How To Worship Dhanvantari In Hinduism?

Comprehensive Guide on How to Worship Dhanvantari in Hinduism

Lord Dhanvantari, considered the God of Ayurveda and the divine physician in Hinduism, is worshiped for good health, healing, and longevity. His blessings are sought for relief from diseases and ailments. Performing a Dhanvantari puja can be a powerful way to invoke his divine grace and ensure wellness. Below is a comprehensive guide covering all aspects of the puja, from preparation to conclusion.

1. Preparation for Dhanvantari Puja

Before starting the puja, it is essential to ensure cleanliness and purity in all aspects of the ritual.

Cleanliness and Purity

Body Cleansing: Take a bath to purify yourself before the puja. Clean and comfortable clothing is a must.
Mind Cleansing: Keep your mind calm, free of stress and negative thoughts, as a peaceful state of mind is necessary to perform any ritual.
Space Cleansing: Clean the area where the puja is to be performed. A tidy and peaceful environment helps maintain the sanctity of the ritual.

Time for Worship

The most auspicious time to perform Dhanvantari puja is early morning, during Brahma Muhurta (around 4:30 am – 6:00 am).
Another good time for worship is in the evening, especially around sunset, when the atmosphere is considered tranquil and spiritually charged.

Clothes to Wear

Red clothes are highly recommended for performing the Dhanvantari puja as they symbolize strength, vitality, and health. If red is unavailable, yellow or white garments are also considered auspicious.

2. Puja Items Required (Samagri)

Gather the following items for an eco-friendly and traditional puja:

Idol or Picture of Dhanvantari
Kalash (copper or brass) filled with clean water
Mango Leaves (to place on the Kalash)
Coconut with its husk (to place on the Kalash)
Flowers (red and yellow marigolds, roses, and lotus if possible)
Incense sticks and Camphor
Dhoop or Lamp (Diya) with ghee or oil
Sandalwood Paste (Chandan)
Kumkum (Vermilion), Haldi (Turmeric)
Fruits (bananas, apples, pomegranates, etc.)
Betel Leaves and Betel Nuts
Rice (Akshat)
Panchamrit (mix of milk, curd, ghee, honey, and sugar)
Tulsi Leaves (considered sacred)
Conch Shell (Shankha) if available, to offer sacred water
Nivedyam or Prasad (see below)

3. Steps for Simple Dhanvantari Puja

Step 1: Dhyanam (Meditation)

Sit comfortably facing East or North.
Light a lamp (diya) and incense sticks.
Take a few moments to calm your mind and meditate on Lord Dhanvantari. Visualize his image holding the Amrita Kalash (nectar of immortality) and blessing you with good health.

Step 2: Sankalp (Intention)

State your intention (Sankalp) for performing the puja. Hold some rice and flowers in your hands, and express the desire to seek blessings for good health, well-being, and relief from any physical or mental ailments.

Step 3: Kalash Sthapana

Place the Kalash filled with water in front of the idol or image of Dhanvantari.
Put mango leaves around the opening of the Kalash and place a coconut on top.

Step 4: Offerings

Apply sandalwood paste and kumkum to the idol or picture of Dhanvantari.
Offer flowers, rice, betel leaves, and fruits.
Pour water over the Dhanvantari idol or sprinkle water near the picture as a sign of purification.
Light the lamp and wave it before the deity in a circular motion.
Offer the Panchamrit, Tulsi leaves, and any fruits as Naivedya (food offering).

Step 5: Chanting Mantras

While performing the puja, chant the following Dhanvantari mantra for health and healing:

Dhanvantari Mantra:

Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya
Dhanvantaraye Amrita Kalasha Hastaya
Sarva Bhaya Vinashaya Sarva Roga Nivaranaya
Trailokya Pathaye Trailokya Nidhaye
Shri Maha Vishnu Swarupaya Shri Dhanvantari Swarupaya
Shri Shri Shri Aushadha Chakra Narayanaya Namah.

This mantra invokes Lord Dhanvantari to destroy all fears and ailments and provide health, wealth, and prosperity.

You can also recite:
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Om Dhanvantaraye Namah
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Step 6: Aarti

After the offerings, perform Aarti using the ghee lamp and incense. Sing or chant the Dhanvantari Aarti, or you may choose to recite any Vishnu or Dhanvantari prayers.

Step 7: Prasad Offering

Offer the Prasad you have prepared (see below for recipes).
Distribute it among the family or attendees.

4. Prasad (Offerings) to be Prepared

Prepare simple and sattvic (pure) dishes like kheer (sweet rice pudding), fruits, or sweet pongal. You can also offer panchamrit as part of the Prasad.
Ensure that the food is freshly prepared and does not contain onions, garlic, or any tamasic ingredients.

5. Concluding the Puja

Once the Aarti is complete, sprinkle the sacred water from the Kalash around your home or pour it into the plants for purification.
Express your gratitude to Lord Dhanvantari for his blessings.
Distribute the Prasad among family members and devotees as a form of sharing the divine blessings.

6. What to do with the Leftover Puja Items

Eco-Friendly Disposal:
- Flowers, rice, and leaves used in the puja can be composted or respectfully immersed in water bodies.
- Leftover Prasad should be consumed or distributed.
- The water in the Kalash can be poured into plants or a garden.
- Use only eco-friendly traditional puja products, avoiding synthetic materials, plastics, or chemical-based items.

Importance and Benefits of Dhanvantari Puja

Health and Wellness: Dhanvantari puja is believed to invoke divine healing energy, relieving individuals from physical and mental health issues.
Protection from Diseases: The puja brings protection against illnesses and enhances immunity.
Spiritual Healing: It aids in the purification of both the body and mind, providing peace and longevity.
Connection to Ayurveda: As Lord Dhanvantari is the father of Ayurveda, his worship strengthens the bond with nature and promotes holistic living.

Worshiping Lord Dhanvantari with devotion and sincerity can bring significant health benefits and peace of mind. Following eco-friendly practices during the puja honors both tradition and nature. Regular worship or prayers to Dhanvantari can help one overcome health challenges and achieve physical and spiritual well-being.

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