Dhanteras: In Indian culture, the holy festival of Dhanteras is not limited only to the purchase of gold, silver or new utensils; This festival makes us understand the real and eternal capital of life i.e. the essence of ‘Health’. This holy day, which comes before the great festival of Diwali, is dedicated to the appearance of Lord Dhanvantari, the presiding deity of Ayurveda and the original physician. According to mythology, when Lord Dhanvantari appeared in a four-armed form from the churning of Kshirsagar, he had a pot full of nectar in his lotus feet. This supernatural incident is not only a matter of religious faith, but reveals the profound viewpoint of Indian mystics in which disease-free body, longevity and mental peace are considered the ‘ultimate nectar’ of life.
Health is real wealth: classical view
In today’s fast-paced life, we make the mistake of considering material wealth, bank balance and luxuries as the measure of progress. But uncontrolled daily routine, constant stress, screen addiction, insomnia and processed (junk) food are gradually depleting our body’s natural immunity (Ojas).
Samadosha Samagnischa Samdhatumalakriyah. Prasannatmendriyamanah swasth ityabhidhiyate.
— Maharishi Sushruta (Sushruta Samhita, Sutrasthan 15/41)
This immortal definition of Ayurveda makes it clear that health does not merely mean ‘absence of disease’. Unless the three doshas of the body (Vata, Pitta, Kapha), gastric fire, seven metals and stool excretion are balanced, and the mind, senses and conscience are not happy, a person cannot be called overall healthy.
Ritusandhi (Autumn to Hemant): Be careful while stepping
The time of Dhanteras and Diwali is the period of ‘Ritusandhi’ in nature – when the departing autumn and the approaching autumn meet. During this transition period, the dryness and mild coldness of the external environment affects our digestive fire and the Tridosha system of the body.
Adopt some simple rules to protect your health in this season:
Respect for fire: Take food only at the appointed time. Eat easily digestible, nutritious and fresh food only when you feel really hungry.
Seasonal Diet: Avoid excessive soft drinks and stale sweets during festivals. Use of lukewarm water keeps digestion easy.
Routine and Yoga: Walking in the pure air for 20-30 minutes in the morning, Surya Namaskar or Anulom-Vilom Pranayam rejuvenates the lungs and vital air.
Quality Sleep: Staying awake till late night increases the incidence of ‘Vata’ in the body. Make sure to go to bed on time and get 7-8 hours of deep sleep.
Natural beauty of skin and hair during festivals
It is very natural to look decorated in the joy of Diwali and Dhanteras. But the natural glow of the skin and thick, healthy hair cannot be the result of chemical cosmetics alone. External adornments are just a cover, the real glow emerges from inner nourishment.
Natural Herbal Medicines: Divine medicines like Amla, Bhringraj, Neem, Manjishtha and Haridra (turmeric) purify the blood and provide natural nourishment to the skin and hair.
Abhyanga (lubrication): During festivals, Shirobhyanga (head massage) with classical oil and Abhyanga of the whole body removes dryness of the skin and pacifies Vata.
Defect Care: Select the paste, oil or paste only after knowing your body nature (Vata, Pitta or Kapha). Avoid blind imitation.
Mental peace is also the basis of prosperity
A disturbed mind can never prosper. The invisible poison ‘stress’ of modern lifestyle directly hurts our digestive system, skin and heart rate. Festivals are indeed an opportunity to lighten the mood, interact with family and share mutual love.
Sit silently for 10 minutes every day and observe your breathing or meditate. Spending a few moments in the company of nature and staying away from unnecessary competition is the real solution to mental peace.
Take ‘Panch-Arogya’ resolution on this Dhanteras
This year, along with worshiping Lakshmi-Ganesha and Lord Dhanvantari, make sure to take these five welfare resolutions for the welfare of yourself and your family:
1. Yoga-Pranayama in daily routine: Devote at least half an hour every day to nourishing your body and breath.
2. Pure and satvik diet: Will give up excessive oil, spices, refined sugar and junk food and adopt natural and seasonal diet.
3. Gadget-Free Family Time: You will maintain distance from screens at the dinner table and before going to bed and have intimate conversations with your loved ones.
4. Regular Health Checkups: Do not ignore any symptom or disease considering it minor and seek medical advice on time.
5. Happiness of mind: You will enjoy life with a positive attitude by abandoning anger, jealousy and unnecessary anxiety.
real meaning of prosperity
Dhanteras teaches us that gold and wealth can be fully enjoyed only by a person who has healthy senses and a healthy body. If the body itself is sick, then all the worldly glory proves to be fruitless.
On this great festival, let us not only decorate the courtyard with earthen lamps, but also enlighten our mind and body with a healthy diet, balanced daily routine and purity of thoughts.
A healthy body, a calm mind and a balanced life are the greatest blessings in the world. This is the true blessing of Lord Dhanvantari.
(Dr. Mamta (BAMS, MD) Assistant Professor | Expert: Skin, Hair and Gynecology Dr. Mamta Ayurveda)