| Significance of Ayurveda Day: Ayurveda Day started in 2016, promotes awareness of Ayurveda, an ancient Indian medical science focused on holistic well-being. The day honours Dhanvantri, an incarnation of Vishnu and the divine physician, who is said to have received the knowledge of Ayurveda from Brahma. The 2024 theme, “Ayurveda Innovation for Global Health,” focuses on women’s health, workplace wellness, school wellness, and food innovation. |
- On Ayurveda Day and Dhanteras, health-linked projects worth nearly Rs 12,850 crore were launched.
- Ayurveda Day is celebrated annually on Dhanvantri Jayanti, the believed birth anniversary of Dhanvantri, regarded as the divine physician.
- In Hindu mythology, Dhanvantri emerged from the churning of the ocean, Samudra Manthan, bearing a pot of amrita, symbolizing the nectar of immortality.
- Dhanvantri is depicted with four hands, holding amrita, a discus, a conch, and often herbs or a leech, symbolizing health and healing.
- Dhanvantri and Lakshmi are worshipped on Dhanteras for health and prosperity, as Dhanvantri appeared with amrita and Lakshmi emerged on the same day.
- Kuber, the divine treasurer, is also worshipped on Dhanteras, symbolizing wealth and abundance.
- Another tradition suggests Dhanvantri incarnated as King Divodasa of Kashi, passing Ayurvedic knowledge to sages, including the renowned surgeon Susruta.
Dig Deeper: Read about Charaka and Susruta.
