In Hindu tradition, Amaravati was built by
Vishvakarma, the architect of the devas, a son of
Brahma, but sometimes also depicted as a son of
Kashyapa. At the centre of Amaravati is Vaijayanta, the palace of Indra, or
Śakra (Buddhism) in Buddhism. The heaven of Indra is a region for the virtuous alone, with celestial gardens called
Nandana Vana, that houses sacred trees, like the wish-fulfilling
Kalpavriksha, as well as sweet-scented flowers such as hibiscuses, roses, hyacinths, freesias, magnolias, gardenias, jasmines, and honeysuckles. Fragrant almond extract is sprinkled on the sides of palaces. The fragrant groves are occupied by
apsaras. Low sweet music is stated to play in this land. Indra's abode is eight hundred miles in circumference and forty miles in height. The denizens of Amaravati include the devas,
danavas,
gandharvas,
kinnaras, uragas, and
rakshasas, as well as fortunate human beings who are on par with the devas in this realm. The pillars of Amaravati are composed of diamonds, and its furniture is made of pure gold. Amaravati's palaces are also made of gold. Pleasant breezes are described to carry the perfume of rose-coloured flowers. The inhabitants of Amaravati are entertained by music, dancing, and every sort of festivity. Divinity is stated to fill up the entire region. The audience chamber of Amaravati accommodates the thirty-three celestials called the
Trāyastriṃśa, together with the forty-eight thousand
rishis, and a multitude of attendants. In the
Mahabharata,
Indra has another celestial meeting hall at Amaravati, known as
Pushkara-Malini, which he is described to have built himself. == Literature ==