Vishnu & Vaishnava — Vedic Puja Vidhi
Dhanvantari Puja
Dhanvantari Puja is the sacred worship of Lord Dhanvantari — the divine physician, the god of Ayurveda, and the fourteenth gem to emerge from the Samudra Manthan (churning of the cosmic ocean). He is considered an avatar of Lord Vishnu who appeared holding a pot of amrita (the nectar of immortality) and the sacred texts of Ayurveda. Dhanvantari Puja is most prominently observed on Dhanteras — the thirteenth day of the dark fortnight of Kartik month — which is officially designated as National Ayurveda Day in India. Physicians, Ayurvedic practitioners, and families worship him for protection from disease, recovery from illness, and blessings of lifelong health and vitality.
Last updated: 23 April 2026 · Source: Vedic Tradition
Benefits
Grants protection from diseases and chronic illnesses, accelerates recovery for those who are unwell, bestows longevity and robust physical health, brings blessings upon physicians and Ayurvedic practitioners, removes fear of untimely death, purifies the body and mind, and ensures the well-being of all family members throughout the year.
Step-by-Step Procedure
Set up a clean altar on Dhanteras evening. Place a Dhanvantari idol or image — he is depicted as a four-armed deity holding a conch, chakra, leech, and amrita pot. Offer yellow flowers (marigold, chrysanthemum), tulsi leaves, and yellow fruits. Light a ghee lamp. Perform panchamrit abhishek if a metal idol is available. Recite the Dhanvantari mantra — "Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya Dhanvantaraye Amrita Kalasha Hastaya Sarva Bhaya Vinashanaya Trailokyanathaya Sri Mahavishnave Namah" — 108 times. Physicians and Ayurvedic students should worship their medical instruments and books on this day. Conclude with aarti and distribute prasad made from tulsi-infused water or herbal sweets.
Best Time (Muhurat)
Dhanteras (Kartik Krishna Trayodashi) is the most sacred day — this is also National Ayurveda Day. The puja should be performed at pradosh kaal (dusk). Throughout the year, Thursdays and Dwadashi tithi (12th of lunar month) are ideal for Dhanvantari worship.
Materials Required (Samagri)
- ·Dhanvantari idol or image
- ·Yellow flowers (marigold, chrysanthemum)
- ·Tulsi leaves
- ·Ghee lamp
- ·Panchamrit (milk, curd, honey, ghee, sugar)
- ·Yellow fruits (banana, pineapple)
- ·Incense sticks
- ·Camphor
- ·Sandalwood paste
- ·Akshat (unbroken rice)
- ·Coconut
- ·Herbal sweets or amla as prasad
FAQ
Q.What is Dhanvantari Puja?
Dhanvantari Puja is the sacred worship of Lord Dhanvantari — the divine physician, the god of Ayurveda, and the fourteenth gem to emerge from the Samudra Manthan (churning of the cosmic ocean). He is considered an avatar of Lord Vishnu who appeared h...
Q.What are the benefits of Dhanvantari Puja?
Grants protection from diseases and chronic illnesses, accelerates recovery for those who are unwell, bestows longevity and robust physical health, brings blessings upon physicians and Ayurvedic practitioners, removes fear of untimely death, purifies the body and mind, and ensures the well-being of all family members throughout the year.
Q.What is the best time to perform Dhanvantari Puja?
Dhanteras (Kartik Krishna Trayodashi) is the most sacred day — this is also National Ayurveda Day. The puja should be performed at pradosh kaal (dusk). Throughout the year, Thursdays and Dwadashi tithi (12th of lunar month) are ideal for Dhanvantari worship.
Q.What materials are needed for Dhanvantari Puja?
Dhanvantari idol or image, Yellow flowers (marigold, chrysanthemum), Tulsi leaves, Ghee lamp, Panchamrit (milk, curd, honey, ghee, sugar), Yellow fruits (banana, pineapple), Incense sticks, Camphor, Sandalwood paste, Akshat (unbroken rice), Coconut, Herbal sweets or amla as prasad.