TAG: GS-3: SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
THE CONTEXT: Recently, the Prime Minister launched health initiatives worth about Rs 12,850 crore. The event coincided with the ninth Ayurveda Day and the festival of Dhanteras. Ayurveda Day is celebrated every year on Dhanvantri Jayanti
EXPLANATION:
What is Ayurveda Day?
- Ayurveda is an ancient Indian system of medicine focused on holistic well-being. The Government of India established Ayurveda Day in 2016 to promote awareness of Ayurvedic practices. Celebrated on Dhanwantri Jayanti, this day honours Dhanvantri’s contributions to health and wellness. Ayurveda translates to “knowledge of life.”
Ayurveda Day Themes
- Each year, Ayurveda Day has a specific theme. For 2024, the theme is ‘Ayurveda Innovation for Global Health’. The focus areas include women’s health, workplace wellness, school wellness programmes, and food innovation. This theme marks the relevance of Ayurveda in contemporary health discussions.
Ayurveda’s Historical Context
- Ayurveda’s origins are attributed to Dhanvantri, who is believed to have shared this knowledge with sages, including Susruta, a renowned ancient surgeon. This knowledge encompasses medicinal herbs, healing practices, and lifestyle approaches that promote overall health.
Dhanvantri: The Divine Physician
- Dhanvantri is depicted with four hands, holding a pot of amrita (nectar of immortality), a discus, a conch, and a leech. He is considered an incarnation of Lord Vishnu and is revered as the physician of the gods. According to tradition, Dhanvantri received Ayurvedic knowledge from Lord Brahma.
Significance of Dhanteras
- Dhanteras is celebrated on the same day as Ayurveda Day. It commemorates Dhanvantri’s emergence from the ocean during the ‘samudra manthan’ or churning of the ocean. This event is in Hindu mythology, as it also led to the appearance of Goddess Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth.
The Samudra Manthan Legend
- During the samudra manthan, the Devas and Asuras churned the ocean of milk to obtain amrita. Lord Brahma advised the Devas to undertake this task. The mountain Mandara served as the churning rod, while the serpent Vasuki acted as the rope. Dhanvantri emerged from the ocean, carrying the pot of amrita.
Worship on Dhanteras
- On Dhanteras, devotees worship Dhanvantri for good health and longevity. Goddess Lakshmi and Kuber, the treasurer of the gods, are also honoured on this day. The dual worship aims to ensure prosperity and auspiciousness in life.
Visual Representation of Dhanvantri:
- Dhanvantri is often depicted with various symbols. Alongside the pot of amrita, he may also hold scriptures and herbs, representing the wisdom and natural remedies associated with Ayurveda. His image is featured in the logo of the National Medical Commission, symbolising the integration of traditional knowledge in modern healthcare.
Focus Areas of Ayurveda Day 2024
This year’s celebrations focus on specific areas that underline Ayurveda’s holistic approach to health and wellness. The Ministry of Ayush has outlined the following areas:
- Women’s Health: Addressing unique health challenges faced by women, Ayurveda offers guidance on dietary practices, lifestyle habits, and preventive health measures.
- Workplace Wellness: Incorporating Ayurvedic principles in workplace settings to improve mental well-being and stress management, ultimately enhancing productivity.
- School Wellness Programs: Promoting Ayurvedic wellness among children by focusing on immunity-boosting and personalized nutritional guidance.
- Food Innovation: Blending Ayurvedic dietary principles with modern culinary techniques to create nutritionally balanced, healing foods.
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