Dhanvantari is the divine physician—the god of healing, health, and Ayurvedic wisdom. His name comes from the Sanskrit words dhanus (referring to knowledge or science) and vantari (holder), meaning “the bearer of divine knowledge.” According to mythological accounts, Dhanvantari emerged from the Samudra Manthan (the churning of the cosmic ocean), bearing a pot of Amrita, the nectar of immortality. His presence in the pantheon reflects a holistic vision of health, wherein physical well-being is intimately tied to cosmic order and spiritual integrity.
In one hand, Dhanvantari holds the Amrita Kalasha, the vessel of immortal essence symbolizing the eternal life force that nourishes all beings. In the other, he holds a sacred herb, representing the natural remedies of Ayurveda and the deep intelligence within nature. Together, they express the union of divine and earthly healing. The mantra Om Shri Dhanvantre Namaha is traditionally chanted to invoke protection from illness and alignment with the natural rhythms of health and vitality at every level of being.
