Dhanvantari Homam

Lord Dhanavantari is considered as an avatara of Lord Vishnu. He emerged from the ocean of milk while the devas and asuras were churning for acquiring amrit or nectar. He is known as the physician of the Gods.

As per Charaka Samhita, Ayurveda is an eternal knowledge and is revealed to the humanity in each yuga. Whenever there is requirement, Lord Vishnu incarnates as Lord Dhanvantari.

There is story wherein Lord Dhanvantari is born in the royal household of the King of Kashi.

King Dirghatamas of Benares or Kashi once worshipped and prayed to Lord Dhanavantari. He pleaded him to be born as his son. Lord Dhanvantari was born as the son of King of Kashi. As a young boy he was disciplined and performed several yagyas and austerities. He had several disciples to whom he taught Ayurvedic principles. He had Aurabha, Vaitarana, Pauskalavata and Susruta as his disciples. All his teachings were recorded in Agni Purana.

It should be noted that Ayurvedic principles have never changed since thousands of years as they are derived from the universal laws of nature.

Scriptures mention that whoever remembers the name of Dhanvantari will be released from all diseases. Even today, Lord Dhanvantari is remembered and worshipped by people all over India as the Lord of Medicine. Special pooja is performed two days before Diwali in his honour. Onthat day during dusk, a lamp is lit which faces north at the doorstep of the house and Lord Dhanvantari is welcomed. On his name the day is known as Dhanteras or Dhanatrayodashi.

In olden times outstanding personnel in the field of Ayurveda were honoured with the title Dhanvantari.

The first Dhanvantari, the avatara of Vishnu is known as Adi-Dhanvantari.