A short mythical tale ...

To prevent misfortune and disease from dominating the world, the devas (the positive forces), together with the asuras (the negative forces), decided to whirl the ocean of milk to bring forth Amrit, the "nectar of immortality". When the ocean finally began to foam, it brought forth many treasures, until at last Dhanvantari, the patron saint of Ayurveda, emerged from it with a kalash (vessel) containing the amrit.

... with effects up to the present day

The famous myth of Amrit, as it has been handed down in its entirety in the Vedic Puranas, allegorically depicts man's path of development towards self-realisation. According to Ayurveda, this is a status of perfect health. Therefore, it is of great importance for today's Ayurvedic practice. It means much more than the absence of disease, namely a perfect balance in body, mind and spirit.