On Dhanteras, devotees worship Lord Dhanvantari, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu and renowned as the divine healer and physician of the gods. Acknowledged as the father of Ayurveda, he symbolizes the conveyance of Ayurvedic knowledge to humankind. Lord Dhanvantari is often depicted as Lord Vishnu with four hands carrying the Amrit Kalash (Divine Nectar), Shankh, Chakra, Medicinal Herbs, and an Ayurveda book.
Ayurvedic practitioners commemorate his birthday every Dhanteras, two days before Diwali, which is also celebrated as the National Ayurveda Day in India.
History and Mythology of Lord Dhanvantari
Dhanteras, also known as Dhantrayodashi, is celebrated throughout India as a festival of wealth and abundance. It falls on the 13th lunar day in the Krishna Paksha of the Kartik month in the Vikram Samvat according to the Hindu calendar. The festival is associated with ‘Dhan,’ signifying wealth, and Dhanvantari.
Gods of Ayurveda and wealth, Lord Dhanvantari, and Goddess Lakshmi are revered for their knowledge of herbs and their role in promoting wellness. According to mythological stories, during the churning of the ocean (Samudra Manthan) to obtain the elixir of life (Amrit), Lord Dhanvantari and Goddess Lakshmi emerged on Dhanteras, carrying the jar of elixir.
Respect is also extended to Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Kuber on this day. Gold and other precious metals play a crucial role in this festival, with people buying gold in the belief that it brings good fortune for the entire year.
Dhanvantari is revered as the founder and father of Ayurveda, yoga, naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, and homeopathy, and Dhanteras is celebrated as National Ayurveda Day.
Dhanteras Story According to Hindu Tradition
According to ancient Hindu scriptures, during the churning of the ocean to obtain Amrit (the divine elixir of life), Lord Vishnu appeared in various forms to assist in preventing the elixir from disappearing. Lord Dhanvantari, carrying the elixir vessel (Amrit Kalash), emerged with a broad chest, bluish-black complexion, powerful arms, curly hair, and red eyes, and moved like a lion. He held a conch, leeches, medicinal herbs, a chakra, and a long pot of ambrosia.
Dhanteras Puja Vidhi and Mantra
Dhanteras is celebrated two days before Diwali, marking the worship of Lord Dhanvantari, Goddess Lakshmi, Lord Ganesha, and Lord Kuber. In various regions across India, Dhanteras signifies the commencement of Diwali.
It is celebrated on Trayodashi Tithi, Krishna Paksha, in the month of Kartik.
Dhanteras Puja Vidhi:
You may choose temple in your home or an altar for performing the puja, using the wooden chowki and covering it with red cloth. Spread some rice on the right of the chowki, light an oil/ghee lamp, and place it on the rice.
And then do Dhayan, spread some rice on the surface of God Lakshmi and Lord Ganesha. The layer of rice at the bottom is treated as Asana. Begin the puja by praying your tribute to Lord Ganesha, if you have the idol of Lord Kuber or Lord Dhanvantari you can place them on the chowki after spreading some rice. If u don’t have idols of Lord Kuber and Lord Dhanvantari then you use two whole suparies cover them entirely with kalava and place them in chowki.
And then invoke the deities by chanting Mantras to dedicate each of them.
Mantras Devotees Chant:
- “Om Gan Ganpataye Namah”
- “Om tat purushaaya vidmahae Amritha kalasa hastaaya dheemahi Tanno Dhanvantrih prachodayaat”
Significance of Worshiping Lord Dhanvantari on Dhanteras
Dhanvantari Lord Homam draws the favor of the godhead Dhanvantari, attracting positive energy to the devotees. The Homam involves lighting the fire khund, drawing favorable blessings and aura from Lord Dhanvantari. Devotees perform rituals, recite mantras, and make devotional offerings during the Homam, seeking strength and fortitude to withstand challenges and achieve significant life milestones. The Homam is believed to treat fatal health conditions, fortify health, and invoke wealth and good health.
Conclusion
On Dhanteras, the worship of Lord Dhanvantari is a prayer for success, prosperity, and good health. The day is also celebrated as India’s National Ayurveda Day. Lord Dhanvantari’s blessings are sought for good health, reversing health concerns, and developing strength, energy, vitality, immunity, and longevity.
