In Hindu mythology and Buddhist mythology, Amrita is the drink of the gods, which grants them immortality. The word itself literally means "without death"

In Yogic Philosophy (see yoga) amrita is a fluid that can flow from the pineal gland down the throat in deep states of meditation. It is considered quite a boon: some yogic texts say that one drop is enough to conquer death. Amrita means immortal soul, one who has drank Amrit (the potion of immortality) It is also a common first name in India and Nepal, as the masculine "Amrit" and the feminine "Amrita."

After the Prayala Deluge at the beginning of the present, the gods lost their immortality. The gods were in danger of losing their ruling over the demons. They decided to go to Vishnu, the preserver for guidance. Vishnu said that if they churned the sea of milk, they might produce amrita, the drink of the gods, which could make them strong and immortal. So Vishnu took the form of Kurma, the turtle avatar. He has four arms, two to support his great shell. Kurma sat on the bottom of the sea floor and gods placed a mountain, Mount Mandra on Kurma shell, and used it as a churning rod.

See also

• ambrosia
• Soma
• Amritanandamayi
• Amrita Hunjan
• Panchamruta

Reference

• Dictionary of Hindu Lore and Legend (ISBN 0500510881) by Anna L. Dallapiccola

Hindu mythology

Amrita | Amerta | Amrita | Amrita | Amrita | Амрита