In the Hindu faith, few figures are as revered for their role in healing and prosperity as Lord Dhanvantari, the divine physician of the gods and the father of Ayurveda.
His name and legend forms the basis of Dhanteras, a festival that marks the start of Diwali. Celebrated for its significance in health, wealth, and well-being, Dhanteras offers a moment for reflection on how prosperity is intrinsically linked to physical and spiritual wellness.
The Divine Emergence of Lord Dhanvantari
According to ancient scriptures, the gods (Devas) and demons (Asuras) churned the cosmic ocean in a legendary event known as Samudra Manthan, from which Lord Dhanvantari emerged in their search for amrita, the nectar of immortality.
Lord Dhanvantari appeared with a pot of amrita in one hand and a sacred medicinal herb in the other, symbolizing both life’s longevity and the wisdom of healing.
His arrival wasn’t just a boon for the gods but a profound blessing for all living beings, representing the power of health and healing.
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His divine knowledge would evolve into Ayurveda, the ancient Indian system of holistic medicine. Lord Dhanvantari’s divine wisdom, continues to guide millions in the pursuit of health, balance, and longevity.
The Festival of Dhanteras: A Union of Health and Wealth
Dhanteras, derived from “Dhan” (wealth) and “Teras” (thirteenth day of the lunar calendar), holds a special place in the Diwali celebrations.
While the festival is often associated with the worship of Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth, it is also dedicated to Lord Dhanvantari, symbolising the intersection of well-being and material prosperity.
The tradition of purchasing gold, silver, or new utensils to invite prosperity and good fortune into the home is much more than just a symbol of wealth—it also represents an investment in the pursuit of knowledge, well-being and prosperity in all spheres of life.
Lord Dhanvantari and The Foundation of Ayurveda
Beyond the celebrations, Lord Dhanvantari’s most profound contribution to the world is Ayurveda, the ancient science of life and healing. People revere him as the founding figure who passed down divine knowledge that has shaped approaches to health and well-being for centuries.
The ancient system promotes harmony between the body, mind, and spirit, teaching that true health arises from equilibrium in all aspects of life.
Ayurvedic practices rely on nature, using herbs, natural therapies, and dietary principles passed down over millennia.
Today, Ayurveda remains a cornerstone of holistic health, with practitioners invoking Lord Dhanvantari’s wisdom to treat illnesses and restore balance in the body. His teachings encourage prevention over cure, reminding us that health should be nurtured, just as wealth is earned.
Traditional Dhanteras Celebrations across India
On Dhanteras, one of the key rituals is the purchase of gold, silver, or new metal utensils. The tradition stems from the belief that these objects, especially when bought on Dhanteras, invite prosperity into one’s home. The clinking of new vessels or the gleam of freshly purchased gold represents not just wealth but the hope for a prosperous, healthy, and abundant life in the year ahead.
The celebrations extend beyond wealth to include rituals that honor life’s vitality.
People across India clean their homes, decorate them, and light diyas (lamps) to invite positivity, abundance, and a healthy future. Rangoli patterns adorn doorsteps, welcoming divine energy into the home.
In many households, small altars are set up, and offerings are made to both Lord Dhanvantari and Goddess Lakshmi
Families pray for health and wealth, lighting lamps that symbolise a desire for enlightenment and guidance in both the material and spiritual aspects of life.
In addition to these rituals, some communities celebrate by paying homage to cattle, particularly in rural areas, recognizing them as an essential part of agricultural prosperity. This act further emphasizes the interconnectedness of health and wealth across all living beings.
This beautiful practice echoes the ancient belief that true prosperity stems from nurturing the health of all beings and nature—human, animal, the earth and the elements.
The Deeper Symbolism of Gold and Silver on Dhanteras
The tradition of purchasing gold and silver is perhaps the most visible aspect of Dhanteras.
These metals, with their enduring lustre, symbolise not only material wealth but also values of purity and eternity.
Just as gold remains untarnish over time, encourage to nurture our health and seek wisdom for lasting wealth and holistic prosperity.
Gold’s symbolic connection to the Sun (a source of vitality) and silver’s association with the Moon (a symbol of calm and healing) reinforce Dhanvantari’s dual role as both healer and provider of prosperity.
The glow of gold and the purity of silver carry the promise of abundance and well-being, linking material wealth to spiritual richness.
Lord Dhanvantari’s message and boon for the world
Even though people primarily celebrate Dhanteras in India, the principles and blessings of Lord Dhanvantari transcend borders. Whether through prayers, Ayurvedic practices, or simply living mindfully regarding our health, anyone who seeks balance and well-being can feel Lord Dhanvantari’s presence.
On this auspicious day, devotees perform rituals and recite mantras in his honor, asking for blessings of good health and longevity. Artists often depict him standing on a lotus, symbolizing purity, with four hands—one holding a pot of nectar, another holding a conch, a third carrying a discus, and the fourth holding the divine leech, which reminds us of his healing powers.
A Timeless Legacy of Celebrating Prosperity in Health
The festival of Dhanteras and Lord Dhanvantari remind us that health, wisdom, and prosperity intertwine.
In a world that often prioritizes material gain, Lord Dhanvantari’s timeless message highlights that true wealth lies in health. Prosperity without well-being remains incomplete.
This Dhanteras, let us all nurture our bodies, minds, and spirits while welcoming the light of Diwali, ensuring that we are blessed with both health and prosperity.
