Dhanvantri Homa

Dhanvantri Homa is performed to recover from health ailments and restore good health. This ritual creates a protective shield against health disorders and is believed to cure various illnesses. Lord Dhanvantri, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu, is revered as the divine physician and the god of Ayurvedic sciences, from which Ayurveda is said to have originated.

Procedure

Dhanvantri Homa is rooted in the Bhagavata Purana. The essence of this homa involves offering 108 medicinal and restorative herbs into the sacrificial fire. Seed and Moola mantras, Vishnu Sahasranama, and Sri Suktam are recited during the ceremony. Here’s a glimpse of the process:

  • Anujnaa (Permission)
  • Aachamanam (Cleansing through the water element)
  • Vigneshwara Puja (Invoking Lord Ganapathy)
  • Kalasa Avahana (Reciting moola mantras)
  • Sankalpa (Intent of the homa)
  • Navagraha Puja (Puja for all 9 planets)
  • Dhanvantri Homa (Pradhan Homa)
  • Uttaraangam (Offering Gratitude)
  • Poornaahuti
  • Udvaasana (Benediction)

Significance

Lord Dhanvantri, an avatar of Lord Vishnu, is the divine doctor and healer of all ailments. According to the Bhagavata Purana, Lord Dhanvantri appeared during the churning of the Cosmic Ocean of milk, bringing the nectar of immortality to the celestial beings. He is depicted with a golden body adorned with ornaments, and he holds a conch (Shankh), a disc (Chakra), a leech (Jalauka) for natural healing, and a pot of Amrita (Ambrosia). Lord Dhanvantri symbolizes long life, immortality, health, medicine, and holistic living.

He is revered as the physician of the gods and celestial beings (Deva Vaidya). Sincere prayers and worship of Him can improve health. According to the ‘Sushruta Samhita,’ Lord Dhanvantri trained Sage Sushruta, who is considered the father of Ayurvedic surgery. Lord Dhanvantri created Ayurveda as a spiritual science, detailing every physical element of the human body and providing solutions for all health ailments.

Benefits

  • Ultimate Healer: Provides comprehensive healing for physical and mental afflictions.
  • Disease Removal: Alleviates all fears and diseases.
  • Wellbeing: Promotes overall happiness and prosperity.
  • Longevity: Ensures an infection-free life and longevity.
  • Health Issues: Aids individuals with recurring medical problems and serious health issues.

Ideal Time to Perform

The ideal date for performing this homa is determined based on the devotee’s Janma Nakshatra, Tithi, and Yoga. Ekadashi, Trayodashi Tithis, and Guru and Mercury Horas are particularly auspicious. This homa can also be performed annually on Dhanvantri Trayodashi Jayanthi for optimal results.

Who Can Perform?

Individuals suffering from unknown illnesses, recurring diseases, or terminal health conditions can perform this homa to seek Lord Dhanvantri’s blessings.

Mantras and Fasting Guide for Dhanvantari Homa Blessings

To enhance the benefits of the homa, meditate or chant the following slokas. Fasting on Thursdays can increase receptivity to divine blessings. Writing the mantra 11 times daily is also beneficial.

Mantras:

  • “Om Hreem Dhanvantari Mahavishnave Namaha”
  • “Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaaya Dhanvantaraye Amrutha-Kalasa-Hasthaaya Sarvaamaya-Vinaashanaaya Tri-Lokya-Naathaaya Shri Mahaavishnave Namaha ||”
  • “Om tat purushaaya vidmahe Amritha kalasa hastaaya dheemahi Tanno Dhanvantri prachodayaat.”