Lord Dhanvantari: Birth Anniversary of the God of Medicine

Lord Dhanvantri: The Lord Dhanvantri is the divine physician, also known as the doctor of the gods. He is said to be a manifestation of Lord Vishnu, the God of protection and nourishment. Since it is believed that he is the one who brought us the ancient medical system known as Ayurveda, he is respectfully recognized as the father of Ayurveda. According to legend, he was created to save the celestial creatures while the cosmic ocean of milk was churning.
Lord Dhanvantri is regarded as an a divine personality in Hindu scriptures.

Lord Dhaanvantri has four hands, one hand holding a gorgeously decorated jug that contains the precious Amrut (nectar). He is holding a few herbs that are believed to have played a significant role in traditional medical procedures. Some depictions show him holding a scriptural book, while others show him as Lord Vishnu himself, wielding his customary discus and conch.

When is Dhantvantri Jayanti?

On the day of Dhanteras, people celebrate Dhanvantari Jayanti. Every year, two days before the celebration of lights, Diwali, Dhanteras is celebrated with utmost devotion and dedication. To celebrate Lord Dhanvantari Jayanti, devotees offer prayers for health and happiness in life, light a diya (light) dedicated to Lord Dhanvantri facing northeast and on the same day Yama Deepam is also celebrated . The scriptures state that anyone who prays to Lord Dhanvantari will be healed of all illnesses. In India, Lord Dhanvantari is revered as the God of Medicine.

How did Lord Dhanvantri appeared during Samudra Manthan?

As per Hindu Scriptures, Lord Dhanvantari is the universe's and the gods' healer and known as God of medicine or God of Ayurveda. In order to obtain Amrit, the celestial nectar that grants immortality, the Demons and Deities once churned the ocean together. Consequently, the Devatas and Asuras joined together teamed up to stir the sea. The churning pole was mount Madara, and the churning rope was the hundred-headed serpent Vasuki. Lord Vishnu took the shape of a tortoise (Kacchap Avtar) while carrying the Madara Mountain on his back. Deities and Demons pulled the serpent, winding it around the mountain and splashing the ocean.

The wish-fulfilling cow Kamadhenu appeared out of the sea one day. They were excited when they saw it and started stirring the sea even more vigorously. Numerous celestial beings and objects, including Ucchaisrava (the white horse), Airavata (the white elephant), Kaustubhamani (a rare diamond), Kalpavriksha (the tree that grants wishes), and Shri Laxmi (the Goddess of Wealth), were born one by one from the ocean. After being worshipped by all the gods, demigods, asuras, and other participants, she was eventually joined by her husband, Lord Vishnu.

Lord Dhanvantari finally appeared from the ocean. He was young and had a strong body type. He had a wide chest and a bluish-black complexion. He had red eyes, strong arms, and moved like a lion. He was holding the nectar in his hand and was dressed in bright yellow.

After snatching the pot, the Asuras started fighting over who would consume the amrit first after the fight. As a result, Lord Vishnu materialized as the beautiful woman Mohini, who enchanted the Asuras and brought Amrit back. All the gods and Devatas received Amrit from Lord Vishnu. Despite their agonizing combat, the Asuras lost to the Devas.
Lord Vishnu told the Devas that Lord Dhanvantari would return to the planet to teach humanity Ayurvedic wisdom. Once more, Lord Dhanvantari entered the world.

King Dirghatamas of Kashi (Banaras) worshiped to the god and conducted puja. Dirghatamas asked that Lord Dhanvantari be born as his own son after the Lord appeared and gave the monarch a boon. His wish was granted by the Lord. Born into Kashi's royal dynasty, Lord Dhanvantari went on to become king. Even as a small child, he exhibited ascetic tendencies, was extremely disciplined, and practiced tremendous austerities. He taught Ayurveda to the rishis and sages who became his followers. His teachings are recorded in the Agni Purana together with those of his followers Susruta, Pauskalavata, Aurabha, Vaitarana, and others.

Lord Dhanvantri Mantra

1. Om Shree Dhanvantre Namaha..!!2. Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaaya, Dhanvantaraye Amrita- Kalasha Hastaaya, Sarva-Amaya Vinashaaya Trailokya Naathaya Dhanvantri Maha-Vishnave Namaha..!!3. Om Namo Dhanvantaraye, Amrita Kalasha Hastaya, Sarva Bhaya Vinashanaya Trailokya Nathaya, Shri Maha Vishnave Namaha..!!