Welcome again to Samarthguru Dhara’s festive section, we all celebrate Dhanteras festival few days before Diwali. Most of us are aware about significance of Diwali, but very few of us know Signifacance of “Dhanteras” and “Lord Dhanvantari”.
Lord Dhanvantari, the divine physician and incarnation of Lord Vishnu, is revered as the God of Health and Ayurveda. He brought the gift of healing and the sacred science of Ayurveda to humanity.
Every year, his appearance day, Dhanvantari Jayanti, is celebrated with deep reverence and gratitude.
In 2025, Dhanvantari Jayanti will be observed on Wednesday, October 22, 2025, which also marks the festival of Dhanteras, celebrated two days before Diwali. This day symbolizes health, healing, and prosperity — reminding us that “true wealth begins with good health.”
The Story of Lord Dhanvantari’s Appearance
According to Hindu scriptures, during the great cosmic event of Samudra Manthan (the churning of the ocean), both the Devas (gods) and Asuras (demons) churned the ocean to obtain Amrit, the nectar of immortality.
Using Mount Mandara as the churning rod and Vasuki, the celestial serpent, as the rope, they began the divine task. As the ocean churned, many treasures and divine beings emerged —
- Kamadhenu, the wish-fulfilling cow
- Airavata, the white elephant
- Kalpavriksha, the divine tree
- Goddess Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth
- Apsaras, the celestial maidens
Finally, in a dazzling glow of light, appeared Lord Dhanvantari, holding a pot of Amrit (nectar) in one hand and divine symbols — Shankha (conch), Chakra (disc), and Jalauka (leech) — in others. His arrival marked the dawn of divine healing and balance in the universe.
He was entrusted by Lord Vishnu to share the knowledge of Ayurveda, teaching how to preserve life, cure diseases, and maintain harmony between the body, mind, and spirit.
Lord Dhanvantari’s Birth in Kashi
In another legend, Lord Dhanvantari was later born as a Prince in the royal family of Kashi (Varanasi). From childhood, he displayed great compassion and a deep understanding of the human body and its connection with nature.
Through years of meditation and austerity, he realized the divine principles of health and developed the foundation of Ayurveda.
He became the first teacher (Acharya) of Ayurveda, and his disciples carried his teachings through ancient texts, making him the eternal symbol of healing and well-being.
Significance of Dhanvantari Jayanti
Dhanvantari Jayanti marks the birth of Ayurveda and is celebrated as a day of healing, gratitude, and self-care. Devotees worship Lord Dhanvantari for:
- Protection from diseases
- Long life and physical strength
- Mental clarity and peace
- Harmony between body, mind, and soul
Prayers are often done facing north or northeast, believed to invite positive healing energy. Devotees offer tulsi leaves, ghee lamps, honey, and herbs, and chant Dhanvantari mantras to invoke divine blessings.
The Connection Between Dhanvantari Jayanti and Dhanteras
Dhanteras, also known as Dhantrayodashi, is celebrated on the Trayodashi Tithi (13th lunar day) of Krishna Paksha in the month of Kartik — the same day Lord Dhanvantari emerged from the ocean carrying the pot of Amrit.
The word ‘Dhan’ means wealth and ‘Teras’ means thirteenth day. While many associate Dhanteras with buying gold and silver, its spiritual essence is the worship of Lord Dhanvantari for Ayurvedic wisdom, good health, and prosperity.
Rituals on Dhanteras
- Homes are cleaned and decorated with lamps and rangoli to welcome divine energies.
- Devotees light a diya near the entrance and pray to Lord Dhanvantari and Goddess Lakshmi.
- People buy utensils or gold as a symbol of inviting abundance.
- Ayurvedic practitioners perform special pujas and offer herbs and oils in gratitude to the Lord of Healing.
Hence, Dhanteras is not just about material wealth — it’s a celebration of health, vitality, and inner prosperity.
Temples and Celebrations Across India
- In Kerala, the Nelluvaya Dhanvantari Temple conducts grand rituals and health-related observances.
- In Tamil Nadu, the Srirangam Temple has a dedicated shrine to Lord Dhanvantari.
- In Kashi (Varanasi), special prayers and Ayurvedic events are organized to honor his birth.
- Across India, Ayurvedic doctors and students celebrate this as National Ayurveda Day.
Mantra and Puja Vidhi
Dhanvantari Mantra:
Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya Dhanvantaraye Amrita Kalasha Hastaya
Sarva Bhaya Vinashaya Trailokya Nathaya Sri Mahavishnave Namah.
Simple Puja Method:
- Clean your home or prayer space.
- Place an image or idol of Lord Dhanvantari facing north or northeast.
- Offer flowers, tulsi leaves, incense, lamp, and fruits.
- Chant the Dhanvantari Mantra or Stotra 108 times.
- Meditate on good health, peace, and vitality.
Spiritual Message
Lord Dhanvantari’s message is timeless — Ayurveda is not merely a medical system but a way of life.
By aligning with nature’s rhythms, maintaining purity of thoughts, and living with balance, one can experience true wellness.
He reminds us that wealth and success mean little without good health, and that nurturing body, mind, and soul is the highest form of worship.
Conclusion
Dhanvantari Jayanti 2025, coinciding with Dhanteras, is a reminder that health is the real treasure.
By remembering Lord Dhanvantari, we celebrate not only divine healing but also the harmony between spiritual and physical well-being.
This year, let your prayers and rituals invite not just gold and silver, but wellness, wisdom, and inner light.
FAQs – Lord Dhanvantari Jayanti and Dhanteras 2025
1. When is Dhanvantari Jayanti in 2025?
Dhanvantari Jayanti falls on Wednesday, October 22, 2025, coinciding with Dhanteras, two days before Diwali.
2. Why is Dhanteras celebrated?
Dhanteras marks the emergence of Lord Dhanvantari with the pot of nectar during Samudra Manthan. It is celebrated for health, prosperity, and auspicious beginnings.
3. Who is Lord Dhanvantari?
Lord Dhanvantari is an incarnation of Lord Vishnu, regarded as the God of Medicine and Ayurveda, who brought healing and longevity to the world.
4. What should be done on Dhanteras for health?
Worship Lord Dhanvantari with lamps, tulsi leaves, and flowers. Light a diya facing north or northeast and chant the Dhanvantari Mantra for health and peace.
5. Which are the famous Lord Dhanvantari temples?
Major temples are found in Kerala (Nelluvaya Temple), Tamil Nadu (Srirangam), and Varanasi. These places hold special pujas and Ayurveda rituals on this day.
6. What is the spiritual meaning of Dhanteras?
It reminds us that true Dhan (wealth) is good health, divine protection, and inner joy — not just material riches.
7. How is Ayurveda connected to Lord Dhanvantari?
Lord Dhanvantari is the founder and first teacher of Ayurveda, who revealed its principles to guide humanity toward holistic health.
8. What is the best direction to pray to Lord Dhanvantari?
Praying facing north or northeast is considered highly auspicious as these directions represent divine healing energy.
