Dr. Narendra Kumar Bhatt, Founder, Sarv Dharma Nad Yog Sansthan
The knowledge obtained in relation to life is called Ayurveda. The principles of Ayurveda free patients from ailments and diseases. The source of Ayurveda’s origin lies in the ancient scriptures, the Vedas. Maharishi Sushruta referred to Ayurveda as an appendix to the Atharva Veda, Maharishi Vagbhata considered it a subsidiary of the Veda, and in the Mahabharata, due to the ancient nature of the Rigveda, it is also referred to as a branch of it. Ayurveda, being a significant part of the four Vedas, is also known as the fifth Veda and a marvelous divine science of medicine.
The greatness of Ayurveda has been known through its texts and practical aspects. A divine text of Ayurveda, known as Brahma Samhita, which had 1,000 chapters and contained 1 million verses, is no longer available. However, Maharishi Charaka, Sushruta, and Vagbhata compiled the scattered knowledge of Ayurveda from the Vedas to create Ayurvedic texts for the welfare of the entire world, reestablishing Ayurveda’s prestige.
Lord Dhanvantari, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu, is considered the god of medicine. Among the earliest practitioners of Ayurveda were the three principal deities (Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva), Ashwini Kumaras, Prajapati Daksha, Shukracharya, Garuda, Lord Indra, and the sages, who propagated Ayurvedic knowledge.
For thousands of years, physicians have prayed to Lord Dhanvantari on his birthday, Dhanvantari Jayanti, for enhancing the divine qualities and potency of medicinal herbs. The tradition of praying for the enhancement of the properties of medicines through mantras, worship, and rituals on Dhanvantari Jayanti has been practiced in India since ancient times. Dhanteras, celebrated on this day, is especially observed by all kinds of physicians and householders alike.
The three great texts of Ayurveda, Charaka Samhita, Sushruta Samhita, and Vagbhata Samhita, are highly renowned Ayurvedic scriptures. These texts reveal that India was the leading nation in medical science and the world’s foremost guru in healthcare. In fact, the origin of all kinds of medical systems worldwide can, in some way, be traced back to Ayurveda.
Recognizing the significance and need for Ayurveda, the Government of India has been celebrating Dhanvantari Jayanti as National Ayurveda Day in recent years, yielding extremely positive results for the masses in India and across the globe. Ayurveda teaches the importance of living in harmony with nature, and it emphasizes daily routines (dinacharya), seasonal routines (ritucharya), dietary improvements, and the significance of the five elements.
Indian kitchens have become a hub of essential medicinal herbs, as introduced by the Ayurvedic sages long ago. However, today, even the use of these household remedies has been distorted, which is one reason for current ailments.
In Indian philosophy and scriptures, Ashtanga Yoga, Ashtanga Marga, Saptanga Yoga, and Ashtanga Ayurveda have been working for the welfare of humankind for thousands of years. Through their practical aspects, they protect us from physical, divine, and material suffering.
Ayurveda is the origin and repository of countless rare herbs, including the Sanjeevani herb, which can only be fully understood through selflessness and divine grace. Ayurveda describes the treatment of 80 types of vata disorders, as well as pitta and kapha disorders, according to the scriptures. The imbalance of vata, pitta, and kapha—known as the tridosha—is considered the cause of all diseases. However, while this is true, it is not the complete truth. The root cause of all diseases lies in the corruption of the mind. According to Acharya Charaka and Vagbhata, the corruption of the mind leads to the creation of the tridosha, which in turn gives rise to countless ailments.
The role of nutrition in maintaining health has always been emphasized in Ayurveda. As India celebrates Poshan Maah (National Nutrition Month) every September, Ayurveda’s approach to holistic nutrition is more relevant than ever. Ayurveda believes in balanced nutrition tailored to an individual’s body constitution (prakriti), taking into account seasonal changes and lifestyle.
This year, during Poshan Maah, the focus is on spreading awareness Anemia and ‘Poshan bhi Padhai bhi’. Ayurveda teaches that food not only nourishes the body but also plays a crucial role in maintaining mental and emotional well-being. Foods rich in vital nutrients, when consumed in accordance with Ayurvedic principles of digestion and metabolism (agni), can prevent lifestyle diseases, improve immunity, and enhance longevity.
The role of Ayurveda into Poshan Maah highlights the importance of consuming natural, locally available, and seasonal foods, such as whole grains, fresh vegetables, and spices like turmeric and ginger, which have therapeutic properties. These practices are in alignment with the Government of India’s mission to eliminate malnutrition and promote a healthier society.
