The Five Panchamruthams The Divine Nectars

The Five Panchamruthams – The Divine Nectars

The Concept of Amrutham in Philosophy In philosophy, immortality is obtained by consuming "Amrutham - the nectar." However, divine personalities like Alwars, Acharyas, Bhagavathas, and Sri Vaishnavas do not seek the nectar obtained from the churning of the Milky Ocean. Instead, they believe that the real nectar is the Lord Himself, who took the form of:

•           Kurma (Tortoise) - Supporting the churning of the ocean

•           Ajitha - Protecting the divine mountain

•           Goddess Mahalakshmi - Manifesting from the Ocean of Milk

The nectar obtained from the churning of the ocean grants youth and strength but not 'moksha.' It ensures a long and healthy life but does not provide ultimate liberation.

The Grantor of Moksha Who grants real "Moksha"? As per Sri Annamacharya's songs, “Emurti Nija Moksha Miyya Jaaleddu" and the ancient script "Moksham Ichet Janardanath," the true giver of immortality is Lord Janardhana.

The Five Real Panchamruthams The five Panchamruthams, the real nectar that grants the joy of salvation, are:

1.         Ganamrutham - Sri Ranganathan of Srirangam

2.         Jeevamrutham - Sri Venkateswara Swamy of Tirumala

3.         Devamrutham - Sri Varadaraja Perumal of Kanchipuram

4.         Ramamrutham - Sri Sampathkumaran of Melkote

5.         Geethamrutham - Sri Parthasarathy of Thiruvallikeni

1. Ganamrutham – Sri Ranganathan of Srirangam Sri Ranganayaki Sametha Sri Ranganathaswamy of Srirangam, Tamil Nadu, is the foremost among the 108 Divya Desams and one of the largest temple complexes. The deity, originally worshipped by Lord Brahma, was passed down to the solar dynasty and later worshipped by Lord Rama. He was sung about by all 12 Alwars, and many devotees attained 'moksha' through His grace.

Sri Andal and Thiruppan Alwar were among the fortunate ones who had the 'darshan' of the Lord and experienced the nectar of His grace. During Vishwarupa Seva, the Lord is awakened by the pasuram "Thirupalliezhuchi" and by the playing of the veena, signifying His fondness for music and art. Hence, He is called "Ganamrutham."

2. Jeevamrutham – Sri Venkateswara Swamy of Tirumala Sri Venkateswara Swamy of Tirumala is the life-saving Lord, as sung by Kulasekara Alwar. The medicinal herbs growing on Tirumala Hill are considered "Life-saving Medicine" for the world.

The famous pasuram "Agalagillen Alarmelmangai Urai Maarbaa" by Sri Nammalwar is an ultimate Saranagathi pasuram, where the Alwar attains 'moksha' and reaches Vaikunta, the eternal divine abode. Lord Malayappaswamy bestows health, wealth, and moksha — the three essentials for life in this world and beyond. Many devotees regard Tirumala Tirupati as "Jeevamrutham."

3. Devamrutham – Sri Varadaraja Perumal of Kanchipuram Perundevi Sametha Sri Varadaraja Perumal of Kanchipuram is also known as "Devarajan," meaning the Lord of Lords. He is hailed as Varadaraja, the bestower of boons, not only for Devas but also for the people of Kaliyuga.

Varadaraja Perumal emerged from a Yagna performed by Lord Brahma. Although Kanchipuram had great scholars like Sri Ramanujacharya Swamy, Sri Vedanta Desika, and Sri Prathivadhi Bhayankaram Annangaracharya, they moved to other Divya Desams like Srirangam and Tirupati for the welfare of the people of Kaliyuga.

He is also called "Tyaga Perumal," as He sacrificed His devotees to other Divya Desams. Hence, He is hailed as "Devamrutham – Bestower of Boons."

4. Ramamrutham – Sri Sampathkumaran of Melkote Yadugiri Naachiyaar Sametha Thirunarayana Perumal of Melkote, Karnataka, is known as Sampath Kumara, Cheluvanarayana, Selva Pillai, or Chella Pillai. He is the youngest among the divine "Amruthas."

Lord Rama, after gifting Sri Ranganathaswamy to Vibhishana, established Selvanarayana as His deity. This deity was passed down through generations and finally set up in the temple at Melkote.

The Utsava Murthy of Melkote was once taken by a Muslim king and kept in the princess's chamber as a toy. When Sri Ramanujacharya called out, "En Chellapillai – my dear child," the deity came running and sat on his lap.

This signifies that the Lord is dear to both Lord Rama and Sri Ramanujacharya and is the bestower of wisdom. Sri Ramanujacharya’s "Gadyam" Saranagathi paved the way for devotees to attain Vaikunta, just as Lord Rama took even the smallest beings of Ayodhya with Him to the divine abode.

5. Geethamrutham – Sri Parthasarathy of Thiruvallikeni Rukmini Sametha Sri Parthasarathy Venkatakrishnan Perumal of Thiruvallikeni (Triplicane), Tamil Nadu, is the divine guide who teaches how to lead a principled life.

He is depicted with a mustache, resembling a charioteer for Arjuna in the battle of Kurukshetra. His majestic stance with a conch in His hand symbolizes wisdom. He is the participant of the "Bhagavad Gita  the Godly Melody of the Lord."

The verse: "Sarva-Dharman Parityajya Maam Ekam Sharanam Vraja, Aham Tvaam Mokshayishyami Ma Shuchaah" teaches ultimate surrender to the Lord. Understanding the Gita helps one overcome all hurdles in life. Sri Parthasarathy is "Geethacharya" and "Loka Guru" — the supreme teacher who uplifts humanity with the nectar of divine wisdom.

Conclusion – The Ultimate Nectar Though Panchamrutham nourishes the physical body, the cycle of birth and death ends only when the soul attains salvation—"Moksha," the ultimate Amrutha. The Supreme Personality of Godhead, mentioned in the Purusha Suktha, exists everywhere in the form of 'Archa Murthy' to grant devotees the eternal nectar of liberation.