Lord Dhanvantari Story and History of Ayurveda

Ayurveda is science of Vedic medicine and wellbeing, a method of holistic healing from the ancient times. As a matter of fact, apart from a traditional way of therapy for various ailments, it is also considered as a spiritual science. There is a belief that ayurveda is a sub-branch or part of Vedas and the torch of knowledge have been passed on from one generation to the other through ages, similar to passing on of the Vedic literature and Vedic scriptures through memorization. Legends have that the knowledge of ayurveda was created by Lord Brahma, who is the creator of the universe. He further passed it onto Prajapati, who later passed it to Ashwini Kumari (the celestial twin physicians) and they passed it onto Lord Indra. According to the Charaka Samhita, the timeless knowledge of Ayurveda is reflected in every cycle of the universe's creation. In order to provide relief from humanity's suffering, Lord Vishnu Himself took the form of Lord Dhanvantari and gifted to mankind Ayurveda.

As per scriptures, Lord Dhanvantari is revered as the ‘Father of Ayurveda’. According to the Vedas and Puranas, He is the God of healing and medicine and physician or doctor for the Gods. In Sanatan Dharma Lord Dhanvantari is worshipped in order to receive his blessings of healing and relief from various diseases and ailments. Legends go that Kind Divodasa, an ancient king of Kashi was a manifestation of Lord Dhanvantari, He taught Ayurveda to a group of sages including the famous Indian surgeon Susruta. It is believed that Lord Dhanvantari emerged at the end of the 'Churning of the Ocean' carrying the precious nectar of immorality 'Amrit'. As per some ancient texts, He is regarded as one of the incarnations of Lord Vishnu.

Story of Lord Dhanvantri’s Manifestation

The story of Lord Dhanvantri’s origin is an interesting one and has great spiritual and Vedic significance. Bhagavata Purana states that both devas and asuras used the mountain Mandara as a pole and Vasuki, the serpent, as a cord to churn the ocean of milk. Various herbs were tossed into it. The churning was so difficult that Lord Vishnu had to appear in many avatars to assist them and keep the process moving forward. He even emerged as Lord Vishnu Himself, sitting on top of the mountain, to energize Indra and his companions.

The churning of the ocean eventually produced a lethal poison (halahala), which Lord Shiva consumed to save all creation. While he did so, His consort Goddess Parvati held his neck preventing the poison from reaching His stomach, and the halahala remained in Lord Shiva's throat, turning the color of his neck blue due to its power. This is why Lord Shiva is also known as Neelakantha meaning the Blue-Necked One.

Lord Dhanvantari emerged as the churning continued. His color was bluish black, his chest was broad, and he was young and firmly built. His fiery eyes and powerful arms gave him a lion-like stride. His hair was curly and oiled, and he had on him a bright yellow dress and pearl earrings that sparkled. He was carrying a conch, leeches, medicinal plants, a chakra (one of Lord Vishnu's sacred weapons), and the pot of ambrosia (nectar of immorality) that had been sought after.

Many Divine objects and beings surfaced from the ocean during the churning, such as Shri Lakshmi, the Goddess of Wealth, who was reunited with Her consort Lord Vishnu after being worshipped by all the Gods, devas, asuras, and everyone else present. Other Divine objects and beings that emerged from the ocean during the churning were Kamadhenu - the wish-fulfilling cow, Ucchaisrava - the white horse, Kaustubhamani - a rare diamond, Airavata and Kalpavriksha - the wish-fulfilling tree.

Seeing the nectar of immorality, the asuras overcome with greed and conceit, began fighting over who was going to drink the nectar first, stealing the pot from each other. Lord Vishnu took advantage of their distraction to deceive them, seeing just how preoccupied they were with their arguments. He assumed the enchanting form of Mohini, a mesmerizing woman who beguiled the demons, seized the nectar from them, and distributed it solely among the Gods. The demigods were energized and vanquished the demons as soon as they drank it. They returned to their place in the heavens after worshiping Lord Vishnu and Shri Laxmi.

Lord Vishnu predicted at the time of the churning that Lord Dhanvantari would reappear in the world to teach humanity the science of Ayurveda. Which is exactly what he did after Lord Indra requested Lord Dhanvantari to come to Earth and teach Ayurveda to mankind.

Meaning of the name Dhanvantri

The word Dhanvantri is a Sanskrit word made from words ‘Dhan’ meaning wealth and ‘Vantari’ meaning owner thus Dhanvantri means ‘one who owns great wealth’. Another meaning of the name is ‘oasis in the desert’ as dhanvan means desert. Lord Dhanvantari is considered as a Divine being or a sage by many. He is the symbol of healing and hope. His teachings emphasize the significance of living in tune with nature, maintaining a balance of mind, body, and spirit, and accepting the natural world's innate knowledge.

Lord Dhanvantri and History of Ayurveda

Ancient scriptures describe Lord Dhanvantari as a manifestation of Lord Vishnu, Divine healer or physician of Gods and the creator of Ayurveda. Today Lord Dhanvantari is worshipped for good health, wellbeing and healing and the day of his emergence from the ocean is celebrated as Dhanteras. Lord Dhanvantari made aware all that the knowledge of Ayurveda was created by Lord Brahma even before He created humans, and the said is available in the 1,000 chapters of the Atharvaveda. As it is difficult for the limited human mind to comprehend this knowledge Lord Dhanvantari reorganized classical Ayurveda into eight divisions namely Kaaya Chikitsa, Baala Chikitsa, Graha Chikitsa, Urdhvaanga Chikitsa, Shalya Chikitsa, Damstra Chikitsa, Jara Chikitsa and Vrsha Chikitsa.

What is Mangal Dosha – Causes, Effects and Remedies

As per Vedic Astrology, life of an individual is heavily impacted by various planetary positions and movements in his natal chart. Conjunction and placements of Planets can lead to auspicious as well as malefic combinations being formed in the horoscope; these are known as Yogas and Doshas. There are numerous malefic Doshas which can be formed due to various Planets of the Navgraha. Some of these are much harmful whereas others can be milder. One such Dosha which impacts many Kundlis is the Manglik Dosha or the Kuja Dosha. In Vedic Astrology, Mangal or Planet Mars is a powerful Planet thus the Manglik Dosha holds a great significance. The Dosha can have several negative impacts on the native but it is especially known for the nuisance it creates for individuals looking to get married or in one’s married life.

When the Planet Mars is weakly placed in the birth chart especially in houses 1st, 2nd, 4th, 7th, 8th, or 12th, the person is said to suffer from Manglik Dosha. Different placements of Planet Mars and also placement of other planets in the chart may determine the intensity and strength of the Dosha. Primarily the Manglik Dosha causes delay in marriage, it will create obstacles and hurdles in getting an ideal life partner. Another issue is that in Vedic Astrology it is recommended that a person with Manglik Dosha in his or her Kundli should marry somebody who also has the said Dosha as then the Dosha cancels itself out.

About Mangal Dosha / Manglik Dosha

Planet Mars or Mangal Dev is considered as the God of War. The red Planet blesses natives with self-confidence, purpose, vigor, fearlessness and zeal. It is also related with power, anger, courage and good fortune. A weakly placed Mars in Kundli can make a person egoistic, self-centered and conceited. Thus it is stated that a person who has Mangal Dosha in his natal chart shouldn’t marry a non-manglik person as it will be difficult for them to have a happy and long married life. Mangal Dosha in the Kundli of one of either husband or wife can cause issues such as sufferings, health issues, financial problems, obstacles, mental stress and in extreme cases it can even result in death or separation. Therefore, it is often advised that a Manglik individual should get married to another Manglik person. It is essential to consult a learned and knowledgeable Vedic Astrologer as he or she may guide whether the match can go ahead with undertaking or remedies or it should be avoided altogether. Also it is believed that the Manglik Dosha has strong impact only till the age of 28 years for a native after which its strength diminishes.

What Causes Mangal Dosha

It is important to first try to understand how and why Manglik Doshs forms in a Kundli. Planet Mars is a fiery and aggressive planet, when placed in the 1st, 2nd, 4th, 7th, 8th, or 12th house it causes energy imbalance which has a negative impact and bring challenges in marriage, such as delays, conflicts or disharmony. A person with Mangal Dosha is his or her Kundli will be incompatible with somebody who isn’t Manglik. Thus it is generally accepted that a Manglik should only marry a Manglik, which cancels the malefic effects of the dosha. Mangal Dosh can cause issues such as early marriage, late marriage, broken marriage and martial discords, thus the Mangal Dosha is considered very malefic and dangerous. But there are also unique remedies that can be done to negate the malefic effects of the Mangal Dosha. Some of these remedies include that the native first symbolically marry a kumbh (wooden pot), peepal tree or Shaligram. This way the said articles will absorb the Dosha’s malefic effects.

Effects of Planet Mars (Mangal Graha) in Different Houses

Mars in First House

When Mars is placed in first house which is referred to as the ‘House of Self’ it causes pointless arguments. This tendency is more likely to occur when a non-Manglik marries a Manglik. This will eventually cause needless stress, anxiety and compatibility issues which will negatively impact the marriage.

Mars in Second House

When Mars is placed in second house there will be a steady rise in disputes. Mars in second house causes career and family issue. There are chances that the native’s married life and career would suffer as a result of Mangal Dosha. Their family's lives is negatively impacted as well due to underlying issues.

Mars in Fourth House

Professional issues are likely to occur when Mars is placed in the fourth house and is active and aggressive. These problems will eventually make the native unhappy with his professional career causing financial hardships, resulting in adverse impact of family and family life.

Mars in Seventh House

When Mars is Placed in the seventh house, it makes individual aggressive and angry. He may have a negative outlook towards things and thus it is difficult for them to have a fruitful and positive relationship with their spouse and other family members. They will also try to dominate and dictate others causing issues and problems.

Mars in Eight House

Mars in the eighth house indicates that the individual will be lethargic and unproductive. He may have a higher chance of straying in a relationship. He will also be uncompromising or adjusting in a relationship causing issues for the spouse.

Mars in Twelfth House

Mars placed in twelfth house can lead to many issues such as health problems, financial issues, extramarital affairs and mental stress. It is difficult for such individuals to be in a productive and cordial relationship.

Mangal Dosha is Kundli is pretty common with around 40 – 50% of all Kundli suffering from the same according to some estimates. Many a times Mangal Dosha is not as horrible and malefic as it is made out to be. The strength of the Dosha depends upon a number of factors such as placement of other planets and more. It’s vital to consult an experienced astrologer for Kundli milap if any of the husband or wife has Mangal Dosha in the Kundli. He may recommend one of the below mentioned appropriate remedy to undertake to pacify the malefic effects of the Dosha.

Remedies for Mangal Dosha

Mangal Dosha is also called Kuja Dosha, Bhom Dosha, or Angarakha Dosha. It is a common dosha that can affect both men and women. This dosha generally influences married life by generating difficulties and conflict, occasionally which can result in separation and divorce. Mangal Dosha also indicates financial and professional difficulties. However, one has no reason to be worried about the unfavorable effects of this dosha because there are some remedies that can help to cancel out the negative effects of Mangal. There are specific rituals and chants that can be performed. Here's a list.

Mangal Dosh Nivaran Puja

In the Puja, Lord Mangal Dev is invoked and worshipped. His blessings are sought and mantra Jaap done to appease Mangal Graha and nullify the malefic effects of the Mangal Dosha.

Kumbh Vivah

Kumbh Vivah is a ritual performed to negate the malefic effects of Mangal dosha when one partner in a marriage is Manglik. In the ritual the partner who is Manglik is first symbolically married to an earthen pot and after the ceremony the earthen pot is broken. There are some variations of the ritual which in a Peepal tree or a banana tree or a Shaligram or a Lord Vishnu’s image is used instead of the clay pot.

Fasting / Chanting Mangal Mantra

Fasting and chanting of the Mangal Mantra on every Tuesday is considered as a potent remedy to mitigate the Mangal Dosha.

Donations / Offerings

Donating to the poor and the needy especially on a Tuesday is considered beneficial for an individual who is Manglik. Offerings of red clothes, food items especially red lentils and jaggery is considered helpful. Visit to a Navgraha temple is also considered beneficial.

Worshipping Lord Hanuman

Worshipping Lord Hanuman can also be beneficial in eliminating the negative effects of Mangal Dosha. Since Lord Hanuman is believed to be protector of Planet Mars. Natives having this dosha must regularly worship Lord Hanuman, especially on Tuesdays and Saturdays. Chanting Hanuman Chalisa or Bajrang Baan mantra is also helpful.

Wearing Red Coral Gemstone / 6 mukhi Rudraksha Bead

To pacify Mangal Dosha wearing of an energized Red Coral gemstone or a 6 mukhi Rudraksha bead is another excellent remedy. It is of utmost importance to first consult a learned astrologer and get the horoscope analyzed before wearing a gemstone.

Pitru Dosha – Causes, Symptoms, Remedies

Pitru Dosha or Pitra Dosh is a common yet a highly malefic Dosha. Pitru means ‘forefathers or ancestors’ and Dosha mean ‘defect or problem’. The Dosha is caused due to unsatisfied departed souls of one’s forefathers. As per scriptures many a times when a person dies an unnatural or untimely death like in an accident or he dies with an unfulfilled desire or doesn’t receive proper list rites and ritual of antyeshti and shraddh or due to negative karma done in their lifetimes, the onward journey of such souls is troubled which causes miseries to both the departed and the family left behind. For any individual the reason for Pitru Dosh in Kundli is karmic debt and imbalance also known as Pitru rin or ancestral debt which needs to be settled. It is often exhibited in the Kundli by specific planetary combinations commonly involving the Sun, Moon, Rahu, Ketu or the ninth house (house of ancestors). Pitru Dosh is said to manifest as obstacles in career, marriage delays, financial issues, health problems, mental stress and recurring family problems. It is regarded as one of the top three most malefic dosha that can occur in the natal birth of an individual.

Effects of Pitra Dosh in Kundli

Depending upon conjunction and placement of various planets causing the Pitra Dosh in Kundli, the impact and severity of the malefic effects can vary for a native. A learned and knowledgeable astrologer can analyze the birth chart and provide more insights about the nature of the dosha in the native’s kundli. Pitra Dosh is a malefic dosha that can cause mental, physical and emotional sufferings. Malefic effects of the Pitra Dosh in Kundli can manifest in various aspects of life, often creating persistent obstacles, delays and hurdles. Natives with this dosh may experience repeated financial losses, mental stress, career stagnation, or obstacles in business despite hard work. It can cause delays in marriage, disharmony in relationships, or issues in conceiving children. Health problems especially recurring or hereditary ailments may also be seen in the family. In some cases, disputes over ancestral property or lack of unity among family members arise.

Types and Signs of Pitra Dosh

Sometimes various Pitru Dosh formed in various kundlis are classified as per their karmic and astrological reasons, they are generally classified into the following main types:

Karmic Pitru Dosh – Caused by negative karma and wrong deeds or sins committed by one’s ancestors.

Astrological Pitru Dosh – Forms due to specific planetary combinations especially in the ninth house (house of ancestors)

Shraddha/Tarpan Neglect Pitru Dosh – Occurs when proper ancestral rites, Shraddha, or Tarpan have not been performed

Unnatural Death Pitru Dosh – Caused when an ancestor suffered a violent or untimely death.

Matrutru Dosh – Pitru Dosh but linked to the maternal lineage

Also, there are some tell-tale signs that reveal that an individual may be suffering from Pitru Dosha. If one finds below issues and problems with self or with someone in family, then they should get their natal chart analyzed for Pitru Dosha.

Constant obstacles and hurdles in both personal and professional life
Delay in marriage or issues in conceiving a child
Financial problems such as debt and constant financial issues
Recurring health issues, diseases and ailments in family
Constant stress and conflicts in family without any major reason
Issues in career, education, growth and success
Recurring dreams of snakes or that of deceased family members

Planetary Positions that form the Pitra Dosh

When analyzing the horoscope for Pitra Dosh, a Vedic Astrologer will look for below mentioned planetary positions in the natal chart to determine Pitru Dosha.

1. Pitru Dosh forms in a kundli when the ninth house or its ruling planet comes under conjunction or opposition with Rahu or Ketu in a birth chart.

2. It may also be indicated when the Sun, Jupiter, Rahu, and Ketu are positioned in such a way that they conjoin or directly oppose each other in the horoscope.

3. Pitru dosh can manifest if Rahu is placed in the ascendant while the ascendant’s ruling planet resides in the sixth, eighth, or twelfth house.

4. When the ruler of the sixth, eighth, or twelfth house aligns with or opposes the planets involved in forming Pitru Dosh.

Pitra Dosh Remedies

Below are some popular remedies recommended to mitigate malefic effects of the Pitru Dosha:

Pitru Dosh Nivaran Puja
Pitru Dosh Nivaran Puja is recommended as the most potent way to nullify the malefic effects of the Pitru Dosh. The Puja can be conducted at home or in a temple. During the Puja Pitra Dosh Nivaran Mantra Jaap is done, along with rituals such as pind daan and tarpan.

Shraddh Puja during Pitru Paksha
Pitru Paksha is a 15 days period dedicated to venerating one’s ancestors. Shraddh Puja done during this period complete with pind daan and tarpan helps remove the Pitra Dosh.

Donation and Brahmin Bhoj
Charity or donation to the poor and needy, also brahmin bhoj meaning feeding of Brahmins ensure their blessings and removal of the malefic effects of the Dosha. Feeding of cows is also recommended.

Wearing of Appropriate Gemstone and Rudraksha
Wearing to appropriate gemstone or Rudraksha bead to strength position of certain planets can also help reduce the malefic impact of Pitra Dosh. However, one should first consult a knowledgeable astrologer before wearing the gemstone or rudraksha to know the correct methodology of using the same.