II) Vedic mythology: Amrita

In the mythology of Ancient India, the nectar conferring immortality on the gods is called Amrita, the name of which literally signifies ‘non-dead’²⁴⁹⁴. The many and various versions of the myth tell of the fierce confrontation between the Asuras and the Devas to come into possession of the sacred beverage²⁴⁹⁵. The myth recounts the temporary alliance of the two opposing forces to activate the cosmic pestle which churned the milk sea, from where a series of creations, notably Amrita, popped up. Then, the Devas seized the sacred beverage - subsequently confided to Vishnu - which procured for them eternal supremacy over the Asuras. Amrita is therefore the Vedic counterpart of the Greek Nectar or Ambrosia.