Dhanvantri is the Divine physician and the Archetype of Medicine. He is regarded as an incarnation of Vishnu, the Supreme God of Protection and Sustenance, who emerged from the Ocean of Milk carrying Amrit, the Divine Nectar. Dhanvantri is also hailed as the father of Ayurveda, the ancient system of medicine.
Dhanvantri Pooja is the ceremonial worship dedicated to Lord Dhanvantri, usually performed in Dhanvantri Temples, shrines, or other holy places, with the chanting of Dhanvantri Mantra.
According to legends, once, Devas, the celestials, and Asuras, the demons, churned the Cosmic Ocean of Milk to obtain the Divine nectar, which can grant immortality. Many unique and precious objects, which included Kamadhenu, the wish-fulfilling cow; Airavata, the white elephant; Uchhaisrava, the white horse; Kalpavriksha, the desire-granting tree, and Lakshmi, the Supreme Goddess of Wealth came out of the vast ocean. And at last emerged Dhanvantri, carrying a pot of nectar, the elixir of life.
It is said that Dhanvantri was an aspect of Vishnu himself or was deputed by him to protect humankind from disease and suffering. Dhanvantri brought the knowledge of Ayurveda, the field of medicine that developed based on the secret healing elements in nature, to the world.
Scriptures portray Dhanvantri as a Divine being, handsome and brilliant. He is generally depicted as a Vishnu aspect, carrying the conch and discus in two of his four arms. In one of the other hands, he holds a well-decorated pitcher containing the highly precious Amrut, the immortality-bestowing nectar, while there is a Jaluka, the leech, in the other; this blood-sucking insect is widely believed to have played a crucial part in the ancient systems of medical treatment. There are also images of Dhanvantri carrying palm-leaf manuscripts or a book denoting the Ayurvedic system of medicine.
Expert priests with long experience performing ceremonial worship do Dhanvantri Pooja in Dhanvantri Temples or in places considered suitable for such worship, observing all the Sacred procedures specified in holy texts and chanting powerful Dhanvantri Mantras.
While priests, astrologers, or Gurus decide the suitable timing for this Pooja, performing it on Ekadashi thithi, the 11th phase of the Moon, or in the Mercury or Jupiter Horas is considered particularly auspicious.
Devotees looking for a cure for any disease or relief from ill health, those seeking good health and longevity, or those praying for any surgery or treatment to succeed and the restoration of normal health can perform this worship for beneficial results.
Dhanvantri Pooja performed in Dhanvantri Temples or other holy spots, with the reciting of Dhanvantri Mantras, can earn his benevolent grace and heal incurable diseases and relieve pain, protect against untimely death, bless with robust health and long life, help in finding the best physician for your health problems and the best healthy diet for you, and channel positive vibrations around you for healthy growth of body and mind.
