According to Indian mythology, Lord Dhanvantari is the God of medicine and the God of Ayurveda.
This divine physician is also thought to be the 13th avatar of Lord Vishnu.
In this blog, let’s explore the legend of Lord Dhanvantari, his relevance in the field of Ayurveda and how he shaped the path of healing and health.
The Origin Story
The story of Lord Dhanvantari originates in Hindu mythology, particularly the legend of Samudra Manthan or the churning of the ocean.
According to the legend, Gods and demons churned the ocean of milk (Kshira Sagara) to get Amrita, the nectar of immortality. After a wearing trial period, Dhanvantari emerged from the sea, bringing with him the potion of immortality.
In images, Lord Dhanvantari is often portrayed holding a conch in one hand and a pot full of Amrita in the second hand. His third hand has a book title “Ayurveda” and the fourth hand has medicinal herbs.
Therefore, Lord Dhanvantari’s role is not just to ensure physical well-being, but also the divine alignment of mind, body and soul which is the crux of Ayurvedic principles.
His emergence from the Ksheersagar, the ocean of life, can be seen as a metaphor for coming out with the hidden knowledge, related to medicine or healing.
Lord Dhanvantari – God of Medicine and Ayurveda
The first person to teach and propagate Ayurveda is believed to be Lord Brahma. However, it is he who is worshipped as the God of Ayurveda.
Ayurveda pays attention to both treating illness and preventive health care through lifestyle, food, and natural remedies.
Lord Dhanvantari’s teachings emphasise herbs, therapies, and surgical knowledge as tools for achieving optimal wellness.
Ayurvedic doctors often seek Lord Dhanvantari’s blessings before starting any auspicious works.
Dhanvantari and the Vedas
Lord Dhanvantari is revered for his divine knowledge of surgery, medicinal herbs, and the importance of a balanced lifestyle.
His teachings are mentioned in Atharva Veda through hymns and rituals associated with health and healing.
Many herbs and treatments used in Ayurveda are thought to be blessings from Dhanvantari.
Dhanvantari — Patron of Ayurveda And Surgery
One of the unique aspects of Lord Dhanvantari’s teachings is his focus on surgery.
Sushruta Samhita – the classical text of Ayurveda authored by Acharya Sushruta talks about surgery in detail.
It is believed that Lord Dhanvantari had reincarnated on Earth as Divodasa – the king of Kashi.
Divodasa Dhanvantari was the master of surgery. He passed the knowledge of surgery and Ayurveda to Acharya Sushruta.
This included anatomy, use of surgical instruments, constructive operations such as removal of cataract, open heart surgery, brain surgery and rhinoplasty.
Benefits of Worshipping Lord Dhanvantari
Since ancient times, people have been worshipping Dhanvantari for both physical and spiritual healing.
Many perform Dhanvantari Puja invoking his blessings for good health, and energy and to remain guarded against diseases.
Every year, Dhanvantari Jayanti is celebrated on Dhanteras, two days before Diwali. On this auspicious day, Ayurvedic doctors and followers pray to Lord Dhanvantari.
Dhanvantari Jayanti is also observed as International Ayurveda Day.
Role of Lord Dhanvantari in New Age Wellness
Modern day Ayurveda heavily follows Sushruta Samhita authored by Acharya Sushruta. In Sushruta Samhita, Dhanvantari is also referred to as Divodasa and Kasi Raja.
Today, as more people prefer natural treatments over medicine, the lessons and teachings of Lord Dhanvantari make even more sense.
Here, his philosophy of using natural means to achieve balance links well with contemporary approaches to health and wellness that focus on holistic prevention, healthy eating, and mind-body balance.
Lord Dhanvantari — The Eternal Healer
Lord Dhanvantari’s profound knowledge of Ayurveda and healing arts is a source of inspiration for Ayurvedic doctors and those who follow Ayurveda.
Whether you follow an Ayurvedic lifestyle or just wish to live a healthier life, the teachings and insights from Lord Dhanvantari are relevant even today.
For those seeking divine guidance regarding health, Lord Dhanvantari stands as the eternal symbol of hope, healing, and longevity.
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