In the Ramayana Visha (poison) and Amrit (nectar) are frequently mentioned. The reference refers to the spiritual and material context.

The Samudra Manthan or churning of the Milk ocean is about how the Devas and Asuras collaborated to churn the cosmic ocean to obtain Amrit, the nectar of immortality. Mount Mandara was the churning rod and the serpent Vasuki the churning rope. Vishnu helped the churning by being the tortoise on which the churner rested.

It was narrated to Rama and Lakshman by their Guru, Vishvamitra, when they reached the city, Vishala. He told them how halahala, the toxic poison which could destroy the three worlds, and the amrit (the elixir of immortality) emerged from the churning of the ocean. Shiva swallowed the poison and thereafter had a blue throat.

Impede spiritual progress

Visha is mentioned frequently in the Ramayana. The use of poison is seen as a force that corrupts and destroys life, representing the destructive and negative tendencies of the mind. It also signifies the ill effects of pride, anger and hatred—emotions that can poison the mind and impede spiritual progress.

Amrit in the Ramayana is regarded as the divine nectar of immortality, a substance that has the power to grant eternal life and supreme wisdom. It represents the positive, life affirming aspects of the universe. It is the spiritual sustenance that nourishes the soul and helps one to achieve enlightenment. The concept of Amrit is closely linked to the grace of Vishnu (Rama) and the righteousness he upholds.

In a broader context, Amrit signifies purity, wisdom and divine favor, contrasting with the destructive nature of Visha, they represent the dual nature of existence—where the choice between good and evil, lies at the heart of human experience.

Extracted from Food Culture in Valmiki Ramayana by Anil Dharmadhikari.

Aim Hrim Klim

Picture by Unknown artist – https://collections.vam.ac.uk/item/O68648/painting-kurma-the-tortoise-incarnation-of/, Public Domain, Link