Drik Panchang
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Drik Panchang
Lord Vishnu incarnates in different forms to fulfil various purposes. Hence, He is also known by names, such as, Leeladhara, Mayadhara, and others. In this sequence, during Samudra Manthan, Lord Vishnu was incarnated as Lord Dhanvantari. According to Srimad Bhagavata Mahapurana, this is the twelfth Avatara of Lord Vishnu.
The day of Lord Dhanvantari's emergence is celebrated as the festival of Dhanteras. Lord Dhanvantari cures all kinds of diseases and bestows good health upon His devotees. Lord Dhanvantari is considered the founder of Ayurveda.
As described in Srimad Bhagavata Mahapurana regarding the origin of Lord Dhanvantari - once, at the inspiration of Lord Vishnu, the Gods and demons agreed to perform Samudra Manthan to obtain Amrita, the elixir of immortality. For this purpose, Mount Mandarachala was used as the churning rod and the great serpent Vasuki served as the churning rope.
When the Samudra Manthan began, the first to emerge was the deadly poison Halahala, which was consumed by Lord Shiva to protect the entire universe. After Lord Shiva drank the poison, the churning again started. Thereafter, the divine cow Kamadhenu emerged from the ocean, which was claimed by sages to use its sacred milk and Ghee in sacrificial rituals, like Agnihotra. Following this, a celestial horse named Uchchaihshravas emerged, which was taken by the demon King Bali. Then emerged Airavata, the magnificent four-tusked celestial elephant, who was claimed by Indra, the King of Gods. After that, the divine jewel Kaustubha Mani emerged, which Lord Vishnu placed upon His chest. Following this, the divine tree Kalpavriksha emerged, which was sent to the Swarga Loka. After that, celestial maidens Apsaras emerged and went to Deva Loka. Finally, Goddess Lakshmi Herself emerged and chose Lord Vishnu as Her divine consort.
As the churning of the ocean continued, a divine being emerged from the depths of the ocean. He had long and powerful arms, conch-shaped neck, curly hair, reddish and resplendent eyes, a broad chest and a dusky complexion. He was adorned in yellow garments and wore various golden ornaments - gem-studded earrings, a radiant crown and other divine jewels. This celestial being was none other than Lord Dhanvantari, a partial incarnation of Lord Vishnu. In His hands, He carried the Amrita Kalasha, the pot of elixir of immortality, and a gentle smile adorned His face. Beholding the beautiful and divine form of Lord Dhanvantari, all present offered their salutations with folded hands. Thereafter, Lord Dhanvantari bestowed immortality upon Gods and the knowledge of Ayurveda to the world. In this way, Lord Dhanvantari emerged from the Samudra Manthan to grant immortality to Gods and health to all living beings.
According to another account related to Lord Dhanvantari, in the Dwapara Yuga, there lived a King in Kashi named Dirghatapasa. Desiring a son, he performed intense penance to appease the God of medicine. Pleased with his devotion, the deity granted him the boon that his wish would be fulfilled and He Himself would incarnate as the King's son.
After some time, a majestic son was born to King Dirghatapasa, who became renowned in the three worlds as Dhanvantari. He was a great King and is described in scriptures as the one who cures all ailments. King Dhanvantari received the knowledge of medicine and Ayurveda from Sage Bharadwaja. Thereafter, He classified His medical knowledge into eight distinct branches and passed on this invaluable knowledge to His disciples. Thus, the legend of the incarnation of Lord Dhanvantari completes.
According to Vayu Purana, the father of Lord Dhanvantari is mentioned as King Dirghatapasa. In some other texts, the name of King Dirghatapasa is mentioned as Dirghatamasa. Arogya Lakshmi is considered the divine consort of Lord Dhanvantari.
Lord Dhanvantari is depicted wearing yellow clothes and a stole, in four-armed form, standing on a lotus flower. In His four hands, He holds a conch, His treatise on Ayurveda, Amrita Kalasha and medicinal plants. In other depictions, He is shown holding a conch, a discus, His treatise on Ayurveda and the Amrita Kalasha. Lord Dhanvantari is also portrayed in two-armed form, in which He holds the Amrita Kalasha in one hand and raises the other hand in Varada Mudra.
Dhanvantari Moola Mantra -
ॐ धन्वन्तरये नमः
Om Dhanvantaraye Namah।
Dhanvantari Gayatri Mantra -
ॐ तत्पुरुषाय विद्महे अमृतकलशहस्ताय धीमहि।
तन्नो धन्वन्तरि प्रचोदयात्॥
Om Tatpurushaya Vidmahe Amritakalashahastaya Dhimahi।
Tanno Dhanvantari Prachodayat॥
Dhanvantari Roga Nashaka Mantra -
नमामि धन्वन्तरि आदिदेवं सुरासुरैर्वन्दितपादपद्मम्।
लोके जरारुग्भयमृत्युनाशनं धातारमीशं विविधौषधीनाम्॥
Namami Dhanvantari Adidevam Surasurairvanditapadapadmam।
Loke Jararugbhayamrityunashanam Dhataramisham Vividhaushadhinam॥
The given Shri Vishnu Dashavatara Stotram is a very melodious and effective Stotram dedicated to the ten incarnations of Lord Vishnu.
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ISKCON devotees can get the complete list of ISKCON Ekadashi fasting dates here. This list will prove highly informative and useful to those who observe the fast of Ekadashi as per the ISKCON.
The list of Mantras used in the worship and chanting of Lord Vishnu is available on this page. Some of these Mantras are legendary and some are Vedic. Along with this, the powerful Yantra of Lord Vishnu can also be seen from this page.
