Happy Dhanteras, Dhanwantari Diwas & National Ayurveda Day , the 2nd online travel , Varanasi

Dhanvantari is the Hindu god of medicine and an avatar of Lord Vishnu. He is mentioned in the Puranas as the god of Ayurveda. Dhanvantari , during the Samudramanthan apperead from the Ocean of Milk with the nectar of immortality. It is common practice in Hinduism for worshipers to pray to Dhanvantari seeking his blessings for sound health for themselves and/or others, especially on Dhanteras or Dhanwantari Trayodashi. The Indian Government has declared that Dhanwantari Trayodashii / Diwas every year would be celebrated as "National Ayurveda Day"

"Ramayana Balakand"and Bhagavata Purana state that Dhanvantari emerged from the Ocean of Milk and appeared with the pot of amrita (elixer for immortality) during the story of the Samudra (or) Sagara Mathana whilst the ocean was being churned by the Devas and Asuras, using the Mandara mountain and the serpent Vasuki. The pot of Amrita was snatched by the Asuras, and after this event another avatar, Mohini, appears and takes the nectar back from the Asuras. It is also believed that Dhanvantari promulgated the practise of Ayurveda.

            God Dhanvantari birthday is celebrated by the practitioners of Ayurveda every year, on Dhanteras, two days before Diwali, the Hindu festival of lights. It is also celebrated as National Ayurveda Day in India.The National Ayurveda Day celebrations started since 2016.

“I extend my wishes to God Dhanvantari who is worshipped by gods and demons.  He destroys aging, diseases, fear and death. He nourishes this world and possesses knowledge about various medicinal plants”

Dhanteras has become associated with wealth and people buy gold or silver on the day.However Dhanvantari traditionally has no association with wealth.In modern times people use the day as an opportunity to buy silver and gold jewellery and homeware and the day also sees a lot of technology and car purchases.

On Dhanteras, People renovate and decorate their premises, with colourful entrances and lanterns.This is designed to welcome the goddess of wealth and prosperity, Lakshmi.People also make small footprints from rice flour and arrange them all over their house as well as keeping lamps burning through the night.In the evening the family gather together. Tiny diyas of clay are lit as they are thought to drive away evil spirits.