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. Lord Dhanvantari is often considered a symbol of health, healing, and longevity, not just in Ayurveda but also in the broader spiritual and cultural traditions of India. His teachings have been passed down through generations, influencing various aspects of both medical and spiritual practices. 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 titled “Ayurveda,” and the fourth hand has medicinal herbs. The depiction of Lord Dhanvantari holding Amrita isn’t just a divine image. It is a symbol of Ayurveda’s power to sustain life and health. Ayurveda, when followed the right way, isn’t just about curing diseases, but about creating lasting well-being and balance. 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. This balance is vital in Ayurveda, as it integrates the mind, body, and spirit in a way that promotes overall harmony and vitality. Ayurveda doesn’t just treat symptoms; it works on the root causes to restore balance in the individual’s entire being. One can see his emergence from the Ksheersagar, the ocean of life, as a metaphor for revealing hidden knowledge related to medicine or healing. Lord Dhanvantari – God of Medicine and Ayurveda Many people believe that Lord Brahma was the first person to teach and propagate Ayurveda. However, Lord Dhanvantari is the one 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 emphasize herbs, therapies, and surgical knowledge as tools for achieving optimal wellness. Lord Dhanvantari is known for bringing Ayurveda to the world, teaching the use of herbs, therapies, and surgical techniques for better health. His wisdom about healing and nature still guides Ayurvedic treatments today. Ayurvedic doctors often seek Lord Dhanvantari’s blessings before starting any auspicious works. Dhanvantari and the Vedas People revere Lord Dhanvantari for his divine knowledge of surgery, medicinal herbs, and the importance of a balanced lifestyle. Atharva Veda mentions his teachings through hymns and rituals associated with health and healing. These hymns often include prayers for long life, peace, and freedom from disease, which reflect the broader spiritual goals of Ayurveda in promoting holistic wellness. Many people think that Dhanvantari blesses many herbs and treatments used in Ayurveda. 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. People believe that Lord Dhanvantari 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. People also observe Dhanvantari Jayanti as International Ayurveda Day. The celebration of Dhanvantari Jayanti serves as a reminder to all of us about the importance of good health, proper nutrition, and lifestyle choices. It is a day to reflect on our own health practices and seek guidance from Ayurveda. Role of Lord Dhanvantari in New Age Wellness Modern-day Ayurveda heavily follows Sushruta Samhita authored by Acharya Sushruta. In Sushruta Samhita, people also refer to Dhanvantari 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. In an era where people are increasingly turning to organic, natural alternatives, Lord Dhanvantari’s teachings on sustainable and gentle healing practices resonate deeply. His wisdom is seen as a guide towards more conscious living. 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. For those seeking divine guidance regarding health, Lord Dhanvantari stands as the eternal symbol of hope, healing, and longevity. 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. His eternal teachings inspire a life where physical health, mental peace, and spiritual growth are balanced, making his influence timeless. Do you follow any Ayurvedic principles in your daily… Continue reading Lord Dhanvantari: The God of Ayurveda