Dhanvantari Mantra — Word-by-Word Meaning
धन्वंतरि मंत्र
Every Sanskrit word explained in English
Word-by-Word Breakdown
ॐ नमो भगवते
Om Namo Bhagavate
Om, salutations to the Lord
धन्वन्तरये
Dhanvantaraye
to Dhanvantari, the divine physician and father of Ayurveda
नमः
Namah
I bow
Complete Translation
Om. Salutations to Lord Dhanvantari, the divine physician — the bestower of health and the destroyer of disease.
Origin & History
Source: The healing mantra of Lord Dhanvantari (avatar of Vishnu)
Author: Traditional (Puranic)
When the gods and demons churned the ocean of milk for the nectar of immortality, there rose from the waters Lord Dhanvantari — an avatar of Vishnu — bearing the pot of amrita and the knowledge of Ayurveda, the science of life. As the physician of the gods, he is invoked for health and healing. His mantra "Om Namo Bhagavate Dhanvantaraye" has been chanted for ages by the sick and their healers, with the prayer that medicine become nectar and disease give way to vitality. His appearance is celebrated each year on Dhanteras.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Dhanvantari Mantra?▼
It is the healing mantra of Lord Dhanvantari — "Om Namo Bhagavate Dhanvantaraye" — the divine physician and avatar of Vishnu who emerged from the churning of the ocean with the pot of amrita (nectar) and gave the world Ayurveda.
What are the benefits of the Dhanvantari Mantra?▼
It is chanted for good health, healing and recovery from illness — for oneself or for a sick loved one. It is believed to make medicine act as nectar, to remove disease and suffering, and to protect life and vitality.
When is the best time to chant the Dhanvantari Mantra?▼
At dawn daily, and above all on Dhanteras (Dhanvantari Trayodashi / National Ayurveda Day), the day of his appearance. Tuesdays are also auspicious. It can be chanted any time over medicine or for a patient.
How is the Dhanvantari Mantra used for a sick person?▼
Chant it 108 times before an image of Dhanvantari, and recite it over the patient’s medicine, water or food with the prayer that it act as healing nectar. For serious illness, combine it with the Mahamrityunjaya Mantra.
Who is Lord Dhanvantari?▼
Dhanvantari is an avatar of Lord Vishnu, the physician of the gods and the originator of Ayurveda. He arose from the Samudra Manthan (churning of the milk-ocean) holding the kalash of amrita. His appearance day is celebrated as Dhanteras.
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