Dhantrayodashi is the
thirteenth day of waning moon in month of Aswin and the first day of Deepawali.
On this day Dhanwantari, the supreme physician, along with Arogya Lakshmi emerged
from Cosmic Ocean during Samudra Manthan carrying with him the spiritual
knowledge of Ayurveda. Somehow people have stopped worshipping Dhanwantari and
Dhantrayodashi is getting more and more associated with wealth and Lakshmi
Pooja.
Lakshmi Symbolises
Fortune and Dhanwantari Symbolises Health. Human body is home to Devas and has
to remain healthy so that a man can live a productive and vibrant life. In
Vedic sense Earth, Water, Air, Space and Fire or Pancha maha bhuta are termed
as pure wealth.
Dhanwantari rose from
the ocean in radiant form he had four arms. In one hand, he held the conch
shell or Shankh, the auspicious symbol that spreads positive energy and
purifies the surrounding air with its sonorous sound. In the second hand, he
holds his Divine Weapon the Chakra, signifying that Ayurveda can destroy any
evil force that attacks the body and mind. In his third hand is the Jalouka or
leech, used in blood letting, one of the principal detoxifying procedures in
Ayurveda, while in the fourth hand he holds the pot of elixir , which eliminates
all disease and ensure immortality.
On this day 108 Medicinal
Herbs like Coriander, Ginger, Turmeric etc. and Plants like Neem are worshipped
to seek blessing of nature which is source of health and wealth. As
Dhantrayodashi is a festival associated with physician of the Gods, cleanliness
and hygiene is given importance.
In Modern times it is
also celebrated as day of wealth or Dhan. On this day God of wealth Kuber also
known as Dhanpati is worshipped. People have misconception that Laxmi is
Goddess of Wealth. Laxmi is Goddess of Fortune and as fortune is associated
with wealth people mistake her to be Goddess of wealth.
Lord Yama is also
worshipped and this day is celebrated as Yamadeepdan. People believe that
praying to lord Yama will prevent premature deaths in their families. And lamps
are lit, facing South throughout the night in Lord Yama’s reverence.
At dusk a lamp
pointing in north is lit at the doorstep to welcome Lord Dhanwantari for health
and happiness in life.
Our collective role
in preserving the Medicinal plants and herbs will go a long way in rejuvenating
ancient science of Ayurveda. It will also help mankind to reverse the damage
they have done to ecology.
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