kanda 1, Sarga 53 “Thus addressed by Vasistha, that bestower of all that was desired, Savala, O destroyer of thy foes, brought forth everything that was desired by everyone. And she produced sugarcanes, and honey, and fried rice, and excellent Maireya, and costly drinks, and various viands, and heaps of warm rice resembling hills, and other kinds of edibles, and soups, and Dadhikulyas, together with silver plates by thousands filled with meats of diverse tastes.” Tr. M.N. Dutt
Bharadwaja
Rishi Bharadwaja is said to have provided wine as well as 7-8 women to each soldier of Prince Bharat’s army after invoking Vishwakarma,
Ramayana of Valmiki, Ayodhya Kanda 2, Sarga 91, verses 10-15 “Thereafter Bharata, having been commanded by that great sage to bring the army there, allowed the army’s arrival to the hermitage…I wish to offer hospitality to the guest I summon vishvakarma who is also the divine carpenter. Let arrangements be made in that connection for me…Let some rivers flow with Maireya (a kind of wine made from date palms etc) some others flow with highly refined spirituous liquor and some others flow with cool water with a taste of sugarcane. [52-54] O, wine-bibbers! Drink the wine, however much you desire! O troops stricken with hunger! Let milk thickened with rice and the meats which are very much fresh, be eaten (as you will). Seven or eight young women bathed every single man on the beautiful river-banks, after massaging their body with oil. [84] The soldiers, intoxicated with spirituous liquor, were likewise excited with joy. Likewise, the men were drenched in charming aloes and sandal paste. Various kinds of excellent and charming garlands were there, crushed and garlands were there, crushed and scattered at distances, likewise.” Tr. K.M.K. Murthy
Vishwarupa
Srimad Bhagavatam 6.9.1 “Śrī Śukadeva Gosvāmī continued: Viśvarūpa, who was engaged as the priest of the demigods, had three heads. He used one to drink the beverage soma-rasa, another to drink wine and the third to eat food. O King Parīkṣit, thus I have heard from authorities.” Tr. Swami Prabhupada
Consumption by Kings
Liquor drinking seems to be part of the life of nobles in Vedic and Puranik period, there are some references about consumption of liquor by kings,
Mahabharata Asramavasika Parva 15, Section 1 “…Pandu’s son, collected costly robes and garlands of diverse kinds and duly offered them to Dhritarashtra. Maireya wines, fish of various kinds, and sherbets and honey, and many delightful kinds of food prepared by modifications (of diverse articles), were caused to be made for the old king as in his days of prosperity….” Tr. K.M. Ganguli
Consumption by Indra, Agni, Saraswati and Ashwins and offering them liquors in sacrifices as per Vedas
युवं सुराममश्विना नमुचावासुरे सचा |
विपिपानाशुभस पती इन्द्रं कर्मस्वावतम ||
पुत्रमिव पितरावश्विनोभेन्द्रावथुः काव्यैर्दंसनाभिः |
यत सुरामं वयपिबः शचीभिः सरस्वतीत्वा मघवन्नभिष्णक ||
yuvaṃ surāmamaśvinā namucāvāsure sacā |
vipipānāśubhas patī indraṃ karmasvāvatam ||
putramiva pitarāvaśvinobhendrāvathuḥ kāvyairdaṃsanābhiḥ |
yat surāmaṃ vyapibaḥ śacībhiḥ sarasvatītvā maghavannabhiṣṇak ||
Rig Veda 10.131.4-5 “Ye, Aśvins, Lords of Splendour, drank full draughts of grateful Soma juice,
And aided Indra in his work with Namuci of Asura birth. As parents aid a son, both Aśvins, Indra, aided thee with their wondrous Powers and wisdom. When thou, with might hadst drunk the draught that gladdens, Sarasvatī, O Maghavan, refreshed thee.” Tr. Ralph T.H. Griffith
Griffith has translated the word Sura as draught here. These verses are also repeated in Yajur Veda 20.76-78 where Griffith has mentioned the word Sura in his translation and I have further explained it in this article in the Sautramani sacrifice category. These verses are elaborated in Baudhayana Srauta Sutra,
Baudhayana Srauta Sutra XVII.35 “…The Maitravruna recites as the puronuvakya the verse, ‘O Asvins the guardians of the auspicious, do you two partaking of the Sura-soma in association with the demon Namuci help Indra in his deeds.’ Having crossed the alter and having caused to announce, he says (to the Maitravaruna), ‘Do you impel (the Hotr to recite the yajya for the Sura-soma set forth for the Asvins, Sarasvati and Sutraman Indra.’ The Maitravaruna pronounces the call, ‘Let the Hotr recite the yajya for the Asvins, Sarasvati and Sutraman Indra. These Sura-soma (o gods) set forth for you-powerful, exhilerating, prepared out of the mixture…May the Avins, Sarasvati and Sutraman Indra the Vrtra-killer enjoy them; may they drink the sweet wine, become exhilarated and enjoy. O Hotr, do you recite the yajya. The Hotr recites the yajya, ‘O Asvins, do you favour us with your deed like the parents their son. O Indra, when thou didst consume the Sura-soma in order to achieve good deeds and to possess powers, Sarasvati healed thee…” Tr. Chintaman Ganesh Kashikar
As you can read, the Sanskrit word mentioned here is Sura which means liquor, following is the snapshot from Vaman Shivaram Apte’s Sanskrit-English lexicon,
[The Practical Sanskrit-English Dictionary, p.1132, by Vaman Shivaram Apte, Published by Shiralkar, Poona, 1890]
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