Dhanwantari: the God of Hindu medicine

Bull Indian Inst Hist Med Hyderabad. 1997 Jan;27(1):1-14.

Abstract

The original conception of Ayurveda in its entirety is essentially linked to Dhanwantari who is considered as God of Hindu Medicine. Dhanwantari is considered a mythical deity born with ambrosia in one hand and Ayurveda on the other at the end of the churning of milk ocean. He reincarnated himself in the Chandra dynasty. He was born to King Dhanwa, learnt Ayurveda from Bharadwaja. His great grandson Divodasa was also known as Dhanwantari, but was specialised only in surgical branch of Ayurveda. Sushruta, is said to have learnt the art of science of surgery from Divodasa Dhanwantara.

Publication types

  • Historical Article

MeSH terms

  • History, Ancient
  • History, Early Modern 1451-1600
  • History, Medieval
  • History, Modern 1601-
  • India
  • Medicine, Ayurvedic / history*
  • Religion and Medicine*