Why dhanvatari is called god of ayurveda and what are benfits of worshiping Dhanvantari?
Dhanvantari, revered as the god of Ayurveda, holds a significant place in Hindu mythology. He is considered the divine physician and the originator of Ayurvedic medicine. Here are some interesting stories and information about Dhanvantari:
1. Birth from the Ocean of Milk
One of the most famous stories involving Dhanvantari is his emergence during the churning of the Ocean of Milk (Samudra Manthan). The Devas (gods) and Asuras (demons) churned the ocean to obtain Amrita, the nectar of immortality. Dhanvantari emerged from the ocean holding a pot of Amrita in one hand and the scriptures of Ayurveda in the other. His appearance symbolized the divine origins of healing and the importance of health and longevity in life.
2. Iconography and Symbolism
Dhanvantari is often depicted as a handsome, four-armed deity, holding a pot of Amrita, a leech, a discus (Sudarshana Chakra), and a conch (Shankha). The pot of Amrita represents the nectar of immortality and healing, while the leech symbolizes traditional Ayurvedic practices like bloodletting, which were used in ancient times to balance the body’s doshas (life forces).
3. Dhanvantari Jayanti
Dhanvantari Jayanti is celebrated two days before Diwali, on the thirteenth day of the dark fortnight in the month of Kartik. This day is considered auspicious for beginning new health-related initiatives, like starting a new course of treatment, undergoing surgery, or practicing Ayurvedic rituals. Devotees worship Dhanvantari to seek his blessings for good health and well-being.
4. Dhanvantari as a Historical Figure
While Dhanvantari is primarily known as a deity, some scholars and traditional texts suggest that he may have also been a historical figure. It is believed that he was a sage who lived during the Vedic period and made significant contributions to the field of medicine. Some texts even describe him as the first physician and a pioneer of Ayurveda, passing down his knowledge to disciples who further developed the practice.
5. The Eight Branches of Ayurveda
Dhanvantari is credited with establishing the foundation of Ayurveda, which is traditionally divided into eight branches, known as Ashtanga Ayurveda. These branches cover various aspects of medicine, including internal medicine (Kaya Chikitsa), surgery (Shalya Tantra), treatment of head and neck diseases (Shalakya Tantra), toxicology (Agada Tantra), pediatrics (Kaumarabhritya), rejuvenation therapy (Rasayana), aphrodisiac therapy (Vajikarana), and psychiatry (Bhuta Vidya).
6. Dhanvantari's Incarnation as a King
In some texts, Dhanvantari is said to have incarnated as the king of Kashi (modern-day Varanasi), known as Divodasa. As King Divodasa, he propagated the knowledge of Ayurveda among his subjects, teaching them how to live healthy lives through proper diet, lifestyle, and herbal remedies. This incarnation highlights his role as a teacher and spreader of the healing arts.
7. Dhanvantari's Role in Ayurveda Today
Dhanvantari's influence is still felt in Ayurveda today. He is worshipped by Ayurvedic practitioners, and his teachings form the basis of many Ayurvedic practices. Temples dedicated to Dhanvantari can be found in various parts of India, especially in Kerala, where Ayurveda is an integral part of the culture.
Dhanvantari is not only a symbol of health and longevity but also embodies the deep spiritual connection between the body, mind, and spirit in the practice of Ayurveda.
Benefits of Dhanvantari worship?
**1. Health and Well-being
- Healing from Illnesses: Dhanvantari is revered as the god of medicine. Worshiping him is believed to promote healing from physical and mental ailments. Devotees often seek his blessings to recover from chronic diseases and maintain good health.
- Preventive Health: Regular worship is thought to protect devotees from potential illnesses, strengthen the immune system, and maintain overall well-being.
**2. Spiritual and Mental Peace
- Calm and Clarity: Worshiping Dhanvantari can bring mental peace, reduce anxiety, and foster a calm state of mind. This mental clarity can help devotees make better decisions regarding their health and lifestyle.
- Spiritual Growth: Since Dhanvantari is an incarnation of Lord Vishnu, worshiping him can aid in spiritual growth, helping devotees to connect more deeply with their inner self and the divine.
**3. Prosperity and Longevity
- Longevity: Dhanvantari is often associated with the nectar of immortality (Amrita). Worshiping him is believed to grant a long and healthy life, free from suffering and disease.
- Prosperity: Good health is often linked to prosperity, as it enables one to work and achieve goals. Worshiping Dhanvantari is believed to bring not only physical health but also the prosperity that comes with being able to live a full and active life.
**4. Success in Medical and Healing Professions
- For Healers and Practitioners: Those in the medical, pharmaceutical, and Ayurvedic fields often worship Dhanvantari to seek his blessings for success in their practice. It is believed that his blessings can enhance the effectiveness of their treatments and bring better results for their patients.
- Skill Enhancement: Worshiping Dhanvantari can also help practitioners in these fields to improve their skills, gain deeper knowledge, and perform their duties with greater compassion and effectiveness.
**5. Protection from Negative Energies
- Shield from Illnesses: Dhanvantari worship is believed to protect devotees from negative influences, including the spread of diseases, epidemics, and other harmful forces that can impact health.
- Spiritual Protection: It is also thought to guard against negative energies that can affect one’s mental and spiritual well-being, promoting a positive and harmonious environment.
**6. Purification and Detoxification
- Physical Detoxification: Worshipers believe that Dhanvantari can help cleanse the body of toxins and impurities, promoting better digestion, metabolism, and overall physical health.
- Mental and Spiritual Cleansing: On a deeper level, Dhanvantari worship is also seen as a way to cleanse the mind of negative thoughts and emotions, fostering purity, positivity, and spiritual clarity.
**7. Enhanced Life Force (Prana)
- Vitality: Worshiping Dhanvantari is believed to increase the flow of prana (life force) within the body, which can lead to increased vitality, energy, and enthusiasm for life.
- Balance of Doshas: In Ayurveda, health is achieved by balancing the body’s doshas (Vata, Pitta, and Kapha). Dhanvantari worship is believed to help maintain this balance, leading to better health and well-being.
**8. Support in Times of Crisis
- Recovery from Serious Illnesses: Devotees often turn to Dhanvantari in times of health crises, such as serious illnesses or medical emergencies, seeking his divine intervention for recovery and relief.
- Comfort in Suffering: Worshiping Dhanvantari can provide comfort and solace to those suffering from chronic conditions, helping them cope with pain and discomfort.
Mantra:
ॐ नमो भगवते वासुदेवाय धन्वन्तरये अमृत-कलश हस्ताय सर्व-अमय विनाशाय त्रैलोक्य नाथाय धन्वन्तरि महाविष्णवे नमः।
I bow down to Lord Vasudeva, in the form of Dhanvantari, who holds the pot of nectar in his hands, the destroyer of all diseases, the Lord of the three worlds. I offer my salutations to Dhanvantari, the great form of Maha Vishnu."