Tue Oct 29 04:40:39 UTC 2024: ## Dhanteras: A Celebration of Health and Ayurveda, Not Just Wealth
**Patna:** As the five-day Diwali festival begins, the focus in Bihar today is on Dhanteras, the day celebrating the birth of Dhanvantari, the god of Ayurveda.
While the festival is often associated with buying gold and silver, pundits emphasize that Dhanteras’ true essence lies in celebrating health and the gift of Ayurveda.
“Dhanteras has nothing to do with gold and silver. The market-driven culture has linked it to ‘wealth’, but it is actually a day dedicated to Dhanvantari, the churning of the ocean, and Ayurveda,” explained Pandit Bhavnath Jha, a prominent religious leader in Patna.
He highlighted that historical records show merchants used to worship their ‘galla’ (cash box) and ‘tijori’ (safe) on this day, but they would shut down their businesses for the occasion. Today, the worship of the deity has taken a back seat, while commercialization has taken the forefront.
Jyotish Acharya Pandit Rajnath Jha further elaborated on the significance of Dhanvantari’s birth, highlighting his role in bringing the elixir of immortality from the ocean. This, he said, cemented Dhanvantari’s position as the god of well-being and the patron deity of doctors and healers.
Dr. Pandit Shashinath Jha, former Vice-Chancellor of the Kameshwar Singh Darbhanga Sanskrit University, shed light on a unique ritual mentioned in the Rudrayamal Tantra, where a pot is worshipped on Dhanteras and bathing in its water or milk is said to bring good health for the whole year.
The article also mentions the belief that after Dhanvantari emerged with the pot of nectar, King Bali attempted to flee with it to his capital. This led to the formation of Baligragarh, a site now protected by the ASI, and further solidified Bihar’s connection to the nectar-drinking event and the subsequent importance of Kartik Ganga snan in the state.
While the article acknowledges the traditional practices and beliefs surrounding Dhanteras, it ultimately emphasizes the importance of remembering the festival’s origins and the role of Ayurveda in promoting health and well-being.
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