In ancient Hinduism Dhanvantari ( an incarnation of Lord Vishnu) is considered to be the father of medicine. Ayurvedic practitioners worship this day as Danvantri Jayanti. This is the day of celebration of appearance of lord Dhanvantri. It is celebrated two days before Diwali. Diwlai is Five days celebration and thus the very first day of five days is known as Dhanteras or Dhanvantri Jayanti.
Dhanvantari Bhagavan is worshiped for Good Health and Long life.
Lord Dhanvantri first appeared during the great churning of the ocean ( Samudra Manthan), to deliver Amrut ( Divine nectar) to the Gods. The churning of the ocean of milk is a very famous episode in vedic literature 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.
Lord Dhanvantari, who appeared with holding a conch shell, a disc of energy, a leech, and a pot of celestial ambrosia. In whose heart shines a subtle, clear, gentle, and pleasing blaze of light that also shines around his head and lotus eyes.
On the dark blue water his body is luminous, splendid, and shining. His waist and thighs are abounding in bright yellow clothes. Who, by his mere play, destroys all disease like a mighty forest fire.
Dhanvantri Mantra
By chanting this mantra we can get healed from most of the severe health issues and lead a peaceful and happy life. A perfectly healthy life is the true wealth.
Obeisances unto the supreme Bhagwan known as Sudarshan Vasudev Dhanvantri, the holder of the Kalasha full of nectar of immortality, who removes all fears, who removes all diseases, the well wisher of the three worlds, and sustainer of the three worlds, He is Vishnu swaroop, by the name Dhanvantri empowered to heal the Jiva souls.
I bow and humbly request Lord Dhanwantari, who is the embodiment of perfect health — respected by great seers and evil people — to remove old age, disease, fear and death through His divine presence in all natural herbal medicines.
