Praying to Lord Dhanvantari in Hinduism
Lord Dhanvantari is revered in Hindu tradition as the god of medicine and an incarnation of Vishnu. He is regarded as the divine physician who emerged during the churning of the ocean (Samudra Manthan) carrying a pot of amrita (nectar of immortality). Devotees pray to Lord Dhanvantari for health, healing, and protection from diseases.
Steps to Pray to Lord Dhanvantari
Choose a Clean and Quiet Space:
- Select a calm and clean space for the prayer. It could be in a temple or at home in your personal prayer room.
Prepare an Altar:
- Place a picture or an idol of Lord Dhanvantari on a clean altar. You can also decorate the altar with fresh flowers, turmeric, kumkum, and sandalwood paste.
Light a Lamp and Incense:
- Light a ghee lamp and incense sticks (agarbatti) in front of the deity to create a sacred ambiance.
Offer Water and Prasad:
- Offer water, fruits, and sweets as prasad to the deity. Tulsi leaves (holy basil) are particularly auspicious when offered to Lord Dhanvantari.
Recite Dhanvantari Mantras:
- Recite the Dhanvantari mantra with devotion. The most common mantra is:
Mantra:
ॐ नमो भगवते महासुदर्शनाय वासुदेवाय धन्वंतरयेअमृतकलश हस्ताय सर्व भय विनाशाय सर्व रोग निवारणाय त्रिलोकपथाय त्रिलोकनाथाय श्री महाविष्णुस्वरूपाय श्री धन्वंतरी स्वरूपाय श्री श्री श्री औषधचक्र नारायणाय नमः॥Transliteration: Om Namo Bhagavate Maha-Sudarshanaya Vasudevaya Dhanvantaraye Amrutha Kalasha Hastaya Sarva Bhaya Vinashaya Sarva Roga Nivaranaya Trilokya Pathaye Trilokya Nathaya Sri Maha Vishnu Swarupaya Sri Dhanvathari Swarupaya Sri Sri Sri Aushadha Chakra Narayanaya Namaha.
Meaning: "I bow down to the Lord Dhanvantari, who is the incarnation of Lord Vishnu, holding the pot of nectar in His hands, the destroyer of fear, the remover of all diseases, the master of the three worlds, and the one who is the supreme healer."
Chant Dhanvantari Gayatri Mantra:
- Another powerful mantra is the Dhanvantari Gayatri:
Mantra:
ॐ वासुदेवाय विद्महे सुधा हस्ताय धीमहि तन्नो धन्वंतरिः प्रचोदयात्॥Transliteration: Om Vasudevaya Vidmahe Sudha Hastaya Dhimahi Tanno Dhanvantarir Prachodayat.
Meaning: "We meditate on Lord Dhanvantari, who holds the pot of nectar. May He inspire and guide us."
Perform Dhanvantari Puja:
- On special occasions, you can perform a Dhanvantari Puja. This includes offering flowers, sandalwood paste, incense, and aarti (ritual of waving lighted wicks) to the deity. You can also offer naivedya (food offering) and distribute it as prasadam (blessed food) among the devotees.
Meditate and Contemplate:
- After the prayers, spend some time in meditation, focusing on the health and well-being of yourself and your loved ones. Invoke Lord Dhanvantari’s blessings for healing and strength.
Conclude with Aarti:
- Conclude the prayer with the Dhanvantari Aarti, waving a lit lamp in front of the deity and singing the praises of Lord Dhanvantari.
Seek Blessings:
- Finally, bow down and seek the blessings of Lord Dhanvantari for good health and a life free of ailments.
Additional Information and Facts
Dhanvantari Trayodashi:
- Dhanvantari Trayodashi, also known as Dhanteras, is celebrated two days before Diwali. It is considered the most auspicious day to worship Lord Dhanvantari. Devotees observe fast, perform puja, and pray for health and prosperity.
Symbolism:
- Lord Dhanvantari is depicted holding a pot of nectar (amrita), signifying immortality and the eternal nature of health and healing.
Temples:
- Dhanvantari temples are rare but can be found in places like Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Karnataka. These temples are dedicated to promoting health and healing through the worship of Lord Dhanvantari.
Ayurveda Connection:
- Lord Dhanvantari is considered the father of Ayurveda, the ancient Indian system of medicine. Ayurvedic practitioners often pray to Lord Dhanvantari for guidance and success in their healing practices.
Worshiping Lord Dhanvantari is a sacred practice for those seeking health and well-being. By following the steps above, devotees can invoke the divine blessings of the celestial healer, leading to a life of health, happiness, and spiritual fulfillment.