In the vast cosmos of Hindu mythology, a figure emerges, draped in the tapestry of divinity and healing—Dhanvantari. As the physician of the devas and an avatar of Vishnu, his tale weaves through ancient scriptures, bringing forth the essence of Ayurveda and the pursuit of eternal wisdom.
Picture the cosmic churn, where the Ocean of Milk undulates with celestial energies. Dhanvantari gracefully emerges with the pot of amrita—the elixir of immortality. His four hands carry symbols resonating with divine energy: the shankha, chakra, leech, and the sacred pot. Born before the Kalash, he’s enveloped in a halo of glory, hence named Abja/ lotus.
In the grand narrative of churning oceans, Dhanvantari becomes the harbinger of Ayurveda. The pursuit of the nectar of immortality, thwarted by asuras (demons), witnesses a twist. Vishnu’s Mohini avatar (the Hindu goddess of enchantment) steps in, distributes the amrita to the devas (God) and deprives asuras allowing the devas to defeat the latter. Yet, it is Dhanvantari who imparts the practice of Ayurveda to make humanity. His legacy extends to the Dhanvantari-Nighantu, one of the oldest Ayurvedic books.
Now, let’s jump ahead to the second Dvapara Yuga. The King of Kashi, Dirghatapas, wishes for a son, and Dhanvantari agrees to be born as that desired child. In this new form, Dhanvantari becomes a great king, known for his vast knowledge and ability to heal. Guided by sage Bharadvaja, he sorts his medical knowledge into eight categories, passing on this valuable wisdom to a diverse group of followers.
As Dhanvantari and his followers journey to Kailasha, they face a dangerous challenge from a venomous serpent named Takshaka. A pupil plucks a diamond from the serpent’s head, setting off a series of events. The serpent-king Vasuki gathers other serpents to attack them. Using his deep knowledge, Dhanvantari creates medicine from vanaspati, healing his followers and making the serpents powerless.
In a twist, the story introduces Manasa, a serpent goddess. There’s a confrontation, but Dhanvantari, skilled in Vishvavidya, restores his followers once more. Manasa, unable to defeat him, uses her trishula. Shiva and Brahma step in, bringing peace and guiding everyone on their respective paths.
Transitioning from myth to reality, temples dedicated to Dhanvantari dot the Indian landscape. In Maharashtra, the Dhanvantari temple at Dapoli, owned by the Dongare family, beckons devotees seeking the divine healer’s blessings.
Dhanvantari is honoured in the southern parts of India, especially in Kerala and Tamil Nadu. In Kerala, the Thottuva Dhanwanthari temple has an impressive six-foot-tall idol. In Tamil Nadu, at the Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple in Srirangam, there’s a shrine highlighting the ancient roots of Dhanvantari worship.
Dhanvantari’s influence extends beyond India, reaching places like Kathmandu in Nepal. There, a temple in the shikar style, near the Pashupatinath temple, stands as proof of his impact. People in Kathmandu seek his blessings, particularly for good health, especially on Dhanteras. Back in India, National Ayurveda Day is an annual celebration that honours and celebrates his enduring legacy.
Dhanvantari, the timeless healer, inspires those seeking health, knowledge, and spiritual well-being. His stories echo in temples and traditions, embodying Ayurveda and the pursuit of wisdom. As we explore this journey through mythology and healing, may Dhanvantari’s legacy guide and shine the light for generations.
