Honouring Lord Dhanvantari: The Spiritual Roots of Ayurveda

The great Lord Dhanvantari himself appeared as part of Lord Narayana during Samudra Manthan. Disciple of Garudji and disciple of Lord Shankar, he is the master of all Vedas and the master of Mantra-Tantra.⁣

 

Lord Dhanvantari is an Avatar of Maha Vishnu, and he holds a significant place in the Vedas and Puranas as the divine physician of the Gods and the God of Ayurveda. Dhanvantari Jayanti celebrated on the 13th lunar day of the darker side (Krishnapaksham) in the Aswini Month (typically in October or November), is a joyous occasion that commemorates the birth of Lord Dhanvantari. It is believed that on this auspicious day, Lord Dhanvantari emerged from the ocean of milk (palazhy) with the Amrita Kalasha (pot of nectar), symbolizing the origin of Ayurveda and its healing powers.

It is a time of great joy and enthusiasm for devotees who come together to honour Lord Dhanvantari and the wisdom of Ayurveda. The celebration of Dhanvantari Jayanti is a reflection of the deep reverence and appreciation for the healing powers that Ayurveda offers.

 

Ayurveda, often referred to as the "science of life," is an ancient system of holistic healing that has been practiced in India for thousands of years. It focuses on the balance of body, mind, and spirit to maintain good health and treat diseases. Lord Dhanvantari's association with Ayurveda is not merely symbolic; it underlines the deep-rooted connection between spirituality and the art of healing.

 

In Ayurveda, Dhanvantari is considered the ultimate source of knowledge and wisdom in the field of medicine. He is the embodiment of the healing knowledge contained in ancient texts like Charaka Samhita and Sushruta Samhita. Ayurveda practitioners and scholars honor Lord Dhanvantari as the divine guide who imparted the knowledge of Ayurveda to sages and Rishis, enabling the development of this comprehensive system of medicine.

 

Dhanvantari's birth anniversary was declared National Ayurveda Day by the Government of India, Ministry of AYUSH in 2016. This year's theme is Ayurveda for One Health. Ayurveda Din aims to raise awareness about the benefits of Ayurveda and its potential in modern healthcare. It also encourages research and development in the field, promotes traditional medicinal practices, and fosters the integration of Ayurveda into mainstream healthcare systems. As people continue to seek holistic and natural approaches to health and wellness, the legacy of Dhanvantari and the wisdom of Ayurveda remain as relevant and valuable as ever.

 

As the importance of Ayurveda continues to grow globally, Dhanvantari Jayanti serves as a reminder of the rich heritage of this ancient science and its relevance in the modern world. The celebration not only honors Lord Dhanvantari but also pays tribute to the Ayurveda practitioners and scholars who have preserved and advanced this profound knowledge over the centuries.