Dhanvantari 13th Vishnu Avatar

DHANVANTARI

Salutations to him, Lord Dhanvantari, who is 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.

Om Dhanvantaraye Namah

Lord Dhanvantari is known as the father of Ayurveda, since he was the first divine incarnation to impart its wisdom amongst humans. He first appeared during the great churning of the cosmic ocean of milk (Samudra manthan) to deliver amrit (ambrosia, or Divine nectar) to the demigods.

Lord Dhanvantari is young and strongly built, his chest was very broad and his complexion bluish black.

He has strong arms, reddish eyes, and moved like a lion.

He is clad in bright yellow, his curly hair was anointed with oil and he wore shining earrings made of pearl.

As he emerged, he was holding a conch, leeches, healing herbs, a chakra (one of the divine weapons of Lord Vishnu’s), and the long sought pot of ambrosia, for which he is also called Sudha Pani (“carrying nectar”).

King Dirghatamas of Kashi (Benares) was performing severe austerities and offering them to Lord Dhanvantari in the hopes that he would be pleased with them and grant him a son. The Lord appeared and offered a boon to the king, so Dirghatamas asked Lord Dhanvantari to be born as his own son. The Lord replied that he would.

Soon after, Lord Dhanvantari was born in the royal household of Kashi and eventually became the king. Even as a young boy he had ascetic tendencies, was extremely disciplined and performed severe austerities. He taught Ayurveda orally to the sages and rishis (seers) who became his disciples. His teachings are recorded in the Agni Purana, as well as through the teachings of his disciples Susruta, Pauskalavata, Aurabha, Vaitarana, and others.

“One who remembers the name of Dhanvantari can be released from all disease.”