Editing Amrita (section)

== Hinduism ==
[[File:Lord Vishnu took the form of Beauty Mohini and distributed the Amrita (Ambrosia, Elixir) to Devas. When Rahu (snake dragon) tried to steal the Amrita, his head was cut off.jpg|thumb|[[Vishnu]] took the form of the beauty [[Mohini]] and distributed the amrita to [[Deva (Hinduism)|devas]]. When [[Svarbhānu|Svarabhānu]] tried to steal the amrita, his head was cut off.]]Amrita is repeatedly referred to as the drink of the [[Deva (Hinduism)|devas]], which grants them immortality. Despite this, the nectar does not actually offer true immortality. Instead, by partaking it, the devas were able to attain a higher level of knowledge and power, which they had lost due to the curse of the sage [[Durvasa]], as described in the [[samudra manthan|Samudra Manthan]]a legend. It tells how the devas, after the curse, begin to lose their immortality. Assisted by their rivals, the [[asura]]s, the devas begin to churn the ocean, releasing, among other extraordinary objects and beings, a pitcher of amrita, held by the deity [[Dhanvantari]].<ref>{{cite book|title=India through the ages|last=Gopal|first=Madan|year= 1990| page= 66|editor=K.S. Gautam|publisher=Publication Division, Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Government of India}}</ref>

[[Brahma]] enlightens the devas regarding the existence of this substance:<ref>{{Cite web |last=www.wisdomlib.org |date=2020-11-14 |title=Brahma Instructs the Devas to Go to Vishnu [Chapter 43] |url=https://www.wisdomlib.org/hinduism/book/harivamsha-purana-dutt/d/doc485716.html |access-date=2022-08-03 |website=www.wisdomlib.org |language=en}}</ref>
{{Blockquote|text=O Devas, in the northern division and on the northern bank of the ocean of milk there is a most excellent place called Amrita (nectar): so the wise say. Go there and being self-controlled practise hard austerities. There you will hear most sacred, purified words relating to Brahman grave like the muttering of clouds surcharged with water in the rainy season. That celestial speech is destructive of all sins and was spoken by the god of gods of pure soul. So long as your vow will not terminate you will hear that great universal speech. O gods, you have come to me and I am ready to grant you boons. Tell me what boon you do want.|title=[[Harivamsa Purana]]|source=Chapter 43}}
When the asuras claim the nectar for themselves, [[Vishnu]] assumes the form of the enchantress [[Mohini]], and her beauty persuades the asuras to crudely offer her the task of its distribution:<ref name="www.wisdomlib.org">{{Cite web |last=www.wisdomlib.org |date=2020-03-05 |title=Gods Drink the Nectar [Chapter 13] |url=https://www.wisdomlib.org/hinduism/book/the-skanda-purana/d/doc371752.html |access-date=2022-08-03 |website=www.wisdomlib.org |language=en}}</ref>
{{Blockquote|text=Seeing that beautiful form, they were fascinated and were overwhelmed with the passion of love. Giving up their mutual struggle, they approached and spoke:

“O blessed lady! Take this pitcher of Nectar and distribute it amongst us. We are the sons of Kaśyapa; O lady with beautiful buttocks, make us all drink it (Nectar).”

Requesting her thus, they handed it over to the lady who was reluctant. She spoke, “No faith should be entertained in me, as I am a self-willed (i.e. wanton) woman. You have done an improper act. I shall, however, distribute it as per my will.” Though she told them so, those stupid ones said, “Do as you please”.|title=[[Skanda Purana]]|source=Chapter 13}}When the [[Danava (Hinduism)|danava]] [[Rahu]] disguised himself as a deva and sat in the clan's row to partake in consuming the nectar, [[Surya]] and [[Chandra]] alerted Mohini of his presence. Mohini sliced his head off with her [[Sudarshana Chakra]], and continued to distribute the nectar to every single one of the devas, after which she assumed her true form of [[Narayana]] and defeated the asuras in a battle.<ref name="www.wisdomlib.org"/>