Dhanvanthari Jayanthi

Dhanvanthari Jayanthi is dedicated Lord Dhanvantari is who is considered to be the Hindu God of Medicine or Ayurveda. In 2012, the date of Dhanvanthari Jayanthi is November 11. He is the deity invoked and worshipped by Ayurveda Practitioners. Dhanvanthari Jayanthi is observed during different times by different Hindu communities. Mostly it is observed on the day before Diwali.

It must be noted that Dhanvanthari Jayanti by some communities in South India in Auugst/September. In some regions in southern part of India, it is observed on the second day of the waxing phase of moon in Bhadrapad month. The most popular Jayanti celebrations associated with Lord Dhanvanthari is observed during Diwali. The day is also known as Dhanteras.

Dhanvanthari is among the numerous auspicious items that appeared during the Churning of Ocean or Samdura Manthan by Devas and Asuras. He is shown as carrying the elixir or Amruta.

Lord Dhanvanthari is also believed to be an incarnation of Lord Vishnu. He is shown as holding the pot Amrit in one hand and a leech in another hand. He is believed to have appeared to eradicate diseases threatening living beings.