Dhanvantari, On the day of Dhanteras, both Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Dhanvantari emerged from the churning of the ocean, known as Samudra Manthana. In many hospitals and clinics across India, statues of a deity holding a Shankha (conch), Chakra (discus), and Kalash (pot) can be seen—this deity is none other than Dhanvantari, who is revered as the divine physician of the gods.
Dhanvantari is widely regarded in the Puranas as the deity of Ayurveda. According to most Puranic texts, he appeared during the Samudra Manthana carrying a pot of the divine elixir (amrita). Due to this association, he is considered the brother of Goddess Lakshmi, who also emerged from the churning of the ocean. Some scriptures even describe Dhanvantari as an incarnation (avatara) of Lord Vishnu.
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During his earthly existence, Dhanvantari is believed to have ruled as the King of Kashi. The Vishnu Purana mentions that he was the great-grandson of Divodasa, a King of Kashi.
Dhanvantari: The Divine Healer and His Worship Across India
Dhanvantari is often depicted as a strikingly handsome figure with four hands, typically holding a bowl of amrita, the nectar of immortality, in one or two of them. His iconography closely resembles that of Lord Vishnu, as he is shown carrying a shankha (conch), chakra (discus), jalauka (leech), and a pot filled with amrita.
Unlike traditional depictions that include scriptures, Dhanvantari is frequently portrayed holding a leech. Symbolizing the ancient medical practice of bloodletting, which was a key aspect of early Ayurvedic treatments.
She is not only revered in clinics and hospitals but also worshipped in several temples across India and beyond. In Dapoli, located in the Ratnagiri district of Maharashtra, there is a temple dedicated to him. Temples honoring Dhanvantari can also be found in Tamil Nadu and Kerala, where Ayurveda holds a significant cultural presence.
Sacred Sites of Healing and Devotion
One of the most renowned Dhanvantari temples is the Thottuva Dhanwanthari Temple in Kerala. Where the deity’s idol stands approximately six feet tall. Additionally, the Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple in Srirangam features a dedicated her shrine in its courtyard, where daily worship takes place.
Beyond India, she is also venerated in Nepal. In Kathmandu’s Jaya Bageshwari neighborhood, a temple dedicated to him is built in the traditional Shikhar style. This temple is situated near the famous Pashupatinath Temple, a revered pilgrimage site.
