Amrita

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  Mohini with Amrit
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  Lord Vishnu as Mohini distributing Amrita
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  Guru Gobind Singh preparing Amrit

Amrita

Amrita is a term originating from Sanskrit that is often translated as "immortality" or "nectar of immortality." It holds significant importance in various Indian religions and mythology, particularly in Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism.

Etymology

The word "Amrita" is derived from the Sanskrit root "m_," which means "to die." The prefix "a-" negates the root, thus "am_ta" means "not subject to death" or "immortal."

Hinduism

In Hindu mythology, Amrita is often depicted as the drink of the devas, which grants them immortality. The most famous story involving Amrita is the Samudra Manthan or "Churning of the Ocean of Milk," where the devas and asuras (demons) worked together to churn the ocean to obtain Amrita. The churning also produced other treasures, but Amrita was the most coveted.

During the churning, the deity Dhanvantari emerged from the ocean holding a pot of Amrita. The asuras attempted to seize it, but the devas, with the help of Vishnu, managed to obtain it. Vishnu, in the form of Mohini, distracted the asuras and distributed the Amrita among the devas, ensuring their immortality.

Buddhism

In Buddhism, Amrita is often associated with the concept of the "deathless" state, which is a metaphor for nirvana. It is sometimes used to refer to the teachings of the Buddha, which lead to liberation from the cycle of birth and death, known as samsara.

Amrita is also mentioned in various Buddhist texts as a divine substance that can confer longevity and spiritual insight. It is sometimes equated with the "elixir of life" in Western alchemical traditions.

Jainism

In Jainism, Amrita is mentioned in the context of the Tirthankaras, the spiritual teachers who have attained liberation. It is said that the Tirthankaras, upon achieving kevala jnana (omniscience), are bathed in a shower of Amrita, symbolizing their attainment of immortality and enlightenment.

Symbolism

Amrita symbolizes the ultimate goal of spiritual practice in these traditions: liberation from the cycle of birth and death. It represents the divine knowledge and bliss that comes with enlightenment and the realization of one's true nature.

Related pages

• Samudra Manthan
• Dhanvantari
• Mohini
• Nirvana
• Samsara
• Tirthankara