The picture of Lord Dhanvantari can be seen in Ayurvedic literature. There are many mythological stories and legends about Lord Dhanvantari who is hailed as the Patron of Ayurveda and the Divine Healer. Every Ayurvedic physician needs to chant the Dhanvantari Mantra before taking any medicine or giving any treatment. Lord Dhanvantari is the Hindu god of healing.
Lord Dhanvantari the Patron of Ayurveda
Ayurveda, as well as Hinduism, believes that every activity in human life is guided by a divine power. It is based on the belief that every activity in the universe is performed only with the blessing
and guidance of a divine power. Hindu mythology considers that Lord Dhanvantari is the father of Ayurveda. His pictures can be seen depicted as the physician god of Ayurveda, who carries in his hands a bowl of heavenly nectar, a discus or chakra weapon, a conch shell which is used in a ground form in some traditional medicines, and some herbs for medication. It is believed that Lord Dhanvantari became the Patron of Ayurveda because he is the god who taught Sushruta the authentic author of Ayurvedic text Sushruta Samhita about the secrets of Ayurvedic treatments.The invocation mantra to Lord Dhanvantari
Lord Dhanvantari should be invoked through the special mantra for practicing Ayurveda. It prays to the divine patron of Ayurveda saying that Lord Dhanvantari who is holding
the vessel of immortal nectar should eliminate all ailments. After reciting this mantra, the physician would offer the medicine to god and begin the treatment.The legend story of Lord Dhanvantari
The interesting legendary story of Lord Dhanvantari describes that while Lord Devendra who was riding on his favorite elephant, Durvasa presented him a garland of flowers which adorned the elephant. Unfortunately a bee which was hiding in a flower of the garland stung the elephant. The elephant, in an instinctive action, threw the garland down and stamped on it. Durvasa who got angry because of the disrespect by throwing and stamping on the gift he had given, cursed Devendra and all the Devas (gods) of his kingdom. All the Devas, including Devendra, began to suffer in various ways because of the curse. They approached Lord Vishnu to redeem them. As per his guidance, the Devas churned the Palazhi (ocean of milk) where Lord Dhanvantari appeared with the divine nectar which redeemed all from the curse. The Ayurvedic medicine is considered as the nectar of Lord Dhanvantari.
Whatever may be the legend, this story insists the belief of divine power in the Ayurvedic treatments.