Dhanteras and National Ayurveda Day: Celebrating Health, Prosperity, and Heritage

Dhanteras and National Ayurveda Day

Based on Yashee’s article, “Dhanvantri’s Relevance to Dhanteras & Ayurveda Day” (The Indian Express, October 30, 2024), this essay explores the combined celebration of Dhanteras and National Ayurveda Day, honouring Lord Dhanvantri, the “Father of Ayurveda.” It highlights how these observances promote health, wealth, and cultural heritage, reflecting Ayurveda’s holistic principles for modern wellness and emphasizing the enduring values of balance and spiritual well-being.

Dhanteras, an auspicious festival marking the beginning of Diwali, and National Ayurveda Day, a modern celebration promoting India’s ancient medical system, Ayurveda, are both observed on the same day. This special day is devoted to Lord Dhanvantri, a divine figure in Hindu mythology known as the “Father of Ayurveda.” His birth anniversary, celebrated on Dhanteras, invites people to focus on health, wealth, and spiritual well-being. The celebration of Ayurveda Day with the theme “Ayurveda Innovation for Global Health” reflects the relevance of Ayurveda’s teachings for addressing modern health challenges while honouring a heritage that dates back thousands of years.

Who is Dhanvantri?

In Hindu mythology, Lord Dhanvantri is regarded as an incarnation of Lord Vishnu, the protector and preserver of the universe. He is revered as the “Divine Physician” who brought the science of Ayurveda to humanity. According to Hindu scriptures, during the cosmic event known as “samudra manthan” (the churning of the ocean), Dhanvantri emerged from the ocean holding a pot of amrita, the nectar of immortality, symbolising eternal health and life. This event made him a symbol of well-being and healing, celebrated annually on Dhanteras, just two days before Diwali.

Dhanvantri is often depicted with four hands, each holding items with deep symbolic meaning:

1. A pot of amrita (nectar of immortality) – Representing life and good health.
2. A chakra (discus) – A symbol of protection and time, often associated with Lord Vishnu.
3. A shankha (conch shell) – Representing sound and energy in Hindu traditions.
4. Medicinal herbs or a leech – Reflecting his connection to Ayurveda and healing.

Dhanvantri’s emergence from the ocean signifies the birth of Ayurveda, a healing science that encourages balance and wellness through natural remedies, proper diet, and holistic practices. For centuries, people have looked up to Dhanvantri for blessings of good health and long life, especially on Dhanteras.

The Celebration of Ayurveda Day

National Ayurveda Day was initiated by the Indian government in 2016 to raise awareness and appreciation for Ayurveda, India’s traditional system of medicine. Held annually on Dhanteras, the day aims to promote the knowledge and practices of Ayurveda for healthier lives and well-being. The theme for Ayurveda Day 2024, “Ayurveda Innovation for Global Health,” focuses on four key areas:

1. Women’s Health – Ayurveda offers unique perspectives on women’s health, emphasising natural care at every stage of life.
2. Workplace Wellness – Encouraging stress reduction, healthy diets, and balanced lifestyles in workplaces.
3. School Wellness Programmes – Teaching children about healthy habits, mental clarity, and natural remedies.
4. Food Innovation – Developing nutritious and balanced diets inspired by Ayurvedic principles.

This focus reflects the flexibility and relevance of Ayurveda in addressing today’s health challenges. While traditional medicine often emphasises medication, Ayurveda promotes prevention, encouraging people to adopt healthy habits, balanced diets, and natural treatments.

Significance of Dhanteras: Celebrating Health and Wealth

Dhanteras, also known as Dhanvantri Jayanti, holds deep significance in Indian culture, marking a time to pray for good health, wealth, and prosperity. The term “Dhan” means wealth, and “Teras” refers to the thirteenth day of the Hindu lunar calendar, making this the day when families prepare for Diwali by cleaning and decorating their homes, lighting lamps, and buying valuable items like gold and silver.

The festival is celebrated in several meaningful ways:

1. Worship of Dhanvantri – Dhanteras honours Dhanvantri’s contribution to health. Families pray for good health, reflecting the belief that health is the greatest form of wealth.
2. Auspicious Beginnings – The day is considered ideal for starting new ventures, making purchases, or investing in valuable items.
3. Lighting Lamps – Diyas (oil lamps) are lit to symbolise the triumph of light over darkness and health over illness.
4. Purchasing Metals – Many buy gold, silver, or brass on Dhanteras, which is believed to bring prosperity and positive energy into the home.

Dhanteras is not only about material wealth but also symbolises the richness of good health, making it a perfect occasion for National Ayurveda Day to promote awareness of health and well-being.

The Samudra Manthan and Dhanvantri’s Emergence

The story of samudra manthan, or “churning of the ocean,” is one of the most well-known myths in Hinduism. According to the story, the gods (devas) and demons (asuras) churned the ocean to obtain amrita, the nectar of immortality. Dhanvantri appeared from the ocean carrying a pot of amrita, symbolising his role as the divine physician and bearer of health and longevity.

The symbolism in this story is rich and meaningful:

• Divine Healing – Dhanvantri’s appearance as the god of medicine reminds us of the importance of holistic health.
• Immortality – The amrita represents the ultimate goal of Ayurveda: to sustain life and prevent disease.
• Wisdom of Medicine – As the god who introduced Ayurveda, Dhanvantri is revered as the source of ancient medical wisdom, essential for maintaining both health and prosperity.

Dhanteras and National Ayurveda Day, therefore, celebrate both the material and spiritual aspects of life, reminding us that true wealth includes a healthy body and a prosperous spirit.

Dhanvantri’s Incarnation as King Divodasa of Kashi

Another belief about Dhanvantri connects him to the historical figure of King Divodasa of Kashi (modern-day Varanasi). According to legend, Dhanvantri incarnated as King Divodasa to teach Ayurveda to humanity, passing this knowledge to sages, including the famous surgeon Sushruta. Sushruta is known for his contributions to Ayurvedic surgery and for writing the Sushruta Samhita, one of Ayurveda’s foundational texts. In this role, Dhanvantri symbolises the bridge between divine wisdom and human knowledge, inspiring generations of Ayurvedic practitioners and scholars.

Rituals and Practices on Dhanteras

Dhanteras is marked by unique rituals and customs meant to invite prosperity and health into people’s lives. Families prepare their homes and hearts for the Diwali festival through practices that honour Dhanvantri and his blessings:

1. Ayurvedic Offerings – Some families offer Ayurvedic herbs and medicinal plants as offerings, showing respect for natural healing and seeking blessings for good health.
2. Lighting Diyas (Oil Lamps) – Diyas are placed around homes to dispel ignorance, illness, and negativity.
3. Purchasing Metal Items – Buying gold, silver, or iron is thought to attract prosperity and good fortune. This custom also has economic benefits, supporting local artisans and the economy.

The rituals of Dhanteras reflect the wisdom of valuing both physical health and spiritual wealth, reminding us that true prosperity includes both.

Modern Relevance of Ayurveda and Dhanteras

Today, Dhanteras and National Ayurveda Day are more than just festivals; they are reminders of the importance of health in the pursuit of happiness. Ayurveda, with its holistic approach to well-being, encourages people to value their health as much as material success. By addressing global health challenges through innovation and ancient knowledge, Ayurveda proves its timeless relevance.

Buying gold and silver on Dhanteras, a tradition that might seem materialistic, has its roots in the idea of prosperity for all. The purchase of metal items stands for the circulation of wealth, which benefits communities and encourages financial balance. By lighting lamps, offering prayers, and embracing healthy practices, people honour the spirit of Dhanvantri, blending the ancient with the modern to seek both physical and spiritual abundance.

Conclusion

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The Source’s Authority and Ownership of the Article is Claimed By THE STUDY IAS BY MANIKANT SINGH