Dhanvantari is a Hindu god of medicine, who is considered to be an incarnation of Lord Vishnu. He is often depicted as holding a bowl filled with rejuvenating nectar (amrit/amrut) and holding the medicinal herb in one hand, and a traditional Ayurvedic text in the other.
Dhanvantari is a Hindu god of medicine, who is considered to be an incarnation of Lord Vishnu. He is often depicted as holding a bowl filled with rejuvenating nectar (amrit/amrut) and holding the medicinal herb in one hand, and a traditional Ayurvedic text in the other. In Hindu mythology, Dhanvantari is credited with the invention of Ayurved, the traditional Indian system of medicine, and is considered to be the patron god of Ayurvedic practitioners. Dhanvantari is also revered by practitioners of Ayurvedic medicine and is often invoked in Ayurvedic healing rituals and prayers.
The origins of Dhanvantari can be traced back to ancient Hindu texts, such as the Veds and the Purans.
In Hindu mythology, Dhanvantari is said to have emerged during the churning of the cosmic ocean (known as the Samudra Manthan) by the gods and demons. According to the story, the gods and demons were in search of the elixir of immortality, which was believed to be hidden at the bottom of the ocean. They used a snake as a rope to churn the ocean and eventually, Dhanvantari emerged, holding a jar of the nectar of immortality.
He is traditionally believed to have appeared on the twelfth day of the waxing moon (Dhanteras) during the Hindu month of Kartik. This day is now celebrated as Dhanteras, marking the beginning of the Diwali festival.
In some versions of the story, Dhanvantari is said to be an incarnation of Lord Vishnu, who is one of the principal deities in Hinduism and is considered to be the preserver and protector of the universe. In other versions, he is considered as a separate god who appeared as a result of the cosmic churning of the ocean.
In ayurvedic tradition and iconography, Dhanvantari is often depicted as holding a bowl filled with rejuvenating nectar (amrita) in one hand and holding the medicinal herb in the other hand, also holding a text of ayurveda.
In Hinduism, Dhanvantari is considered to be the giver of Ayurveda, the knowledge of life, and is revered by practitioners of Ayurvedic medicine. He is often invoked in Ayurvedic healing rituals and prayers.
Ayurved
Ayurved is a traditional system of medicine that originated in India more than 3,000 years ago. The word “Ayurved” is a combination of two words in Sanskrit: “ayus” meaning life, and “ved” meaning knowledge or science. Ayurved is based on the belief that good health and wellness depend on a delicate balance between the mind, body, and spirit.
Ayurved aims to provide a holistic approach to health and well-being, with a focus on preventative medicine. It uses a combination of herbal remedies, dietary guidelines, and lifestyle recommendations to help individuals achieve and maintain balance in their lives. It also considers the unique constitution (prakriti) of each individual, and create the treatment plan accordingly.
In Ayurved, there are three doshas or energy types, known as Vata, Pitta, and Kapha, that are believed to govern all physiological processes in the body. The doshas are also associated with different physical and mental characteristics. By understanding which dosha is out of balance, practitioners can make recommendations for diet, lifestyle, and herbal remedies to restore balance and promote health.
Ayurved is widely used in India and other countries with a large Indian population, and has seen a resurgence of interest in recent years, particularly in the Western world as an alternative or complementary form of medicine.
Dhanvantari Jayanti
Dhanvantari Jayanti is a festival celebrated to commemorate the birth of Dhanvantari, the god of Ayurveda and medicine.
The festival is celebrated on the full moon day (Purnima) in the Hindu month of Kartik (October – November) according to the lunar calendar. This is also known as Dhanteras. On this day, devotees perform puja (worship) to Dhanvantari, offer prayers and take blessings for good health, long life, and prosperity. Ayurvedic doctors and practitioners also worship Dhanvantari on this day and seek blessings for their patients.
In addition to the Dhanvantari Jayanti, Dhanteras is also an auspicious day for buying metal objects, particularly gold or silver, as it is believed that buying metal items on Dhanteras brings good luck and prosperity.
In some places, Dhanvantari Jayanti is also celebrated by organizing special poojas in Ayurvedic clinics and hospitals and by conducting free medical camps for the needy people. It is also a day when people make donations to Ayurvedic hospitals and medical clinics in order to support the health and welfare of others.
While it is most widely celebrated in India, some people in other countries also pay homage to Dhanvantari on this day by lighting lamps, reciting mantras, and making offerings to the deity.
Worshipping Dhanvantari
Dhanteras is a Hindu festival that is celebrated on the 13th day of the Hindu month of Ashwin (September – October) and the 2nd day of Diwali. It is also known as Dhanatrayodashi or Dhanvantari Trayodashi. On this day, Lord Dhanvantari is worshipped, as the festival marks his emergence from the ocean of milk during the Samudra Manthan.
Dhanteras is considered to be a very auspicious day for buying gold and silver, as it is believed that buying these items on Dhanteras brings good luck and prosperity. It is also believed that worshipping Lord Dhanvantari on this day is beneficial for good health and long life. Many people perform puja and other rituals to Lord Dhanvantari, and perform an offering of grains, herbs, and food to Dhanvantari.
Dhanteras is also considered as the start of Diwali festival, which is known as the festival of lights and it is celebrated for five consecutive days.
There are several temples dedicated to Lord Dhanvantari across India, where he is worshipped as a healer. Some prominent ones include the Dhanvantari Temple in Kerala and the Vaidyanatha Temple in Tamil Nadu.
Dhanvantari Mantra
“Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya,
Dhanvantaraye Amrita-Kalasha Hastaya,
Sarva Amaya Vinashanaya, Trailokya Nathaya, Sri Mahavishnave Namah.”
Meaning:
- “Om”: The primal sound.
- “Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya”: Salutations to Lord Vasudev (a form of Vishnu).
- “Dhanvantaraye”: To Lord Dhanvantari.
- “Amrita-Kalasha Hastaya”: Holding the pot of nectar.
- “Sarva Amaya Vinashanaya”: The one who destroys all diseases.
- “Trailokya Nathaya”: The Lord of the three worlds.
- “Sri Mahavishnave Namah”: Salutations to the great Vishnu.
Chanting this mantra is believed to invoke Lord Dhanvantari’s blessings for health and well-being.
