According to Ancient Hindu Scriptures, Lord Dhanvantari is an incarnation of Lord Vishnu and the Discoverer of Ayurveda.
Indra, the king of the Devatas, was once cursed by Durvasa Muni to be bereft of all strength, energy, and fortune. As a result of this curse Asuras (demons) led by king Bali, defeated Indra and took control of the universe.
Indra and other devas went to Lord Vishnu for help. Lord Vishnu advised them to treat asuras in a diplomatic manner. Devas formed an alliance with asuras to jointly churn the ocean for the nectar of immortality (amrita) and to share it among them. However, Lord Vishnu told Devas that he would arrange nectar only for them.
The churning of the ocean was an elaborate process. During the churning, many Divine objects and beings emerged from the ocean. At the end of this process, Lord Dhanvantari appeared from the ocean. He was carrying with him a pot filled with the divine nectar of immortality.
The asuras snatched the pot containing the nectar and started quarreling about which of them will drink the nectar first. Lord Vishnu didn't miss this opportunity to trick them. He appeared as Mohini, a beautiful woman who fascinated the demons, recovered the nectar from them, and distributed it only amongst the demigods. As soon as the demigods drank it, they were invigorated with energy and defeated the demons.
Lord Vishnu foretold that Lord Dhanvantari would appear again in the world to teach men the science of Ayurveda. And so he did, after Lord Indra, seeing humanity so afflicted by pain and disease, pleaded with Lord Dhanvantari to descend into the material world and teach Ayurveda to the human race.
Lord Dhanvantari was born in the royal household of Kashi and eventually became the king. Even as a young boy he had ascetic tendencies, was extremely disciplined and performed severe austerities. He taught Ayurveda orally to the sages and rishis (seers) who became his disciples. His teachings are recorded in the Agni Purana, as well as through the teachings of his disciples Susruta, Pauskalavata, Aurabha, Vaitarana, and others.
It is written in the scriptures that, “One who remembers the name of Dhanvantari can be released from all disease.” Lord Dhanvantari is worshipped all over India as the God of Medicine.
Even today, two days before Diwali, the Festival of Lights, the day of his appearance is celebrated by worshipping him. At dusk, a lamp pointing toward North by North-East is lit at the doorstep of the house to welcome Lord Dhanvantari for health and happiness in life. This day is known as Dhanteras.
Lord Dhanvantari destroys negativity and blesses his devotees with good health.
Some Beautiful Images Of Lord Dhanvantari-