AMARAPURI (AMARAVATI)

AMARAPURI (AMARAVATI) In the Sikh Scripture, instead of Amaravati, the word Amarapuri has been used. “Ineffable is the discourse of Amarapuri (the immortal city). He also attains unto it, whom the Lord blesses.” (Swayye Mahle Chauthe Ke, p. 1398) Amaravati is the city of Indra, the king of the gods. In Devi Bhagavata its location has been described as follows: “The world of Brahma extends over 10,000 yojanas on the Mahameru mountain.

There are eight cities, each of which measures 2500 square yojanas in extent. In the centre of Mahameru is Brahma\’s city called Manovati and to the east of Manovati is Indra\’s city Amaravati. Other cities belong to Agni, Nirrti, Varuna, Vayu, Kubera and Shiva.” Amaravati conveys the idea of an eternal city, but according to the Adi Granth all the gods and goddesses will ultimately pass away, therefore the concept of \’Eternal City\’ with regard to Indra cannot hold good.

The concept of Amarapuri with regard to the Lord-God, who is Immortal and Eternal, propounded by the Sikh Gurus and the Radical Saints in the sense of \’An Eternal City\’ is virtually justifiable. Other names of such a city mentioned in the Sikh Scripture are \’Abichal Nagar\’ (Everlasting City) p. 785 and \’Begumpura\’ (The City of Bliss) p. 345.

References :

1. Kohli, Surindar Singh, Dictionary of Mythological References in Guru Granth Sahib, 1993