Why is Lord Dhanvantari worshiped on Dhanteras? Know this amazing story of his and you will be blessed with a healthy life.

News India Live, Digital Desk: The festival of Dhanteras is not just about buying new utensils or gold and silver, but it is also a festival of wishing for happiness, prosperity and above all, good health. Often people focus on shopping on this day, but another important tradition is followed on this auspicious occasion – the worship of Lord Dhanvantari. The question arises that why do we worship Dhanvantari, the god of health, instead of Kuber, the god of wealth, on this festival celebrated so close to Diwali? The answer to this is related to an ancient and very special mythological story, which makes us understand the real importance of health in life.

Who is Lord Dhanvantari and why is he worshipped?

Lord Dhanvantari is considered the physician of the gods and the father of Ayurveda. That is, he is the God who removes diseases, gives health and blesses long life. His appearance is related to a very important event, which we know as ‘Samudra Manthan’.

Appearance of Amrit Kalash and Dhanvantari Dev from the churning of the ocean:

According to the legend, there came a time when there were many wars between the gods and the demons, due to which the gods started losing their power. He had also been cursed, due to which his shine started diminishing. Then Lord Vishnu suggested the gods to churn the ocean. In this Mahayagya, Mandarachal mountain was made a churner and Vasuki serpent was used as a rope. After many gems and valuable objects, finally Lord Dhanvantari appeared from Ksheer Sagar in a very divine form.

When Dhanvantari Dev appeared, he had a shining ‘Amrit Kalash’ in his hands, from which nectar was dripping. It was only by drinking this nectar that the gods regained their lost powers and immortality. Since Lord Dhanvantari appeared with ‘Amrit Kalash’, the tradition of buying new metals or utensils started on this day. These new utensils are considered a symbol of the arrival of blessings like nectar of Dhanvantari in the house, i.e. good health and wealth. Lord Dhanvantari gave the boon of healthy life to the gods and hence he is worshiped as the god of health.

So what is the real essence of worship on Dhanteras?

Actually, the message of Dhanteras is very deep. It teaches us that real ‘wealth’ is not just money or material things, but a healthy body is the greatest wealth. If the body is healthy, we can enjoy every pleasure of life and move ahead in life. By worshiping Lord Dhanvantari, we seek his blessings of good health, long life and freedom from all diseases. It is a prayer that the nectar of health and happiness always showers on our family.

On this Dhanteras, when you go to buy new things, remember Lord Dhanvantari once. Pray to them that along with happiness and prosperity, your home should also have a healthy and happy life. By worshiping Lord Dhanvantari, you can start your Diwali with the precious gift of health.