To mark Dhanteras and Dhanwantri Diwas, Sasyeshthi Yajna was performed by the students of various Ayurvedic colleges and universities of the district. The students were enlightened about the importance of the day while prayers were offered to lord Dhanwantri for bestowing health on all.
Dwelling on the importance of Dhanteras, Acharya Balkrishna said, “Dhanteras is celebrated on Tryodhashi (13th day as per Hindu lunar calendar) of the month of Kartik. “ Skand Purana has a reference of the Vaidya of Devtas (physician in heaven) Dhanwantri emerging with a Kalash (pitcher) containing nectar after it was churned out of the ocean. There was a fierce fight between angels and demons for the nectar that brings immortality,” the acharya said. He also advised all to bring a little change in the nature of the food taken during this time. “It is good if we can take more fruits during this period as it keeps vata, pitta and dosha in balance,” he added.
An Ayurvedic practitioner Subhash Naik who is recipient of Dhanwantri Sewa Samman from Maharashtra for his contribution to Ayurveda and treatment of neurotic disorders, said, “Daru Haldi, Giloy and Shalpharni (a component of Dashmool) are known to be effective in Dengue fever. Hundreds of patients are getting benefits with these simple herbal concoctions. One may use this at home to keep such viral diseases at bay. Giloy concoction in water also brings down the heat in body, helping the patient to relax.”
Fever occurs only when there is disturbance in ‘Vata’, ‘pitta’ or ‘kapha’ and balancing these with diet rich in nutrients like vitamins and minerals helps regain health, added Naik.