Dhanvantari is a revered figure in Hindu mythology, known primarily for his contributions to Ayurveda, the ancient Indian system of medicine. According to the legends, Dhanvantari emerged during the Samudra Manthan (the churning of the ocean) with a pot of amrita (the nectar of immortality). He is considered an incarnation of Lord Vishnu and is often depicted holding the pot of nectar.
Rebirth as Divodasa and Contributions to Ayurveda
Dhanvantari was later reborn as Divodasa, the king of Kashi
(modern-day Varanasi). As Divodasa, he is credited with composing a
foundational and comprehensive work on Ayurveda, which is divided into eight
sections. These sections are believed to cover various aspects of medicine,
surgery, and therapeutics, laying the groundwork for the practice and
development of Ayurveda.
Mention in Other Ancient Texts
Dhanvantari's expertise and contributions have been
acknowledged in several ancient Indian texts, including:
- Ramayana: The epic mentions Dhanvantari in the context of divine healers and gods associated with medicine.
- Harivamsa: An appendix to the Mahabharata, this text describes Dhanvantari's emergence during the churning of the ocean and his role in Ayurveda.
- Bhagavata Purana: This text also recounts Dhanvantari's origin and his contributions to the science of healing.
Titles and Mastery in Medicine
Over time, 'Dhanvantari' became synonymous with the pinnacle
of medical expertise. Physicians who demonstrated mastery in the administration
of 300 medicines were honored with the title 'Dhanvantari.' Those with
expertise in 200 medicines were called 'bhishak,' and those proficient with 100
medicines were known as 'vaidya.' This hierarchical recognition highlights the
esteemed position Dhanvantari held in the medical community.
Works Attributed to Dhanvantari
Nineteen works authored by Dhanvantari have been mentioned
in various standard texts. Some of the notable works include:
- Chikitsa-deepika: This text is likely to have focused on therapeutic techniques and treatments for various ailments.
- Bala Chikitsa: Concentrating on pediatric care, this work would address the medical needs and treatments specific to children.
- Dhanvantari Nighantu: Considered the most ancient among his works, this text is a lexicon of medicinal herbs and substances, providing detailed descriptions and their uses.
- Vaidya Bhaskarodaya: This text would encompass a range of medical knowledge, possibly serving as an enlightening guide for practicing physicians.
- Ayurveda Saravali: This comprehensive work likely covers various branches of Ayurveda, offering insights into medical practices and principles.
The Dhanvantari Nighantu
The Dhanvantari Nighantu stands out as the most ancient and
significant of Dhanvantari's works. It serves as a critical reference for
Ayurvedic practitioners, detailing numerous medicinal herbs and their
applications. The text's importance lies in its role as a foundational document
for understanding the vast pharmacopeia of Ayurveda.
In conclusion, Dhanvantari's contributions to Ayurveda are
vast and foundational. His works laid the groundwork for future generations of
physicians, ensuring that the principles of Ayurveda continued to thrive and
evolve. His legacy as the father of Ayurveda endures, influencing both ancient
and modern medical practices.