Amaravati literally means the abode of immortals, and it is the capital city of the Devas, or demigods, in Hinduism. The Puranas delight in describing Amaravati, the capital of Indra’s paradise. Situated on the eastern side of Mount Meru, it is said to have a thousand gates and a hundred palaces. Full of fragrant flowers and sacred trees, with celestial chariots moving at will, it is the abode of a variety of celestial beings like devas, siddhas, apsaras, gandharvas, and others. It can be attained only by those who have performed sacrifices and practiced severe penance as also those who die on the battlefield.
Detailed Description and Lesser-Known Facts
Architectural Marvel:
- Amaravati is described as an architectural marvel, built by the divine architect Vishwakarma. The city is adorned with precious gems, gold, and silver, and its structures are often depicted as glowing with an inner light.
Gardens and Flora:
- The city boasts lush, beautiful gardens such as Nandana and Chitraratha. These gardens are filled with ever-blooming, fragrant flowers and sacred trees like the Kalpavriksha, a wish-fulfilling tree. These gardens are said to never lose their beauty and are home to various species of birds and butterflies that sing melodious tunes.
Celestial Beings:
- Apart from the devas (gods), Amaravati is inhabited by various celestial beings such as apsaras (celestial nymphs known for their beauty and dance), gandharvas (celestial musicians), kinnaras (half-human, half-horse beings), and siddhas (enlightened beings). These residents contribute to the city's vibrant cultural and spiritual atmosphere.
Indra's Court:
- The main palace in Amaravati is Indra’s court, known as Vaijayanta. It is a magnificent structure where Indra, the king of gods, presides over his court. Here, he is often seen seated on his throne, flanked by his queen, Shachi (also known as Indrani), and surrounded by other gods and celestial beings. The court is a place of grand assemblies, divine music, and dance performances by apsaras.
Spiritual Significance:
- Amaravati is a place of great spiritual significance. It is said that those who reach Amaravati through righteous deeds, sacrifices, and penances attain a state of bliss and are free from the cycle of rebirth. It is also a place where the souls of warriors who die bravely in battle are honored and attain eternal glory.
Literary References:
- Amaravati is extensively mentioned in various Hindu scriptures, including the Mahabharata, Ramayana, and numerous Puranas. In these texts, the city is often depicted as a utopian realm, epitomizing divine prosperity and happiness.
Amravati Stupa:
- Interestingly, Amaravati is also the name of an ancient city in present-day Andhra Pradesh, India. This city is known for the Amaravati Stupa, a significant Buddhist monument dating back to the 2nd century BCE. While this is distinct from the mythological city of the devas, the name signifies its historical and cultural importance.
Symbolic Meaning:
- Symbolically, Amaravati represents the ideal of spiritual achievement and the ultimate reward for virtuous living. It embodies the Hindu ideal of moksha (liberation) and eternal bliss, a place free from earthly sufferings and filled with divine pleasures.
Amaravati, as the capital city of the Devas, stands as a testament to the rich mythological and spiritual heritage of Hinduism. Its detailed descriptions in scriptures not only provide a glimpse into the divine imagination of ancient seers but also inspire devotees to strive for higher spiritual goals.