A Classical Dictionary of Hindu Mythology and Religion, Geography, History, and Literature c5.485

c5.485

DHANWANTARI. 1. Name of a Vedic deity to whom offerings at twilight were made in the north-east quarter. 2. The physician of the gods, who was produced at the churning of the ocean. He was a teacher of medical science, and the Āyur-veda is attributed to him. In another birth he was son of Dīrghatamas, and his “nature was exempt from human infirmities, and in every existence he had been master of universal knowledge.” He is called also Sudhā-pāni, ‘carrying nectar in his hands,’ and Amrita, ‘the immortal.’ Other physicians seem to have had the name applied to them, as Bhela, Divo-dāsa, and Pālakāpya. 3. A celebrated physician, who was one of “the nine gems” of the court of Vikrama. *See* Nava-ratna.