By Neeraj Kumar
Patna: The five-day Deep Mahotsav begins in honour of Dhanvantari, the father of Ayurveda, on his birth anniversary, which coincides with Dhanteras that falls on October 29 this year. In Hindu scriptures, Dhanteras holds profound significance as it commemorates Dhanvantari’s emergence with the Amrit Kalash (pot of nectar) following the legendary Samudra Manthan, or churning of the ocean. Known as the divine healer and creator of Ayurveda, Dhanvantari is revered as the deity of physicians. On this auspicious occasion, people across Bihar offer heartfelt prayers for health and prosperity, upholding the Sanatan Dharma belief that health is life’s greatest wealth.
Highlighting the evolving interpretation of Dhanteras, Patna’s respected Dharmadhikari, Pandit Bhavanath Jha, explains that the festival has traditionally focused on Dhanvantari and the essence of Ayurveda, rather than material wealth. However, modern market culture has shifted Dhanteras towards associations with gold and silver. Pandit Jha notes that 19th-century European documents refer to Gujarati merchants worshipping ‘Galla’ and ‘Tijodi’ (cash and ledger books) on Dhanteras, yet in those times, the day was marked by halting trade to worship. Today, however, the emphasis on business has grown, often overshadowing the original religious purpose. Despite this, Vaidyas and Ayurvedic companies continue to celebrate Dhanteras by honouring Dhanvantari.
Astrologer Pandit Rajnath Jha adds that Dhanvantari is believed to have appeared on Kartik Krishna Trayodashi, carrying a pot of nectar. According to Puranic texts, drinking this nectar grants immortality, solidifying Dhanvantari’s revered role as the deity of health and well-being. In his writings, Sushruta, the ancient Indian physician, acknowledges that his knowledge is an interpretation of Dhanvantari’s teachings, reinforcing his role as the ‘Adi-Purush’ or the original being for Vaidyas. The story of Dhanvantari’s origin is elaborated in the Bhagwat-Mahapuran (up to 8.8.32-36), where he is described as an incarnation of Vishnu, holding a pot of nectar and adorned with bracelets.
Dr. Pandit Shashinath Jha, former Vice Chancellor of Kameshwar Singh Darbhanga Sanskrit University, describes an interesting ritual linked to Dhanvantari found in the Rudrayamal Tantra. This text details a method of worship called ‘Amritkaran Prayog,’ in which devotees worship a pot on Dhanvantari Trayodashi (Dhanteras) and bathe with its water or milk to ensure health for the year. It is believed that this ritual can transform the water or milk into a nectar-like substance that cleanses and heals.
According to tradition, during the Samudra Manthan, Dhanvantari appeared with the Amrit Kalash, which was seized by King Bali, who fled towards his capital, Baligram—believed to be present-day Baliragadh, a site now protected by the ASI. Another tale suggests that King Bali, with the nectar pot in hand, raced from Mandar Mountain along the banks of the Ganga to Ballia, followed by his demon forces. It was in the Shalmali forest of Shemal trees in Bihar where Vishnu, in the form of Mohini, finally drank the nectar, an event that has elevated the region’s significance in Hindu tradition. This divine event is why the Ganga snan (sacred river bath) is so significant during the Kartik month in Bihar, with the renowned Kalpavas taking place in Simaria, Begusarai district.