Why is it in the news?

• On October 29, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated health-related projects valued at approximately Rs 12,850 crore, coinciding with both the festival of Dhanteras and the ninth National Ayurveda Day.
• Celebrated on Dhanvantri Jayanti — believed to be the birth anniversary of Dhanvantri, the divine physician — National Ayurveda Day was established to raise awareness about the holistic benefits of

About Ayurveda Day

• Ayurveda, an ancient Indian medical system, emphasizes overall well-being through natural methods and is observed annually on Dhanwantri Jayanti.
• The Government of India began marking this day in 2016, recognizing Dhanvantri’s contributions to Ayurvedic knowledge, which he is believed to have received from Brahma.
• According to the government’s Press Information Bureau, the day honours Ayurvedic practices, medicinal herbs, and lifestyle principles. The National Medical Commission’s (NMC) logo even incorporates Dhanvantri’s image, symbolizing his role as the physician of the gods.
• This year, the theme for Ayurveda Day is “Ayurveda Innovation for Global Health,” with a focus on women’s health, workplace wellness, school wellness, and food innovation.

Who is Dhanvantri and Why is He Worshipped on Dhanteras?

• Dhanvantri, celebrated on Dhanteras, is regarded as the god of medicine and health. His origin story dates back to the Samudra Manthan (churning of the ocean), when he emerged holding a pot of amrita (nectar of immortality).
• This nectar was later distributed among the Devas after Vishnu, disguised as Mohini, cleverly kept it from the Asuras. Worshippers honour Dhanvantri on this day to seek blessings for good health and vitality.
• Experts explains that on Dhanteras, Dhanvantri and Goddess Lakshmi, who also appeared during Samudra Manthan, are both honored — Dhanvantri for health and Lakshmi for prosperity. Kuber, the treasurer of the gods, is also worshipped on this day for wealth and fortune.
• In addition, a narrative from Alandi Ayurveda Gurukula states that Dhanvantri took the form of Divodasa, King of Kashi, where he imparted Ayurvedic wisdom to sages, including Susruta, a prominent figure in Indian medicine.
• Dhanvantri is traditionally depicted with four hands, holding symbols such as a pot of amrita, a discus, a conch, and a leech, with some depictions including Ayurvedic herbs or scriptures.