In a Guru Sannidhyan, Avdhut expresses his special tribute to Dhanvantari and Dhanteras. Dhanteras, a prominent festival, marks the beginning of the five-day Deepavali celebration. Celebrated with great fervor and enthusiasm across India. In ancient Bengal, this is mostly in the rituals of Ayurveda, especially in the era of Buddha and the Natha Tradition, and also in the Alchemic era of Siddha Tradition. Avdhut describes the rich format of traditions associated with Dhanteras, pays homage to Sage Dhanvantari, and tells about his research on the mystical significance of Dhanvantari Leaves in the tantric, Sahajiya, Baul, Vaishnav, and the cultural landscape of Bengal.
Dhanteras: Usually The Festival of Wealth and Prosperity
Derived from the Sanskrit words "Dhan," meaning wealth, and "Teras," signifying the thirteenth day of the lunar fortnight, Dhanteras is celebrated on the thirteenth day of the Krishna Paksha in the month of Kartik. The festival typically falls in October or November, marking the onset of Deepavali or Diwali, the festival of lights.
Traditionally, Dhanteras is considered an auspicious day for purchasing precious metals, particularly gold and silver, as it is believed that acquiring wealth on this day brings prosperity and good fortune. Homes are adorned with colorful rangolis, and diyas are lit to welcome the goddess of wealth, Lakshmi.
In ancient Bengal, this is mostly in the rituals of Ayurveda, especially in the era of Buddha and the Natha Tradition, and also in the Alchemic era of Siddha Tradition. We have seen into the rich format of traditions associated with Dhanteras, pay homage to Sage Dhanvantari, and explore the mystical significance of Dhanvantari Leaves in the tantric, Sahajiya like Baul, Vaishnav and the cultural landscape of Bengal.
Sage Dhanvantari: The Divine Healer
At the heart of Dhanteras lies the veneration of Sage Dhanvantari, a mythical figure whose presence is intertwined with the origins of Ayurveda, the ancient Indian system of medicine. According to Hindu mythology, Sage Dhanvantari emerged during the churning of the ocean (Samudra Manthan) by the gods and demons, holding a pot of elixir (amrita) in one hand and the sacred Ayurvedic scriptures in the other.
The association of Dhanteras with Sage Dhanvantari is not a mere coincidence but a cosmic alignment of health and prosperity. As families gather to celebrate the festival, prayers are offered to the divine healer, seeking his blessings for good health, well-being, and the prosperity of their loved ones. The worship of Sage Dhanvantari on Dhanteras is a ritualistic expression of gratitude for the gift of Ayurveda, a timeless system of healing that emphasizes the balance of mind, body, and spirit. Around 1500 to 1600 years ago it was a special ritual among some sects in Bengal and the eastern zone but later it was Lost in time and faded from the culture.
In Birbhum and Bankura of Bengal, some baul and tantra sadhaks are regularly using Dhanvantari Leaves as tea.
Dhanvantari Leaves in Bengal: The Symbolic Tradition of Holistic Well-being:
In the cultural landscape of Bengal, Dhanteras takes on a unique hue with the symbolic use of the Dhanvantari Leaves. These leaves, often associated with the sacred Tulsi plant, are considered not only auspicious but also integral to the holistic well-being of individuals and households.
The Tulsi plant, known as holy basil, holds a special place in Hindu traditions, valued for its medicinal properties. In Bengal, families gather Tulsi leaves and arrange them meticulously on a plate as an offering to Sage Dhanvantari. The fragrance of these leaves is believed to carry healing energy, infusing the household with positivity and well-being.
Exploring the synergy between Ayurveda and the worship of Sage Dhanvantari, the Dhanvantari Leaves in Bengal serves as a tangible connection to the ancient roots of holistic health. The leaves become a conduit for spiritual energy, emphasizing the importance of not only material prosperity but also the spiritual wealth that emanates from a healthy and balanced life. These leaves have tremendous healing properties and medicinal value.
Customs and Rituals Blending Tradition with Spirituality:
Dhanteras is celebrated with a unique blend of tradition and spirituality. The day begins with thorough cleaning and decorating of homes, creating an ambiance of purity and sanctity. Elaborate preparations are made for the evening puja, a ritualistic expression of devotion to Sage Dhanvantari and the pursuit of holistic well-being.
The puja involves the lighting of traditional diyas, chanting of hymns, and the offering of flowers, fruits, and Dhanvantari Leaves. Families come together to seek blessings for health and prosperity, emphasizing the interconnectedness of physical, mental, and spiritual wealth. The air is filled with the fragrance of incense and the warmth of familial bonds as it expresses gratitude for the divine gift of Ayurveda.
The Spiritual Alchemy of Dhanteras:
Dhanteras transcends the boundaries of a conventional festival; it becomes a spiritual alchemy where the pursuit of wealth seamlessly intertwines with the quest for inner harmony. The worship of Sage Dhanvantari serves as a reminder that true prosperity encompasses not just material riches but also the richness of a healthy and balanced life.
As families engage in the rituals of Dhanteras, the connection between the auspicious occasion and the revered sage becomes palpable. The tradition of seeking blessings from Sage Dhanvantari on Dhanteras becomes a sacred journey, a pilgrimage into the depths of one's well-being, guided by the wisdom of Ayurveda.
Dhanteras and Charity: Spreading the Light Beyond One's Home:
In the spirit of Dhanteras, many Indians also engage in charitable activities, embodying the essence of giving and sharing. The act of donating food, clothes, or other essentials to those in need becomes a manifestation of the festival's core values – spreading the light of prosperity and well-being beyond the confines of one's home.
This charitable aspect of Dhanteras in India echoes the teachings of Sage Dhanvantari, who, in his divine form, holds the elixir not just for a select few but for the benefit of the entire universe. It symbolizes the interconnectedness of all beings and the responsibility to contribute to the welfare of the community.
Embracing the Holistic Spirit of Dhanteras:
Dhanteras emerges not merely as a ritualistic celebration but as a profound journey into the realms of tradition, spirituality, and holistic well-being. The intertwining of Dhanteras with the worship of Sage Dhanvantari and the symbolic use of Dhanvantari Leaves creates a rich heritage that reflects the tantric and ayurvedic cultural depth of Bengal.
People of India come together to celebrate Dhanteras, they uplift on a spiritual quest, seeking not just material abundance but the blessings of Sage Dhanvantari for a life filled with health, prosperity, and harmony. The festival becomes a testimony to the timeless wisdom of Ayurveda and the sacred teachings of the divine healer, reminding us that true wealth lies in the balance of the physical, mental, and spiritual facets of our existence.
