National Ayurveda Day

Today is #Dhanawantari day, Ayurveda Day, also known as DhanaTeras.

Lord Dhanawantari, the Lord of Ayurveda is worshipped today. He, who rose from the ocean of milk ( Ksheerasaagara) during the saagaramadhanam ( Churning of Ocean ), the longest duel between Suras (Gods) and the Asuras (Demons), is believed to be born with a with a pot (Kalash) of Amrit ( Ambrosia) ,the ultimate elixir and holding leech in another hand. Leech also incarnated during the process of Samudra manathana. Leech has been used in many Ayurvedic procedures for blood purifying therapies wherein the impure blood is removed by leeches- a procedure called Raktamokshana.

Scene of Lord Dhanawantari's birth during the churning of ocean of milk

According to Dhanteras' Mythology, women believe its auspicious to purchase a precious metal on this day. Typically Gold or Silver is purchased, and culturally investing in Gold or Silver has been a common practice for several centuries now. People go overboard and spend a lot of moolah in this.

Gold Jewellery Shopping in India. Culturally People save a lot of money to invest in Gold for their bride during wedding ceremonies

A recent provocative ad on how important it is for women to invest in improving their body's iron content in rather than buying Gold drew huge attention on the social media.

Personally, I feel so blessed to be in relationship with the science of Ayurveda.

(Pronounced: Aye-Your-Veh-Duh)

Ayurveda literally means "Science of Life" /"Knowledge of Life".

Ayu means Life | Veda is a study or science

Vedas are four large bodies of Sanskrit scriptures originating from Ancient India.

1. Rig Veda

2. Sama Veda

3. Yajur Veda

4. Atharvana Veda

Ayurveda stems from Atharva Veda. Yoga and Ayurveda are sister sciences and they go very well hand in hand. #Ayurveda has changed not just the way I live, but also allowed me to help so many people during this journey.

There are so many diet fads that have gained popularity in the west - Keto Diet, Paleo Diet, GM Diet, Vegan Diet, Soup Diet, Raw Food Diet, Atkins Diet.... and the list just keeps growing. I must confess that I've tried a couple of them too, but didn't last too long.

Whilst these fad diets keep coming and fading out, Ayurveda (which originated 3000 years ago) is still followed by many people. Unlike other diets, Ayurveda has its origin from the ancient sciences. There must be something about this to allow its existence and popularity till today. Although Ayurveda is not as huge as its popular cousin Yoga, its awareness is surely progressive.

I was introduced to Ayurveda 7 years ago, and ever since then, there was no looking back. This science is huge and I am humbled to be a life long learner of Ayurveda.

Statue of Lord Dhanawantari at Sharada Ayurveda Hospital. When I was here for my training, I witness how carefully the Deity was adorned with flowers and incense twice a day

A couple of years ago, I passed my Board certification test for Ayurveda on the Ayurveda day. All thanks to Lord Dhanawantari. May Lord Dhanawantari bestow his kindest blessings for a healthy being in you.