amṛta

The Sanskrit word 

अमृत (amṛta), also transliterated as amrita or amrit, fundamentally translates to "immortality" or "nectar". 

Etymology and Core Meaning

The word is a negative compound (a nañ-tatpuruṣa) formed by combining two elements:

• अ- (a-): The negative prefix, meaning "not" or "without".
• मृत (mṛta): The past participle of the root mṛ, meaning "dead" or "mortal". 

Thus, amṛta literally means "not dead" or "deathless". It is a cognate of the Greek word ambrosia, which carries a similar meaning. 

Significance and Usage

Amṛta is a central and powerful concept in Indian religions (Hinduism, Buddhism, and Sikhism), symbolizing eternal life, divine bliss, and spiritual purity. 

• The Nectar of the Gods (Hinduism): In Hindu mythology, Amṛta is the divine "elixir of life" or "ambrosia" that the devas (gods) and asuras (demons) famously churned from the cosmic ocean during the Samudra Manthana legend. Consuming it granted the gods their perpetual vitality and power.
• Spiritual Liberation (Buddhism/Yoga): In a spiritual context, amṛta often refers to the ultimate goal of liberation (mokṣa or nirvāṇa), a "deathless dimension" of the mind achieved through deep meditation and self-awareness.
• Healing Herb (Ayurveda): In Ayurvedic medicine, Amṛtā (feminine form) is a common name for the Tinospora cordifolia plant (known as Guduchi or Giloy), a revered herb considered an "elixir" for its immunity-boosting and rejuvenating properties.
• Sacred Water (Sikhism): In Sikhism, Amrit is the name of the holy water used in the baptism-like Amrit Sanchar ceremony, which initiates Sikhs into the Khalsa order.
• Metaphorical: It is used broadly to describe anything supremely sweet, pure, or life-giving, such as divine words (Amrit Bani) or the "sweet rain of Dharma". 

more samples:

The Sanskrit word 

अमृत (amṛta), meaning "nectar," "immortality," or "deathless," is one of the most frequently used terms in devotional, philosophical, and scriptural literature, particularly concerning cosmology and liberation.

Here are samples of amṛta used in various Sanskrit texts:

1. In the Bhagavad Gitā (Chapter 2, Verse 15)

Lord Krishna uses the concept of "immortality" as a defining characteristic of one who transcends material dualities.

• Sanskrit:

  yaṃ hi na vyathayanty ete puruṣaṃ puruṣarṣabha |
  sama-duḥkha-sukhaṃ dhīraṃ so 'mṛtatvāya kalpate ||

• Translation:

  "The person who is not disturbed by happiness and distress and is steady in both is certainly eligible for immortality (amṛtatvāya, related form)."

• Sanskrit (Chapter 4, Verse 31):

  yajña-śiṣṭāmṛta-bhujo yānti brahma sanātanam |

• Translation:

  "Those who taste the nectar (amṛta) remnants of sacrifice attain the eternal Brahman."

2. In the Samudra Manthana Legend (From Viṣṇu Purāṇa, etc.)

This myth is the most famous narrative use of the word, describing the elixir of the gods.

• Sanskrit: ...amṛta-manthana...
• Translation: "...the churning for nectar..."
• Sanskrit: ...jātā amṛta-kuṇḍa-hastā dhana-vantarī...
• Translation: "...Dhanvantari appeared, bearing a pot of nectar (amṛta) in his hands..."

3. In the Aṣṭāṅga-hṛdaya (Ayurvedic Text)

In Ayurvedic medicine, amṛta refers to a specific medicinal herb or vital quality.

• Sanskrit: amṛtā guḍūcī śreṣṭhā...
• Translation: "The best [herb] is amrita (Guduchi)..."

4. In Devotional Poetry (Stotras)

Amṛta is often used metaphorically to describe divine words or experiences as sweet nectar.

• Sanskrit: amṛta-vāṇī
• Translation: "Voice like nectar" (or "nectar-like speech").