Who was Dhanvantari God of Ayurveda?

In the history of ancient Indian medicine, there is a name who is not just a doctor, but a symbol of divinity; he is Dhanvantari, who is known as the God of Ayurveda. The one who was born with the ideal of freedom from diseases, longevity, and a healthy life for mankind, is still remembered with respect. Dhanvantari is called the father of Ayurveda, because it was through his hands that the Indian medical world got its scientific and spiritual foundation.

Birth and Mythology of Dhanvantari

According to mythology, the one who came up with the pitcher of nectar during the churning of the ocean was Dhanvantari. At that time, the gods and demons were churning the ocean together and trying to obtain nectar. At that moment, a radiant god appeared with the pitcher of nectar in his hand; he was Dhanvantari, i.e., the God of Ayurveda. In his hand was “Amrita,” a symbol of life-saving medicine, which is a reflection of the core philosophy of Ayurveda today.

This story is not just mythological; it contains a deep truth. Amrita means not only immortality, but also a symbol of health and harmonious life. And the pioneer of the science of that harmony was the God of Ayurveda, Dhanvantari.

The founder of Ayurveda

The word Ayurveda means, ‘Ayu’ means life, and ‘Veda’ means knowledge. That is, the knowledge of life. Dhanvantari is believed to have collected this knowledge from the gods and disseminated it to the human world. He was the first to teach people how to prevent disease by maintaining a balance between nature and the body.

Dhanvantari said that true health is possible only if there is a proper balance between these four: body, mind, soul, and environment. This balance is the main foundation of today’s holistic health concept, which is a continuation of the teachings of the God of Ayurveda.

Dhanvantari and the development of medicine

Dhanvantari is called the first “medical guru”. Many medical texts have been compiled in his name. It is said that he wrote a great book called ‘Dhanvantari Samhita’, in which all the rules of physiology, herbal medicine, surgery, diagnosis, and health care were written.

One of his disciples, Sushruta, later wrote “Sushruta Samhita”, which is one of the ancient foundations of modern surgery. In other words, Dhanvantari is not only the father of Ayurveda, but he is also recognized as the first guru of modern medicine. That is why he is called the God of Ayurveda—the god of health, medicine, and life.

Dhanvantari’s philosophical perspective

Dhanvantari believed that three main forces or doshas (Doshas) work in every human body—Vata, Pitta, and Kapha. When these three are out of balance, disease occurs in the body. Therefore, the goal of Ayurvedic treatment is to restore harmony between these doshas.

He gave utmost importance to nature-based medicine. He advised treating the body with all these natural ingredients – leaves, roots, fruits, spices, milk, and honey. Today’s concepts of “Natural Healing” or “Holistic Therapy” are actually just a revival of the philosophy of the God of Ayurveda.

Worship of Dhanvantari and Dhanvantari Trayodashi

The day before Diwali, Dhanvantari Trayodashi is celebrated – the day when people pay homage to Dhanvantari. On this day, many people worship medicines, herbs, and Ayurvedic materials, because they believe that the God of Ayurveda blesses them with good health and longevity.

Idols of Dhanvantari are installed in many medical institutions, hospitals, and Ayurveda colleges in India. Doctors believe that it is with his blessings that they can save the lives of patients.

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Relevance of Dhanvantari in the modern era

When the world is in the era of chemicals and side effects, then Dhanvantari’s thoughts are even more relevant. His philosophy says, “Treatment is not just medicine, lifestyle is medicine.” He teaches us that proper diet, sleep, peace of mind, and connection with nature—these four are the key to a healthy life.

Along with modern medical science, people around the world are turning to Ayurveda again today, because this ancient knowledge of Dhanvantari is showing a new direction in today’s stressful, polluted, and irregular life.

This proves that the teachings of the God of Ayurveda never get old.

Dhanvantari is not just a mythological god; he is a teacher of life, an ambassador of health and harmony. His Ayurvedic philosophy has taught people how to stay healthy and happy in harmony with nature.

Even today, his ideals are the guiding principles in any field of medicine, yoga, meditation, or natural healing.

His words still resonate today—

“A healthy body, a peaceful mind, and a virtuous life are the true nectar.”

This is why Dhanvantari is forever known as the God of Ayurveda, the supreme symbol of life and well-being for humans.