3 Places in India Where Drops of Amrit Are Believed to Have Fallen After the Samudra Manthan
Imagine a cosmic tug-of-war not for treasure or territory, but for Amrit, the nectar of immortality. In Hindu mythology, the tale of Samudra Manthan (the Churning of the Ocean) is one of divine drama and celestial struggle. It’s said that as gods (devas) and demons (asuras) churned the ocean, a pot of this sacred nectar emerged. What followed was a wild chase across the skies, during which a few drops of Amrit spilled to Earth blessing three places in India that remain sacred to this day.
Here’s a look at the three revered cities where these immortal drops are believed to have landed:
- Haridwar, Uttarakhand
Located on the banks of the Ganges River and surrounded by the foothills of the Himalayas, Haridwar is one of India’s most spiritually charged destinations. According to legend, while Lord Vishnu (in his Mohini form) was carrying the pot of nectar through the skies to protect it from the demons, a few drops spilled here.
The spot where this happened is now known as Har Ki Pauri, a sacred ghat that attracts millions of devotees, especially during the Kumbh Mela. Held once every 12 years, this grand gathering offers pilgrims a chance to take a holy dip in the river—believed to cleanse the soul and bring them closer to the divine.
- Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh
Ujjain is where mythology, history, and faith come together. It’s believed that another drop of Amrit fell near the Shipra River, turning Ujjain into one of the holiest cities in India.
The city is home to the Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga, one of the twelve most sacred Shiva temples. Ujjain is also famous for its ancient astronomical observatory, Vedh Shala. Every 12 years, Ujjain hosts the Simhastha Kumbh Mela, a massive spiritual event where saints, devotees, and visitors gather to celebrate the sacred past and present.
- Nashik, Maharashtra
Today known for its vineyards and laid-back vibe, Nashik is also steeped in divine legend. As per mythology, one of the nectar drops fell here along the Godavari River, making it another holy destination in the Kumbh Mela circuit.
Nearby lies the Trimbakeshwar Temple, one of the twelve Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva. Nashik hosts its own Kumbh Mela every 12 years, featuring ritual bathing in the river, spiritual discourses, and a colorful gathering of ascetics and pilgrims from across the country.
