The Sacredness of Dhanwanthari Deepasthabam and Its Major Deities
Introduction
Dhanwanthari Deepasthabam is a revered ritual in Hinduism dedicated to Lord Dhanwanthari, the divine physician and an incarnation of Lord Vishnu. This ritual, involving the lighting of lamps, is performed to seek health, healing, and overall well-being. In this blog, we will delve into the significance of Dhanwanthari Deepasthabam, the procedure of performing this ritual, and the major deities associated with it.
What is Dhanwanthari Deepasthabam?
Dhanwanthari Deepasthabam is a traditional worship ritual that involves lighting oil lamps to honor Lord Dhanwanthari. The word "Deepasthabam" means "pillar of lamps," and this ritual signifies illuminating one's life with health, vitality, and prosperity through the blessings of the divine healer, Lord Dhanwanthari.
Significance of Dhanwanthari Deepasthabam
The Dhanwanthari Deepasthabam is performed to invoke the blessings of Lord Dhanwanthari for various reasons:
- Health and Healing: Devotees seek the divine intervention of Lord Dhanwanthari to cure ailments and promote overall health.
- Prosperity and Well-Being: The ritual is believed to bring prosperity, ensuring a healthy and abundant life.
- Spiritual Illumination: Lighting the lamps signifies dispelling darkness and ignorance, leading to spiritual enlightenment and inner peace.
- Protection: The blessings of Lord Dhanwanthari offer protection from diseases and negative energies.
Major Deities Associated with Dhanwanthari Deepasthabam
1. Lord Dhanwanthari
- Role: Divine Physician and Healer
- Significance: Lord Dhanwanthari is an incarnation of Lord Vishnu and is regarded as the god of Ayurveda and medicine. He is depicted holding a pot of Amrita (nectar of immortality) and is believed to bestow health and longevity upon his devotees. Worshiping Lord Dhanwanthari during the Deepasthabam ritual ensures protection from diseases and promotes healing and vitality.
2. Lord Vishnu
- Role: Preserver and Protector
- Significance: As Lord Dhanwanthari is an incarnation of Lord Vishnu, the blessings of Vishnu are inherently invoked during this ritual. Lord Vishnu, the preserver of the universe, ensures the maintenance of health, balance, and harmony in life. His divine presence strengthens the spiritual aspect of the Dhanwanthari Deepasthabam.
3. Goddess Lakshmi
- Role: Goddess of Wealth and Prosperity
- Significance: Goddess Lakshmi, the consort of Lord Vishnu, is often invoked alongside Lord Dhanwanthari to bring prosperity and abundance into the lives of devotees. Her blessings ensure that the wealth of health is accompanied by financial stability and overall well-being.
Procedure of Dhanwanthari Deepasthabam
The ritual of Dhanwanthari Deepasthabam involves several steps, performed with devotion and adherence to traditional practices. Here is a general outline of the procedure:
- Preparation: Clean the worship area and arrange the Deepasthabam (pillar of lamps) or individual oil lamps. Gather all necessary items such as oil, wicks, flowers, fruits, and sacred herbs.
- Purification: Purify yourself and the worship area with holy water and specific mantras.
- Invocation: Invoke Lord Dhanwanthari and other associated deities through Dhyana (meditation) and Avahana (inviting the deities to the altar).
- Lighting the Lamps: Light the oil lamps while chanting mantras dedicated to Lord Dhanwanthari and other deities.
- Offerings: Present offerings such as flowers, fruits, and sacred herbs to the deities.
- Mantra Chanting: Recite specific mantras and prayers dedicated to Lord Dhanwanthari, seeking health and protection.
- Aarti: Perform the aarti, where lamps are waved in front of the deities, accompanied by devotional songs.
Key Mantras for Dhanwanthari Deepasthabam
Reciting specific mantras during the Dhanwanthari Deepasthabam enhances the ritual's effectiveness. Some key mantras include:
- Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya Dhanwantharaye Amrita Kalasa Hastaya Sarva Bhaya Vinashaya Sarva Rogan Nivaranaya Traylokya Pathaye Traylokya Nidhaye Sri Maha Vishnu Swarupaya Sri Dhanwanthari Swarupaya Sri Sri Sri Aushata Chakra Narayanaya Swaha.
- This mantra is dedicated to Lord Dhanwanthari, invoking his blessings for health, protection, and healing.
- Om Shreem Hreem Kleem Mahalaxmi Namaha.
- This mantra is dedicated to Goddess Lakshmi, seeking her blessings for prosperity and well-being.
Conclusion
Dhanwanthari Deepasthabam is a powerful ritual that seeks the divine blessings of Lord Dhanwanthari, Lord Vishnu, and Goddess Lakshmi for health, prosperity, and spiritual illumination. By performing this ritual with devotion and adherence to traditional practices, devotees can experience the transformative power of divine healing and protection. The illumination from the oil lamps symbolizes the dispelling of darkness and the ushering in of a life filled with health, vitality, and prosperity.