Who is Dhanvantari? Why do we do Dhanvantari puja? How to do Dhanvantari puja at home?

Who is Dhanvantari?

Lord Dhanvantari is one of the avatars of Lord Vishnu and is known as the father of medicine and Ayurveda. Devotees worship Lord Dhanvantari on Dhanteras or Dhanwantari Trayodashi. The day of Dhanwantari Trayodashi is declared as the National Ayurveda day by the Government of India.

As per the puranas of Samudramanthan, it is believed that Lord Dhanvantari emerged from the ocean of milk with a cup of Amrita, which is called as the nectar of immortality. According to ancient scriptures, Lord Dhanvantari is a handsome individual depicted with four hands, carrying a pot of Amrita in one hand, leech in the other hand and with Shankha and Chakra in the other two hands.

Why do we do Dhanvantari puja?

Performing Dhanvantari puja would provide relief to the people who are suffering from physical, mental and psychological problems. This puja can also be performed by parents whose children have ill health and people with chronic health issues. Some people perform this puja to enhance the longevity and rejuvenation of one's health and life.

This puja is also performed by doctors and Ayurvedic practitioners on the Trayodashi day for their successful careers.

How to do Dhanvantari puja at home?

• Start with Achamana by taking water in the right hand, sankalpa, followed by athmashodham, which is sprinkling water on oneself
• Perform meditation and install the idol of Lord Dhanvantari
• Now wash the feet of Lord Dhanvantari, followed by offering flowers, gandha, dhoop and perform panchamrith abhishekam
• Offer Naivedhya, tamboola and dhakshina
• Do pradakshina and end by chanting Dhanvantari slokas