ॐ Hindu Of Universe ॐ
“God’s light is within you, It never leaves you.”
Dhanvantari
From the churning of the cosmic ocean of milk, at last the divine healer Dhanvantari arose with a pot of nectar that symbolizes immortality. A fierce battle broke out between the gods and demons to obtain the nectar. Dhanvantari cured the diseases of the sick people. He is the presiding deity of Ayurveda.
Introduction to Lord Dhanvantri
Dhanvantri is one of the avatars of Lord Vishnu. People worship him for good health and disease-free life. He is the Hindu God of Healing and Medicine and is considered the ‘Father of Ayurveda,’ the ancient science of Indian Medicine. Dhanvantri is specially worshipped during his Jayanthi (Birthday) and Dhanteras.
Dhanvantri Meaning
The word dhanvan means desert. Dhanvachara refers to the one who moves in a desert. Thus Dhanvantari, an avatar of Lord Vishnu, holding a pot of nectar in his hand, is like an oasis in the desert of worldly existence.
Dhanvantari History
Once the Devas and Asuras churned the Milky Ocean searching for the Amrut, the nectar of immortality. At the last stage of churning, he came out carrying a golden pot containing the nectar of immortality. Dhanvantri is the physician of the Gods and Goddesses, and he saves the world from all kinds of diseases. The detailed incident of his emergence is as follows.
Once the asura monarch Bali reign supreme in all the three worlds, the devas were oppressed and killed by the asuras. Feeling depressed over the crisis, the devas led by Indra took Lord Brahma along with them and went to Lord Vishnu and pleaded with him to save them. Lord Maha Vishnu proposed that the only remedy was to churn the Milky ocean and obtain the divine Amruta, the elixir that will give immortality to them. As the ocean churning was a very big task requiring brute force, the Lord recommended the devas to make temporary peace with the asuras and request their help in this great endeavor.
While Lord Vishnu promised that He would see to it that the devas, not the asuras, get the Amruta, He also warned the devas to accept any suggestions the asuras might make. Lord Maha Vishnu agreed to be a part of the churning effort as well.
Accordingly, the devas and the asuras started the ocean churning using the Mandara mountain as the churning staff and the serpent Vasuki as the rope. The first thing that came out of the ocean was the Halahala poison, which Lord Shiva swallowed to save the world from destruction. Then many heavenly things and beings emerged and were divided between the Devas and Asuras. Goddess Lakshmi too emerged from the ocean, and she married Lord Maha Vishnu.
The churning continued and finally, Lord Dhanvantari holding a vessel filled with nectar, emerged from the ocean. The Asuras snatched the nectar pot from Dhanvantri, but Maha Vishnu took the form of Mohini and tricked the Asuras and distributed the Amrut to the devas.
Depiction of Lord Dhanvantri
Dhanvantari features a dark complexion and has four hands. His upper hands hold Conch and Ayurvedic texts, while the lower hands hold Jalauka (leech) and a pot containing Amrita. Dhanvantri is depicted wearing yellow clothes and is adorned with flower garlands and ornaments.
Dhanvantri Jayanthi
The birthday of Dhanvantri is known as Dhanvntri Jayanthi. Every year it falls on the 13th lunar day in Aswini Month. On this day, Lord Dhanvantari emerged from the Milky Ocean with Amurutha Kalasam in his hands.
In 2016, the Union Ministry of Ayush (Ayurveda, Yoga and Naturopathy, Unani, Sidda, and Homoeopathy) of the Indian Government announced that Dhanvantri Jayanti would be observed as the Ayurveda Day.
Every year during Dhanvantri’s birthday, people visit his shrines and recite Dhanvantri mantras and slokas.
Dhanvantri Mantra and Meaning
Below is a popular Dhanvantri mantra chanted by people for good health and the removal of all fears.
Om Namo Bhagavate Maha Sudharshana Vasudevaya Dhanvantaraye
Amrutha Kalasa Hasthaaya Sarva Bhaya Vinasaya Sarva Roka Nivaranaya
Thri Lokya Pathaye Thri Lokya Nithaye Sri Maha Vishnu Swarupa Sri Dhanvantri Swarupa
Sri Sri Sri Aoushata Chakra Narayana Swaha
Meaning:
We pray to God, who is known as Sudarshana Vasudeva Dhanvanthari. He holds the Kalasha full of nectar of immortality and removes all fears and diseases. Dhanvantri is the well-wisher and the preserver of the three worlds. He is like Lord Vishnu, empowered to heal the Jiva souls. We bow to the Lord of Ayurveda.
Dhanwantari Gayatri Mantra
Om tat purushaaya vidmahae Amritha kalasa hastaaya dheemahi
Tanno Dhanvantri prasodayaat
Meaning:
I worship the supreme person who holds the pot containing Amrut. As meditate on him, let him kindle my intellect with wisdom.
lord dhanvantri
Dhanvantari Mantra for Ayurvedic Practioners
Several Doctors and physicians pray to Lord Dhanvantri to treat a patient successfully. Most of the Indian traditional medicine system practitioners start treating the patients after invoking Dhanvantri. Below mantra is recited by them before commencing the treatment.
Namani Dhanwanthary Aadi Devam
Surasura Vanditham Pada Padmam
Loke Jara Rugbhay Mrityu Nashakam
Datharam Eesham Vividhaushadhinam
Meaning:
I bow down in front of you, Lord Dhanvantari. The gods and demons respectfully worship your lotus feet. You have infinite powers to save the people from the miseries of diseases, aging, fear of death, and other sufferings. Oh Lord, please bless me with your grace and medicines to help the people with cures from their diseases.
Benefits of Dhanvantri Mantra for Health
Chanting the Dhanvantri mantra will improve the vitality and energy levels in humans.
It will lead to a natural state of well-being.
This mantra can obliterate mental fears and all kinds of afflictions.
Continuous chanting of the Dhanvantari mantra will act as a protection ring to you and your family.
Whenever the mantra is chanted, its divine vibes will reach you and will transform your body, mind, and soul.
The more you chant this mantra, its positive and healing effects on you will be significant.
Incurable diseases can be cured by chanting the Dhanvantri mantras.
This mantra is capable of curing both physical and mental problems.
This mantra can grant the wish of liberation.
With the world experiencing difficult times due to the Corona pandemic, worshipping Lord Dhanvantri and chanting his mantra will help to come out of this crisis successfully. May he bless us all with sound health and a peaceful mind.
DHANVANTARI MANTRA
Lord Dhanvantari is regarded as the god of ayurvedic medicine (Ayurveda) in the Hindu religion. People pray to Dhanvantari, asking him for improved or good health for themselves and for others. Mantra of Dhanwantari with its meaning is as follows:
DHANVANTRI MANTRA
DHANVANTRI MANTRA
ॐ नमो भगवते वासुदेवाय धन्वन्तरये अमृतकलश हस्ताय |
सर्वामय विनाशनाय त्रैलोक्यनाथाय श्री महाविष्णवे नमः ||
DHANVANTRI MANTRA IN ENGLISH
Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaaya Dhanvantaraye Amrita-kalasha Hastaaya |
Sarva-amaya Vinashaaya Trailokya Naathaya Dhanvantri Maha-vishnave Namaha ||
DHANVANTRI MANTRA TRANSLATION
We pray to the God, who is known as Sudarshana Vasudev Dhanvantari. He holds the Kalasha full of nectar of immortality. Lord Dhanvantri removes all fears and removes all diseases. He is the well wisher and the preserver of the three worlds. Dhanvantari is like Lord Vishnu, empowered to heal the Jiva souls. We bow to the Lord of Ayurveda.
SHORT MANTRAS OF LORD DHANVANTRI
Om Dhanvantaraye Namah
Om Shri Dhanvantre Namah
DHANWANTRI MAHA MANTRA
“Om Namo Bhagavate Maha Sudharshana
Vasudevaya Dhanvantaraye; Amrutha Kalasa Hasthaaya
Sarva Bhaya Vinasaya Sarva Roka Nivaranaya
Thri Lokya Pathaye Thri Lokya Nithaye
Sri Maha Vishnu Swarupa Sri Dhanvantri Swarupa
Sri Sri Sri Aoushata Chakra Narayana Swaha”
DHANWANTARI GAYATRI MANTRAS
“Om tat purushaaya vidmahae
Amritha kalasa hastaaya dheemahi
Tanno Dhanvantri prasodayaat””Om aadivaidhyaaya vidmahae
Arogya anugrahaaya dheemahi
Tanno dhanvantri prasodayaat”
Dhanvantari is an avatar of Vishnu in Hinduism. He appears in the Vedas and Puranas as the physician of the gods (devas), and the god of Ayurveda. It is common practice in Hinduism for worshipers to pray to Dhanvantari seeking his blessings for sound health for themselves and/or others, especially on Dhanteras.
Bhagavata Purana states that Dhanvantari emerged from the Ocean of Milk and appeared with the pot of nectar during the story of the Samudra (or) Sagara Mathana whilst the ocean was being churned by the Devas and Asuras, using the Mandara mountain and the serpent Vasuki. The pot of Amrita was snatched by the Asuras or Demons, and after this event another avatar, Mohini, appears and takes the nectar back from the Asuras. It is also believed that Dhanvantari promulgated the practise of ayurveda.
Who was Dhanvantari? Why is he important in Ayurveda?
Dhanvantari.jpg
“I extend my wishes to God Dhanvantari who is worshipped by gods and demons. He destroys aging, diseases, fear and death. He nourishes this world and possesses knowledge about various medicinal plants” – Dr. Amritpal Singh Dhanvantari-Nighantu
Lord Dhanvantari is an outstanding personality in the history of Ayurveda. He was the physician of the Gods (in both the Vedas and Puranas) and an excellent surgeon. In Hinduism, worshipers pray to Dhanvantari seeking his blessings for sound healing. In his incarnation as king of Kashi, Divodasa, he was approached by a group of sages (including Susruta, the great Indian surgeon) with the request to teach them the science of Ayurveda. Dhanvantari stated that Brahma composed the Ayurveda even before he created mankind, forming one of the upangas of the Atharvaveda in 100,000 verses arranged in 1,000 chapters, which was not easy for the restricted intelligence of men to learn within their short life spans. So Dhanvantari complied with the sages’ request, recast Brahma’s Ayurveda into 8 divisions (shalya, shalakya, kayachikitsa, bhutavidya, kaumarabhrtya, agadatantra, rasayanatantra, vajikaranatantra) and began teaching within the framework of pratyaksa (perception), agama (authoritative scripture), anumana (inference) and upamana (analogy).
In other versions of the origins of Ayurveda, it has been said that Dhanvantari was deputed by Lord Indra to take the science of Ayurveda to the mortals. Also to be noted, Dhanvantari is seen as an avatar of Vishnu in Hinduism. The most frequently told story about Dhanvantari is that when the ocean was churned by the gods and demons in search of the elixir of life, Dhanvantari came out of it holding a bowl of nectar in his hands.
“Physicians of the School of Atreya referred the surgical cases to surgeons belonging to the School of Dhanvantari, but there is not evidence of referring the medical cases by the above surgeons to the physicians of the School of Atreya” C.S. Introduction
MEANING OF THE NAME DHANVANTARI
“The word dhanus is only indicative (upalakshna). It denotes the science of surgery. The one who has seen the end (anta) of it is Dhanvantari.
The word dhanvan means desert. (Compare RigVeda [V.36.1] dhanvachara meaning, he who moves in a desert). There is a mantra in the Veda: dhanvan iva prapaasi (O Lord! You are like the place where water is distributed to travellers in a desert.) Thus Dhanvantari, the incarnation of Lord Vishnu, with a pot of nectar in his hand is like prapaa (oasis) in the desert of worldly existence.”
Story of Dhanvantari
Bhagavata Purana states that Dhanvantari emerged from the Ocean of Milk and appeared with the pot of amrita (nectar) during the story of the Samudra (or) Sagara Mathana whilst the ocean was being churned by the Devas and Asuras, using the Mandara mountain and the serpent Vasuki. The pot of Amrita was snatched by the Asuras, and after this event another avatar, Mohini, appears and takes the nectar back from the Asuras.
It is also believed that Dhanvantari promulgated the practise of Ayurveda. According to the Charaka Samhita, the knowledge of Ayurveda is eternal and is revealed in each of the cycles of creation of the universe. When needed, Lord Vishnu himself incarnates as Lord Dhanvantari and reestablishes the tradition of Ayurveda in the world to help relieve some of humanity’s suffering.
Lord Dhanvantari is known as the father of Ayurveda, since he was the first divine incarnation to impart its wisdom amongst humans. He first appeared during the great churning of the cosmic ocean of milk to deliver amrit (ambrosia, or Divine nectar) to the demigods. The churning of the ocean of milk is a famous episode in the Puranas that represents the spiritual endeavor of a person to achieve Self-realization through concentration of mind, withdrawal of the senses, control of all desires, austerities and asceticism. It is celebrated in India every twelve years in the holy festival known as Kumbha Mela. The following story is from the Srimad Bhagavatam.
Indra, the great leader of the demigods, was riding on his elephant when he came across the sage Durvasa Muni. Seeing the great demigod, Durvasa offered him a special garland that had been blessed by Sri, another manifestation of Laxmi, the Goddess of Abundance. Indra accepted the garland nonchalantly and put it on the trunk of his elephant, who tossed it on the floor. Durvasa Muni was very upset by this display of disrespect, and in anger cursed Indra and all the demigods to be bereft of all strength, energy and fortune right then and there.
Taking advantage of this situation, the Asuras (demons) attacked the demigods, killing many of them and slowly gaining control of the universe. Indra and the other demigods rushed to Brahma for help. Brahma suggested to bring their predicament to Lord Vishnu, who in turn advised them to seek alliance with the Asuras to churn the ocean of milk together for the nectar of immortality. The demigods agreed only because Lord Vishnu told them that he would make sure they alone would obtain the nectar and recover their strength and power to defeat the demons.
Using the mountain Mandara as the rod and Vasuki the serpent as the cord, both demigods and demons proceeded to churn the ocean of milk. All kinds of herbs were cast into it. The churning was so arduous that Lord Vishnu had to appear in many forms to help them with this process and prevent it from going nowhere. He even appeared as Lord Vishnu himself sitting on top of the mountain to infuse Indra and his companions with energy.
The churning of the ocean of milk first produced a deadly poison (halahala) that only Lord Shiva could swallow without being affected by it. And so he did, except that his consort Parvati pressed his neck as he was swallowing, so that the poison would not reach his stomach, and the halahala stayed in Lord Shiva’s throat, changing the color of his neck to blue due to its potency. This is why Lord Shiva is also called Neelakantha, or the blue-necked one.
As the churning continued, Lord Dhanvantari appeared. He was young and strongly built, his chest was very broad and his complexion bluish black. He had strong arms, reddish eyes, and moved like a lion. He was clad in bright yellow, his curly hair was anointed with oil and he wore shining earrings made of pearl. As he emerged, he was holding a conch, leeches, healing herbs, a chakra (one of the divine weapons of Lord Vishnu’s), and the long sought pot of ambrosia. The asuras, greedy after all things, realized right away that the container was full of nectar and snatched it from him.
Again filled with greed and pride, the demons started quarreling about which of them would drink the nectar first, grabbing the pot from one another and behaving like thieves. Seeing how busy they were fighting with each other, Lord Vishnu didn’t miss the opportunity to trick them. He appeared as Mohini, a beautiful woman who fascinated the demons, recovered the nectar from them, and distributed it only amongst the demigods. As soon as the demigods drank it, they were invigorated with energy and defeated the demons. After worshipping Lord Vishnu and Shri Laxmi, they resumed their position in the heavens.
At the time of the churning, Lord Vishnu foretold that Lord Dhanvantari would appear again in the world to teach the science of Ayurveda. And so he did, after Lord Indra, seeing humanity so afflicted by pain and disease, pleaded with Lord Dhanvantari to descend into the material world and teach Ayurveda to the human race.
It is written in the scriptures that, “One who remembers the name of Dhanvantari can be released from all disease.” Lord Dhanvantari is worshipped all over India as the God of Medicine.
Lord Indra, after seeing humanity so afflicted by pain and disease, pleaded with Lord Dhanvantari to descend into the material world and teach Ayurveda to the human race. Dhanvantari, one of the many avatars (divine incarnations) of Lord Vishnu’s, is known as Adi-Dhanvantari.
King Dirghatamas of Kashi (Benares) was performing severe austerities and offering them to Lord Dhanvantari in the hopes that he would be pleased with them and grant him a son. And happy with the devotion of the King was born in the in the royal household of Kashi. He taught Ayurveda orally to the sages and rishis (seers) who became his disciples. His teachings are recorded in the Agni Purana, as well as through the teachings of his disciples Susruta, Pauskalavata, Aurabha, Vaitarana, and others.
DHANVANTARI JAYANTI – BIRTHDAY CELEBRATIONS
On the day of Dhanteras, birthday celebrations of Dhanvantari, the God of health, take place in an enthusiastic and delightful atmosphere. Dhanvatari Jayanti is celebrated throughout India by the practitioners of Ayurveda, the Indian traditional medicine.
In South India, mainly in Tamilnadu and Kerala some temples are dedicated to Lord Dhanvantari. In these temples, Dhanvantari Jayanthi is celebrated with utmost devotion. In Ayurveda Maha Sammelan office, Dhanwantari Bhavan in Delhi, the Ayurvedic practitioners worship the big statue of Lord Dhanvantari.
Dhanwantari
According to Indian mythology, Sage Dhanwantari appeared at the end of the ‘Churning of the Ocean’ with the sacred ‘Amrit’. The Devas and the Asuras had tussled long for this nectar of immortality. Dhanwantari is known as the Physician of the Gods and in some ancient texts is even considered an earthly avatar of Lord Vishnu, the Protector.
Dhanwantari is considered integral to Ayurveda’s genesis as he was instructed to introduce these hymns to the human realm. In his avatar of Divodasa (King of the ancient realm of Kashi), he was approached by sages to educate them on Ayurveda, and he then began the process of spreading the teachings received from Lord Indra.
His specialty was Shalya Chikitsa or surgery, and Sushruta was one of his most famous disciples. He is also said to have been responsible for the division of Ayurveda into eight categories, which include shalya, shalakya, kaya chikitsa, bhutavidya, kaumarabhritya, agadatantra, rasayanatantra and vajikaranatantra.
Sushruta, disciple of Dhanwantari
The great Sushruta is remembered by the world for his contribution to surgery in general and plastic surgery in particular. His work on rhinoplasty (plastic surgery performed on the nose) especially has been lauded for centuries. His code of conduct for surgeons and practitioners is still revered deeply in the field.
He was among the sages who approached Divodosa (said to be an avatar of Sage Dhanwantari) in order to learn the precepts of Ayurveda. This gave birth to a long and influential lineage of surgeons, and Sushruta became Divodasa’s most famous student, gaining renown across the world.
Modern day Ayurveda borrows heavily from his Sushruta Samhita (Sushruta’s Compendium), which details a holistic approach to medicinal treatment, the divisions of Ayurveda, and his own approach to Panchakarma and other specialized treatment methods.
Who is Dhanvantari?
In Hinduism, Dhanvantari is the god and founder of traditional medicine in India. He is also a healer, a physician, and a surgeon. Whether Dhanvantari is fully a myth or was once a living person is unknown. The word “Dhanvantari” is Sanskrit, whose root describes the perceived movement of the sun from sunrise to sunset in an arc or curve over the sky.
This illustration depicts the churning of the milky ocean in the Samudra Manthan.
An illustration of a giant snake wrapped round a mountain being pulled from both sides by many divine beings.
The legend of the Hindu god Dhanvantari is found in the Samudra Manthan or Churning of the Ocean story in the Mahabharata and Puranas. In the Samudra Manthan, because of a misunderstanding between the sage Durvasa and the god Indra, Durvasa curses all the Hindu gods, causing them to lose their immortality and divine powers. With the Hindu gods powerless, the Asura, likened to demons or antigods, wage war against the gods, who in their weakened state are forced to flee from the heavens.
In exchange for peace, the Hindu gods offered to share with the Asura the divine rewards of the milky ocean, including Amrita, the nectar of immortality. The gods and the Asura agreed to a truce as they together churned the ocean of milk using Mount Mandara and the body of Vasuki, the largest serpent in the world. Over many years, numerous sacred entities and objects emerged from the churned waters. One of these items was the poison halahala, which was swallowed by Shiva. This act created venomous animals like cobras and scorpions, the sacred cow Kamadhenu, the flying horse Uccaihsrava, the divine Parijat flower, and the nymph-like Apsaras, along with the goddesses of fortune, Lakshmi, and alcohol, Sura.
Symbols of Dhanvantari, the Hindu God of Healing
The Ayurvedic Hindu god of healing is characterized as a very handsome man with either two or four arms. Depending on how many arms Dhanvantari has, he may be carrying different symbols. These symbols include a medical staff, one or more pots of nectar, a book, a discus, a medicinal herb, a conch, a chakra, or a leech. In all iterations, Dhanvantari is depicted carrying a pot of Amrita nectar.
Temples Dedicated to Dhanvantari
As the Hindu god of health, medicine, and healing, statues or images of Dhanvantari are typically displayed outside of Ayurvedic healing centers. There are also temples, shrines, and festivals dedicated to Dhanvantari throughout India, particularly in the states of Kerala and Tamil Nadu located in South India. Festivals and famous temples dedicated to Dhanvantari include:
Lesson Summary
Dhanvantari is an avatar of Lord Vishnu and the Hindu god of health, healing, and Ayurvedic medicine, also known as Ayurveda. Ayurveda, meaning “knowledge of life” in Sanskrit, is a form of traditional medicine that has been practiced in India for thousands of years. According to ancient Ayurvedic texts such as the Charaka Samhita and Sushruta Samhita, the god Dhanvantari is the physician of the Hindu gods as well as a surgeon and healer who passed on his knowledge of Ayurveda to mortals to ease human disease and suffering. There are numerous shrines and temples dedicated to Dhanvantari in India, particularly in Kerala and Tamil Nadu. The first day of the Hindu Diwali festival, called Dhanteras, also celebrates Dhanvantari’s day of birth.
Dhanvantari’s legend begins in the Samudra Manthan, which is the Churning of the Ocean story. When the Hindu gods lost their divine powers and immortality after being cursed by the sage Durvasa, they struck a bargain with the Asura demons. Together, the Hindu gods and the Asura churned the milky ocean for its divine rewards, including a nectar of immortality. After many years of churning, Dhanvantari emerged from the milky ocean holding a pot of Amrita, the nectar of immortality. Although the Asura tried to take the Amrita for themselves, Vishnu’s female avatar, Mohini, tricked them into giving her the Amrita, which she subsequently distributed to the Hindu gods, restoring their immortality and powers.
Who is the Hindu god of healing?
Dhanvantari is the Hindu god of healing and Ayurvedic medicine. He is also an avatar of Vishnu and emerged during the churning of the milky ocean, holding the nectar of immortality, Amrita.
What is the meaning of Dhanvantari?
“Dhanvantari” is a Sanskrit word. It describes the perceived curved movement of the sun over the sky from sunrise to sunset.
Lord Dhanvantari- The God of Ayurveda
Resembled from the Samudra Manthan, one of the foremost avatar of Lord Vishnu is the Lord Dhanvantari. Lord Dhanvantari is the Hindu god of medicine. This lord is considered the most auspicious in the history of Ayurveda. The Physicians, Vaidyas & Doctors worshipped Lord Dhanvantari for seeking his blessings for sound healing.
Lord Dhanvantari was the physician & surgeon of gods. It is said that Lord Dhanvantari has appeared from the churning of the milk of the ocean with a pot of “Amrit” (Devine Nectar) which was stolen by Asuras. To get the Amrit back, Lord Vishnu appears as Mohini & got it back.
It is believed that Lord Dhanvantari proclaimed the practice of Ayurveda. Lord Dhanvantari reestablishes the tradition of Ayurveda in the world to help relieve some of humanity’s suffering. He is known as the father of Ayurveda.
Dhanvantari complied with the sages’ request, recast Brahma’s Ayurveda into 8 divisions (shalya, shalakya, kayachikitsa, bhutavidya, kaumarabhrtya, agadatantra, rasayanatantra, vajikaranatantra) and began teaching within the framework of pratyaksa (perception), agama (authoritative scripture), anumana (inference) and upamana (analogy).
According to the ancient Sanskrit, Lord Dhanvantari is a handsome personality, depicted with four hands. The four hands contains Shanka, Amrit, Chakra & Leech plant. The ancient Sanskrit scripts include:
ॐ शंखं चक्रं जलौकां दधदमृतघटं चारुदोर्भिश्चतुर्मिः।
सूक्ष्मस्वच्छातिहृद्यांशुक परिविलसन्मौलिमंभोजनेत्रम॥
कालाम्भोदोज्ज्वलांगं कटितटविलसच्चारूपीतांबराढ्यम।
वन्दे धन्वंतरिं तं निखिलगदवनप्रौढदावाग्निलीलम॥
सूक्ष्मस्वच्छातिहृद्यांशुक परिविलसन्मौलिमंभोजनेत्रम॥
(Om śaṅkhaṁ cakraṁ jalaukāṁ dadhadamr̥taghaṭaṁ cārudōrbhiścaturmiḥ. Sūkṣmasvacchātihr̥dyānśuka parivilasanmaulimambhōjanētrama. Kālāmbhōdōjjvalāṅgaṁ kaṭitaṭavilasaccārūpītāmbarāḍhyama. Vandē dhanvantariṁ taṁ nikhilagadavanaprauḍhadāvāgnilīlama. Sūkṣmasvacchātihr̥dyānśuka parivilasanmaulimambhōjanētrama.)
Lord Dhanvantari is worshipped during Dhanteras. The birthday of Lord Dhanvantari is celebrated throughout India by the Ayurveda practitioners & the doctors. Most of the temples of Lord Dhanvantari is situated in South India especially in TamilNadu & Kerala. The people out there celebrate the Dhanvantari Jayanti with utmost devotion.
Dhanvantari is described as a handsome man depicted with four hands holding amirtham, sangu, chakra and jalauka/leech in each of his hands.
Are you wondering why leeches ?
In those days one of the important part of a healer’s kit were leeches – which were used to suck out impure blood from the body to cure the patient, that is why Lord Dhanvantari is sometimes depicted holding leech in one of his hands.
Ayurveda’s history begins from Lord Dhanvantari – Father of Ayurveda. He is the first divine incarnation to impart his wisdom amongst humans. He is considered as the ‘Physician of the Gods’ (in both the Vedas and Puranas).
Another version about the origin of Ayurveda, says that Dhanvantari was deputed by Lord Indra to take the science of Ayurveda to the mortals.
LORD DHANVANTARI BRASS IDOLDHANVANTARI BRASS IDOL
Also to be noted, Dhanvantari is an avatar of Vishnu.
Another interesting background about the creation of Lord Dhanvantari is a famous episode of churning the ocean of milk in the Puranas. The Devatas and the Demons conjointly produced nectar of immortality as depicted by the legends. The Devatas and the demons agreed to complete the task together and decided to share the nectar of immortality in half. The Devatas and the demons then assembled on the shore of the milk ocean that lies in the celestial region of the cosmos.
Then the churning of the milk ocean produced a deadly poison which Lord Shiva drank without being affected. After crossing through many hurdles years later, Dhanwantari appeared with the nectar of immortality in her hands. It was when the cosmic ocean of milk was churned by the gods and demons using the Mandara mountain and the serpent Vasuki in search of the elixir of life, Dhanvantari came out of it holding a bowl of amrit (ambrosia or Divine nectar) in his hands.
This scene is called as ‘Ksheera Sagara Manthan’ or ‘samudra manthan’ or ‘Palazhi Madhanam’ in different languages which represents the spiritual endeavor of a person to achieve Self-realization through concentration of mind, withdrawal of the senses, control of all desires, austerities and asceticism.
This is celebrated in India every twelve years as a holy festival known as ‘Kumbha Mela’.
Do you know About Kumbha Mela ?
Kumbha Mela is the largest religious gatherings in the world which is also known as “World’s Largest congregation of religious pilgrims”.
The world’s largest gathering Kumbh Mela has been included in UNESCO’s representative list ‘Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity’.
According to Hindu Mythology, it is believed that we will be eternally blessed if we take a dip in the holy water of river Ganga. It also washes the sin and moves us towards the path of salvation.
The Devtas forcibly ceased the pot with its safety entrusted onto the four Gods – Brihaspati, Surya, Shani, and Chandra. Thereafter, the demons chased the Devtas for many days. The fight for the Kumbh i.e. the sacred pitcher/pot of amritham between the Gods and demons continued for 12 divine days, which is considered to be as long as 12 years for humans.
The four places of Kumbh Mela are because of the Amrit or an immortal drink that was dropped by Vishnu at these four places. Kumbh Mela takes place on the dates when the nectar is said to have fallen in the holy river. Every year, the dates are calculated according to the combination of Jupiter, the Sun and the Moon’s zodiac positions.
During this event, drops of amrith from kumbh dropped at 4 places. These four places are since then believed to have acquired mystical powers. That is why the Kumbh Mela is celebrated once in 12 years and gathering took place on the above mentioned sacred places or holy sites.
The location of the festival keeps rotating between four pilgrimage sites situated on the banks of the holy rivers.
The 4 Places of kumbha Mela celebration are :
Haridwar on the Ganges in Uttarakhand
Ujjain on the Shipra river in Madhya Pradesh
Nashik on the Godavari river in Maharashtra
Prayagraj at the confluence of three rivers Ganga, Yamuna and Saraswati in Uttar Pradesh
It is said that during the period of kumbha mela the rivers will turn into Amrit and so, several pilgrims from across the world visit the Kumbh Mela to bathe in the essence of purity and immortality.
The venue for Kumbh Mela is decided according to the position of the Sun, Moon and Jupiter held in that period in different zodiac signs.
Since then, Kumbh Mela is celebrated with all the ritual beliefs and people from different aspects gather to celebrate the eve.
LORD DHANVATARI MANTRA :
LORD DHANVANTARI BRASS WALL HANGING
LORD DHANVANTARI BRASS WALL HANGING
“Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaaya Dhanvantaraye Amrita-kalasha HastaayaSarva-amaya Vinashaaya Trailokya Naathaya Dhanvantri Maha-vishnave Namaha.”
“Namani Dhanwanthary Aadi Devam , Surasura Vanditham Pada Padmam, Loke Jara Rugbhay Mrityu Nashakam , Datharam Eesham Vividhaushadhinam”
DHANVANTARI GAYATRI MANTRA :
“Om tat purushaaya vidmahae Amritha kalasa hastaaya dheemahi Tanno Dhanvantri prachodayaat.”
DHANVANTARI TEMPLES IN INDIA :
Devotees pray to Lord Dhanvantari seeking his blessings for sound healing of body, mind & soul.
There is no dedicated Temple to Lord Dhanvantari in Northern India.
Dhanvantari statue has been placed in the campus of Central Council for Research in Ayurveda, New Delhi and another one in an ashram in Haridwar.
In Tamil Nadu & Kerala, there are various temples dedicated to Lord Dhanvantari.
SRI DHANVANTARI TEMPLE, COIMBATORE :
In Coimbatore, Sri Dhanvantari Temple is located in the heart of the city inside the campus of Arya Vaidya Chikitsalayam & Research Institute (AVCRI).
SRI DHANVANTARI BHAGAVAN TEMPLE, VELLORE :
500 Years old Dhanvantari Bhagavan Temple is located in Keelpudhupettai, Vellore district. Here he stands tall at a height of 7 feet on a padma peetha and blesses his devotees.
PARAPPUR SREE DHANWANTARI TEMPLE, THRISSUR :
The Dhanwanthari Temple located in Nelluvai, Thrissur district of Kerala, is known for its Oushada Prasada (prasada with Ayurvedic medicinal values). Known as Mukkudi, the offering is made everyday under the guidance of Kuttancherry Manu Moos as he only knows the secret recipe of the prasada.
PRAYIKARA DHANWATARI TEMPLE, ALLEPPEY :
This ancient Temple is believed to be thousand years old, situated at Prayikara, just two kilometers away from Mavelikara town, Alappuzha (Dist) Kerala State, on the Mavelikara – Thiruvalla route. It is the cradle of all Adhyatmik Devotional and social activities for the whole people of Mavelikara, especially for the residents of Prayikara. All the rituals performed in Vishnu Temples are also done daily here.
The ‘Chandanam Charthu’ is just similar to the famous ‘VakaCharthu’ of Guruvayoor Temple. Small temples for Upa Devas like Siva, Ganapathy also are inside the Nalambalam. There is also a ‘Sarppakavu’ in the south west corner of the temple. “DHWAJA PRATHISHTA” was performed on 16th January 2011 (1186 Makaram 2 Sunday), with all the temple rituals.
THOTTUVA SREE DHANWANTHARI TEMPLE OF MAHA VISHNU :
It is believed that Parasurama Installed the Idol of this temple. The idol of Thottuva Sree Dhanwanthari Temple was laid by Parasurama 5000 years ago as per the legend and hence the deity is known by the name Adi Dhanwanthiri. Then over the years the temple was managed by a Namboodiri (Kerala Brahmin) family called Korumbur Mana.
The presiding deity is Adi Dhanwanthiri and the idol is almost six feet tall and facing east. On the right hand the lord holds Amrith and with the left hand the lord holds Atta, Shanku and Chakra.
Sub deities are Ayyappan, Ganapathy, Bhadrakali and Rakshas. Fresh unboiled milk is offered here, the important offering is butter.
Dhanvantari – The God of Ayurveda and the Physician of Devas
Known as a physician of the Devas, Dhanvantari is a celebrated figure amongst the practitioners of Ayurveda. They celebrate Dhanvantari’s birthday on Dhanteras every year too. In Sanatana-dharma, praying to Dhanvantari is supposed to bring sound health for worshippers.
There are many instances and references to Dhanvantars in history, all belonging to different eras and different periods of time. Thus, the question about who the real Dhanvantars are have always created confusion. Is he just a mythical figure? Or is there any reference to real Dhanvantari who taught Ayurveda to Sushruta? Let’s find out.
Dhanvantari – The God of Ayurveda
But before we delve deep, let’s understand the meaning of the word Dhanvantari:
“Dhanus” denotes the science of surgeries and is only indicative. Thus, Dhanvantari is someone who has seen the end of it.
“Dhanvan” also might mean a desert, according to Rigveda – V.36.1. Thus, Dhanvachara means the one who moves in a desert.
According to the sources, there are references to four “major” Dhanvantars:
1. Dhanvantari – the physician of Devas
When Devas and Asuras churned the ocean for Amrita (Samudra Manthan), Dhanvantari arrived with a jar of the elixir on the day of Dhanteras. It was the same event when Lord Vishnu took a female avatar, Mohini.
Source 1:
The mantra in the Vedas:
Dhanvan iva prapaasi
Meaning: Oh Lord, you are like the place where water is distributed to travelers in a desert.
Many believe that Dhanvantari is the incarnation of Vishnu, who had come with that pot of nectar in his hand in the desert of worldly existence.
Source 2:
In Ramayana (Balakanda, Sarga 45), Dhanvantari is described as a being who emerged from the milky ocean after churning the ocean for 1000 years. He had a water pitcher, known as kamandalu in Sanskrit, with one hand and a staff (danda) in the other hand.
2. Sri Dhanvantari
– the one who was taught Ayurveda by Sun
Source 1:
In Brahmavaivartapurana, Brahma separated Ayurveda from the four Vedas while studying them. He is then said to have given the knowledge of Ayurvedic science to Bhaskara (Sun God). After that, Bhaskara wrote his own version of Ayurveda and taught the same to 16 disciples. Among them, one was Dhanvantari. Each of the 16 disciples wrote their own version of Ayurveda.
3. Kasiraja Divodasa, surnamed Dhanvantari
– an incarnation of divine Dhanvantari and the one who taught Ayurveda to Sushruta
Source 1:
In Srimad Bhagavata Purana, there is a story about Bhagavan Dhanvatari when he revealed Ayurveda to the world. He is worshiped today as the pioneer of medical science in Hindu dharma. There is a shloka in Srimad Bhagavatam, Chapter 17 of Canto 9:
kasyasya kasis tat-putro
rashtro dirghatamah-pita
dhanvantarir dirghatamasa
ayur-veda-pravartakah
yajna-bhug vasudevamsah
smrita-matrarti-nasanah
Meaning:
The son of Kasya was Kasi; his son was Rashtra, who had a son named Dirghatama. Dirghatama had a son named Dhanvantari, the inaugurator of medical science and the incarnation of Vasudeva. When someone remembers the name of Dhanvantari, then s/he shall be released from all disease.
Source 2:
There are references to Kasiraja Divodasa Dhanvantari in the Susrutasmhita, the Agnivesasamhita, the Carakasamhita, the Vishnu Purana and the Harivamsa. Among them, Susrutasmhita talks fully about the contributions of Kasiraja Divodasa Dhanvantari. It says that Susruta was the foremost among the disciple of Kasipati. Acharya Sushruta quotes Kasiraja Divodasa Dhanvantari by saying, “Ayurveda originally formed one of the sub-sections of Arthaveda.”
Source 3:
In Vishnu Purana and Harvamsa, there is a fully credible and consistent genealogical account of Kasiraja Divodasa, telling us to which dynasty he belonged, the royal line founded by Pururavas of the lunar dynasty.
According to Harivasma, Kasiraja is said to be in the line of Anena, who was the descendant of Pururavas. Kasya represents the fifteenth generation from Anena, Dhanvantari represents the third from Kasya and Divodasa represents the third from Dhanvantari.
Thus, Dhanvantari, the Senior, was the great-grandfather of Kasiraja Divodasa Dhanvantari.
He is said to have divided the Ayurveda into eight divisions:
Kayacikitsa (Internal Medicine)
Kaumarabhrtya or Balacikitsa (Paediatrics)
Bhutavidya or Grahacikitsa (Psychiatry)
Salakyatantra (Otto-Rhino-Laryngology & Opthalmology)
Salyatantra (Surgery)
Visatantra (Toxicology)
Rasayanatantra (Geriatrics)
Vajikaranatantra (The therapy for male sterility, impotence, and the promotion of virility)
4. Sri Dhanvantari
– one of the nine jewels that adorned the court of Samrat Vikramaditya
In the court of Samrat Vikramaditya, there is a mention of a Dhanvantari who was one of the nine jewels that adorned the court. He was the author of “Dhanvantarinighantu,” a lexicon on drugs.
There isn’t concrete evidence to prove if Dhanvantari really existed or not. Most evidence shows that he did. But one must respect and praise the outstanding authorities of Ayurveda which has been honor throughout the history of medieval and ancient India in the name of Dhanvantari.
He is the progenitor of Ayurveda, and he stands on the top in the hierarchy of medicine in India.
There is a mantra that is taught in Ayurvedic colleges in India:
Om shankham chakram jalaukam
dadhad amruta ghatam charu dorbhi chaturbhih
Sukshma svacch ati hridyam sukha pari vilasanam
maulim ambhoja netram
Kalam bhodojo valangam kati tata vilasan
charu pitam baradhyam
Vande dhanvantarim tam nikhila gada vanam
praudha davagni leelam
Translated to:
We bow to Lord Dhanvantari, holding a Conch shell, a Wheel, a Leech, and a pot of heavenly nectar in his graceful four hands.
Within whose heart shines the purest and gentle beautiful blaze of light, which surrounds his head and emanates from his lotus eyes.
On the dark water whose body is luminous and gleaming. Waist and thighs are covered in yellow cloth and by whose mere play. All diseases are vanquished as if by a mighty forest fire.
Who is Bhagwan Dhanvantari?
Bhagwan Dhanvantari is regarded as the physician of the Gods. He possesses excellent knowledge of various medicinal plants. He is the originator of Ayurveda. He is considered the incarnation of Lord Vishnu in Hinduism. Vedas regard him as an oasis in the desert of worldly existence.
Lord Dhanvantari compiled the ancient science of medicine (Ayurveda) in the form of:
Shalya Shastra
Shalakya Shastra
Kayachikitsa
Bhutavidya
Rasayana Tantra
Kaumarabhrtya
Vajikarana Tantra
Agada Tantra
According to the Hindu scriptures, Lord Indra deputed Bhagwan Dhanvantari to take the science of Ayurveda to the mortals.
Lord Dhanvantari arose during the “Samudra Manthan” from the Ocean of Milk. Carrying the nectar with himself of immortality (Amrita) when the ocean was being churned by the Devas and Asuras, using the serpent Vasuki and the Mandara Mountains.
This pot of Amrita was snatched by the Asuras and was taken back by Mohini (an avatar of Lord Vishnu).
Hindus believe that the science of Ayurveda is eternal. Lord Vishnu incarnates in the form of Dhanvantari to establish the tradition of Ayurveda in the world to relieve humanity’s sufferings.
So, Lord Dhanvantari is known as the Father of Ayurveda. He is the one who imparted the wisdom of Ayurveda to humans.
Lord Dhanvantari has been portrayed as young and strongly built. His chest is vast, and his complexion bluish-black. He had muscular arms; his eyes were reddish in color, and he was clad in bright yellow.
He wore shining earrings which are made of pearl. His curly hair had been anointed with oil; he is usually depicted with four hands. He holds a pot of Amrita in one of his hands. He also holds a conch, healing herbs, and a chakra (divine weapon of Lord Vishnu).
Asuras snatched the pot of Amrita when he appeared during the Samudra Manthan from the Ocean of Milk. They started quarreling as to who would drink the nectar first.
Lord Vishnu took the form of a beautiful woman (Mohini) and tricked them into recovering the nectar from them.
This nectar was distributed amongst the demigods. When the demigods (Devtas) drank the nectar, they were filled with divine energy and defeated the demons.
Lord Dhanvantari descended into the material world and taught Ayurveda to the human race. It is said that one who remembers the name of “Dhanvantari” is released of all diseases. Lord Dhanvantari is worshipped all over India as the God of Medicine.
Lord Indra pleaded with Bhagwan Dhanvantari to descend into this material world and teach Ayurveda to humankind. Lord Dhanvantari taught Ayurveda to the Rishis and Sages, who became his disciples.
Here, we share with you one of the slokas devoted to the origin of Lord Dhanvantari:
ॐ शंखं चक्रं जलौकां दधदमृतघटं चारुदोर्भिश्चतुर्मिः।
सूक्ष्मस्वच्छातिहृद्यांशुक परिविलसन्मौलिमंभोजनेत्रम॥
Why is Lord Dhanvantari worshiped on Dhanteras?
Dhanteras, which marks the onset of Diwali celebrations in India, is also known as Dhanvantari Trayodashi.
Lord Dhanvantari’s birth anniversary is celebrated on Dhanteras or Dhanvantari Trayodashi. Lord Dhanvantari is the teacher and father of Ayurveda in India.
So, in India, Lord Dhanvantari is worshiped on Dhanteras. People pray to Lord Dhanvantari for good health and physique. His birthday is largely celebrated by the practitioners of Ayurveda on Dhanteras (every year), two days before Diwali.
The Government of India has declared this day National Ayurveda Day.
Lord Dhanvantari emerged during the Samudra Manthan, holding a pot of Amrita and the sacred text of Ayurveda. This episode has been narrated in the Bhagavata Purana and the Vishnu Purana. He is regarded as the Vaidya of the Demigods.
Dhanvantari Mantra
Here we have included some of the most popular Dhanvantari Mantras that will help remove all fears and diseases and promote happiness and prosperity.
These mantras have the power to improve vitality and energy levels in humans. They promote a natural state of well-being. These mantras work on your body, mind, and soul, thereby giving you a healing touch.
The more you chant these mantras, the more their positive and healing effects will be. Diseases of all kinds (physical and mental) can be cured by chanting the following mantras.
The best time to chant these mantras is before and during sunrise. You should take a bath and wear fresh clothes. You should use lotus beads or a crystal rosary to keep the mantra count.
You should chant your chosen Dhanvantari Mantra in multiples of 108. You can increase the count as the days go by. You should donate medicines and food (to the needy and low) to enhance the mantra chanting power.
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So, here are the most popular and powerful Dhanvantari Mantras for you:
ॐ धन्वंतराये नमः॥
ॐ नमो भगवते महासुदर्शनाय वासुदेवाय धन्वंतराये:
अमृतकलश हस्ताय सर्वभय विनाशाय सर्वरोगनिवारणाय
त्रिलोकपथाय त्रिलोकनाथाय श्री महाविष्णुस्वरूप
श्री धन्वंतरी स्वरूप श्री श्री श्री औषधचक्र नारायणाय नमः॥
ॐ नमो भगवते वासुदेवाय धन्वंतरये
अमृतकलश हस्ताय सर्वामयविनाशनाय
त्रिलोक्यनाथाय श्री महाविष्णवे नमः ||
Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya Dhanvantaraye
Amrutha-Kalasa-Hasthaaya Sarvaamaya-Vinaashanaaya
Tri-Lokya-Naathaaya Shri Mahaavishnave Namaha ||
Dhanvantari Gayatri Mantra
“Om Tat Purushaaya Vidmahe Amrita Kalasa Hastaaya Dheemahi Tanno Dhanvantari Prachodayaat.”
Popular Mantra of Lord Dhanvantari
“Namani Dhanwanthary Aadi Devam, Surasura Vanditham Pada Padmam, Loke Jara Rugbhay Mrityu Nashakam, Datharam Eesham Vividhaushadhinam”
So, that’s all in this post on Lord Dhanvantari and Dhanvantari Mantra. We hope that you would have found the post useful. Thanks for reading. Lastly, please share the post across popular social networking sites.