Lord Dhanvantari--Physician of Gods and God of Ayurvedic Medicine (Vedic period).

*Professor of Medicine, T.N. Medical College (Retd.), Hon. Physician, Bhatia Hospital, Mumbai D i , the Hindu God in the ancient Indian Medicine is comparable to Aesculapius of Greek medicine. Shrimad Bhagvat purana states that when ancient demigods (Devas) were in serious peril, they appealed to Lord Vishnu for help. He told the demigods and demons (Asuras) to churn the ocean with the aid of the great Mandar Mountain and serpent Vasuki. From the liquid depth of ocean’s primeval cosmic life substance, rose the great physician Dhanvantari, clad in a white robe, with a pot of Amrit (nectar elixir of immortality) in his hand. He is one of the 14 Jewels (ratnas) which made their appearance in the course of this important mythical process of Samudramanthana or Sagar manthana. Amrita was initially snatched by demons but with the help Vishnu in the form of Mohini avatara (incarnation of Vishnu), it was recovered and finally consumed by demigods, who became victorious over demons. This episode is celebrated after every 12 years during the Kumbha mela festival.