Lord Dhanvantari: The God of Ayurveda

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.   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, he 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 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   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.   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.   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.   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.    Do you follow any Ayurvedic principles in your daily life? Tell us in the comments!   If you are struggling with any health issues, you can book a consultation with us or give us a message via WhatsApp at +91 79074 89839. We have the Best Ayurvedic Doctors in Trivandrum who is always glad to helps you . If you have any queries, contacts    You can also visit.

Seasons Change, So Should Your Ayurveda Routine

With changing seasons, our bodies undergo various changes. You might experience Dosha imbalances, seasonal allergies, gut health issues due to varying digestive fire (Agni) and more. But you don’t have to worry! Ayurveda offers the perfect advices to take care of yourself with the changing seasons. In this blog, let us delve deeper into the principles of Ayurveda and how they guide us towards optimal health and wellbeing, particularly in alignment with the changing seasons.   Understanding Ayurveda   Ayurveda is a traditional system of medicine that focuses on the physical, mental and spiritual well being of a person. It is not just about treating health conditions; Ayurveda can also be considered as a way of life that ensures the overall wellness and well being of an individual.  At its core, Ayurveda recognizes that each individual is unique, with their distinct constitution, or “Prakriti,” which is determined by the three Doshas – Vata, Pitta and Kapha. These Doshas govern various physiological and psychological functions in the body and are influenced by factors such as diet, lifestyle, environment and the changing seasons.   Seasonal Wellness from Ayurvedic perspective   According to Ayurveda, the key to maintaining good health lies in living in harmony with nature’s rhythms, including the cycles of the seasons. Each season is associated with its own set of qualities and influences on the doshas. Therefore, Ayurveda recommends seasonal adjustments to diet, lifestyle and daily routines to maintain balance and prevent imbalances or illnesses. For example, during the hot summer months, when Pitta Dosha tends to be aggravated, Ayurveda advises consuming cooling foods and beverages, such as fresh fruits, salads and herbal teas, to pacify excess heat in the body. Similarly, in the cold, dry winter months, when Vata Dosha may become imbalanced, nourishing and grounding foods like soups, stews and warm spices help to counteract the cold and keep Vata in check.   Ayurvedic Treatments for Seasonal Wellness   In addition to dietary and lifestyle recommendations, Ayurveda offers a wide range of treatments and therapies to support your health with changing seasons.    Abhyanga (Ayurvedic oil massage)   Regular massage with organic sesame oil or Sheeta Tailam (during summers) helps to lubricate the joints, nourish the skin and calm the nervous system. These massages are particularly beneficial during the dry, cold winter months.   Panchakarma   This Ayurvedic detoxification and rejuvenation therapy involves a series of cleansing procedures designed to eliminate toxins from the body and restore balance to the Doshas. Panchakarma is often recommended during seasonal transitions to reset the body and boost immunity.   Herbal remedies Ayurveda employs a vast array of herbs with specific properties to address imbalances associated with each Dosha and season. For example, herbs like Tulsi are known for their adaptogenic and immune-enhancing properties. they, therefore, make an ideal choice for supporting overall health and well-being throughout the year.   Ayurveda and Seasonal Routines   Ayurveda and Ayurvedic medicine take into account the natural properties of the elements. The three Doshas (Vata, Pitta and Kapha) are formed by the different combinations of the five elements (earth, water, fire, air and ether). The varying characteristics, such as mass, heat, feel, compactness, etc., are present in nature, including the different seasons. These characteristics directly influence our physical, mental and overall well being.  Understanding the characteristics of each season is crucial for making necessary adjustments to your diet and lifestyle in order to maintain good health. The ancient Ayurvedic texts advise adhering to a schedule that aligns with the six distinct seasons in their region.  We will simplify things – routines, foods and more for each of the four seasons: Fall, Winter, Spring, and Summer. But they can vary depending on your location, your Prakriti and Dosha imbalances.    Routines for the Autumn season During autumn, Vata’s dominance brings cold, wind, dryness and restlessness. Adjust by adding warm foods and fats like ghee, dressing warmly, and having warm oil massages. Opt for seasonal foods, warm water, and less cold foods like salads.   Routines for the Winter season In Winter, colder weather worsens Vata and increases Kapha. Neglecting season-appropriate routines may lead Vata-dominant individuals to have dry, cracked feet, poor sleep and distress. Vata types can stick to Autumn routines. But Kapha types should opt for warm, light foods and aromatic spices like black pepper and mustard, with less oil.   Routines for the Spring season During Spring, increasing warmth melts built-up Kapha qualities, causing phlegm and allergies. For renewed energy, engage in more movement like walks, gym or yoga. Massage dryly, and consume warm, dry foods with bitter greens and spices. This season is also ideal for detox or Panchakarma.   Routines for the Summer season In summer, Pitta-dominant individuals must take extra care in the hot weather. Stay cool by avoiding midday sun, walking in forests and using Sheeta Tailam for massages. Try relaxing yoga and cooling pranayama, like Shitali and Sheetkari, along with meditation. Stay hydrated with drinks like coconut water, and have cooling and seasonal foods.   Consult an Ayurvedic Doctor   Incorporating Ayurvedic principles into your daily life isn’t just enough. It’s essential to consult with a qualified Ayurvedic doctor for personalized guidance to ensure your overall well being. An Ayurvedic doctor can assess your Prakriti, identify any imbalances or health concerns, and recommend tailored treatments to address your specific needs.   Embracing Emotional and Mental Wellbeing   In addition to physical health, Ayurveda also places great emphasis on emotional and mental wellbeing. According to Ayurvedic teachings, the mind and body are intimately connected, and imbalances in one can manifest as symptoms in the other. Therefore, practices such as meditation, yoga and Pranayama (breathwork) are encouraged. They help promote relaxation, reduce stress and cultivate mental clarity and emotional balance. In this fast-paced world, Ayurveda reminds you to slow down, reconnect with nature and prioritize our health and well-being. By aligning our daily routines with the changing seasons and understanding our Prakriti, we can cultivate vibrant health, balance and vitality… Continue reading Seasons Change, So Should Your Ayurveda Routine