AADAR Blog

Celebrating Ayurveda Day With Dhanteras

by Harsh Shah on Oct 22, 2022

AYURVEDA, DHANTERAS, DHANWANTARI, MAA LAXMI, GOD, GODDESS, GODDESS LAXMI, PUJA, POOJA, AADAR, AYURVEDA, HEALTH, MEDECINES

Dhanteras, also known as Dhanavantri Trayodashi and Dhanatrayodashi, is the first day of Diwali celebrations in India. It occurs on the 13th lunar day (Trayodashi Tithi) of Krishna Paksha, also known as the Dark Fortnight. Dhanteras, like many other religious festivals, is associated with a few popular Hindu mythological anecdotes. Many people devote Dhanteras to the medicine Lord Dhanvantri, while others worship Lord Yamaraj and Goddess Lakshmi. There is three major folklore associated with Dhanteras. Two of the three are associated with the Samudra Manthan, while the third is associated with Lord Yamaraj.

What Does Ayurveda Day Mean?

The All India Institute of Ayurveda (AIIA), which is part of the Ministry of Ayush, launched the Ayurveda Day 2022 program today. This year, AIIA has been designated as the nodal agency for driving the Ministry of Ayush's mandate for Ayurveda Day. The celebration's theme is 'Har Din Har Ghar Ayurveda.'

Why Do We Celebrate Ayurveda Day On the Day Of Dhanteras?

Ayurveda is one of the most ancient systems of medicine which is relevant even in this modern day and age. It takes a holistic approach both for healthy individuals and even those who are suffering from diseases. Lord Dhanvantari is considered to be the divine propagator of Ayurveda and is the one who grants health and wealth to individuals. This is the connection between Dhantesras and Ayurveda.

This is the day when Lord Dhanvantari appeared with amrit in his hands during the Samudra Manthan. As a result, Ayurvedic practitioners refer to this day as Dhanvantari Day or Ayurveda Day. On Dhanteras, the entire nation prays to Goddess Laxmi for wealth and prosperity. This is the day when Goddess Laxmi emerged from the ocean of milk carrying a pot of gold, but few know that Lord Dhanvantari also emerged carrying an elixir pot during the process.

Significance Of Lord Dhanvantari's Worship Of Dhanteras?

Hindus believe that Goddess Lakshmi, also known as the Goddess of Wealth, visits the house with Lord Dhanvantari to bring wealth, and increase income opportunities, business prospects, and prosperity. Gold and other precious metals are thought to be auspicious and bringers of good fortune and prosperity.

Also, another story says, the origins of Ayurveda are essentially linked to Dhanwantari, who is revered as the God of Hindu Medicine. Dhanwantari is a mythical deity who was born at the end of the milk ocean churning with ambrosia in one hand and Ayurveda in the other. He was reincarnated in the Chandra Dynasty. He was born to King Dhanwa and studied Ayurveda under Bharadwaja. His great-grandson Divodasa was also known as Dhanwantari, but he only practiced Ayurvedic surgery. Divodasa Dhanwantara is said to have taught Sushruta the science of surgery.

Ayurvedic Medicine Day

Every year on Dhanteras, the birth anniversary of Lord Dhanwantri, National Ayurveda Day is observed. Lord Dhanwantari is considered to be the Hindu God of Medicine and an avatar of Lord Vishnu. Since 2016, the Ministry of AYUSH has celebrated Ayurveda Day on the occasion of Dhanwantari Jayanti (Dhanteras). On this occasion, the nation received two future-ready Ayurvedic institutions. 

The first is the Institute of Teaching and Research in Ayurveda (ITRA) in Jamnagar, and the second is the National Institute of Ayurveda (NIA) in Jaipur. An Act of Parliament designated the Institute of Teaching and Research in Ayurveda (ITRA) in Jamnagar as an Institution of National Importance, and the University Grants Commission designated the National Institute of Ayurveda (NIA) in Jaipur as an Institution Deemed to be University.

National Ayurveda Day Objectives

The celebration of National Ayurveda Day is an initiative to further mainstream Ayurveda. Its motivations also include a focus on Ayurveda's strengths for human well-being and its unique treatment principle. Ayurveda also reduces disease burden, morbidity, and mortality. This study also looks into the potential of Ayurveda to contribute to national health policies and programs. This also aims to raise awareness among the general public and promote Ayurvedic healing principles in society for the well-being of all living creatures.

On the occasion of Dhanteras, the entire nation worships Goddess Laxmi for wealth and prosperity. Indian mythology speaks of this day as the day when Goddess Laxmi emerged from the ocean of milk carrying a pot of gold, but very few know that Lord Dhanvantari had also emerged carrying the pot of elixir during the process.

Ayurveda is one of the most ancient systems of medicine, and it is still relevant today. It takes a holistic approach for both healthy people and those suffering from diseases. Lord Dhanvantari is revered as the divine propagator of Ayurveda, bestowing health and wealth on individuals. This is how Dhantesras and Ayurveda are linked.

“Health Is Wealth" is more than just an Indian proverb. The appearance of Goddess Laxmi and Lord Dhanvantri on the same day is not a coincidence; it represents our culture's deep connection between health and wealth. So, in addition to investing in new properties and assets, invest in your health and well-being. 

Observe Dhanteras as a day to make good choices and stay healthy, because the greatest wealth you can enjoy is good health.

God Dhanvantri was the first to impart Ayurvedic wisdom for the benefit of mankind. He taught Vedic knowledge on all levels, including diet and herbs, as well as pranayama, mantra, and meditation. Dhanwantri is the ideal doctor, embodying ayurvedic wisdom and its practical application. By honoring Dhanvantari and his Ayurvedic learnings, one can gain access to Ayurveda's healing power.

Dhanteras is about inner renewal as well as outer prosperity. On Dhanteras, let us all pray to God Dhanwantri for good health for ourselves and our families. May Dhanvantari, the universal healer, bring you happiness and well-being! AADAR Family wishes you and your dear ones a very Happy Dhanteras and Happy National Ayurveda Day !!

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