Puranic Encyclopaedia: A Comprehensive Dictionary with Special Reference to the Epic and Puranic Literature c5.565.3

c5.565.3

2) Rebirth of Dhanvantari. Suhotra, King of Kāśī, in the second Dvāpara yuga had two sons, Śala and Gṛtsamada. Śunaka was the son of Gṛtsamada. Śala got a son, Ārṣiṣeṇa. Kāśa was born to Ārṣiṣeṇa. To Kāśa was born Dīrghatapas (Dhanvā). For a long time Dhanvā did not have any children and so he went and did penance to propitiate Abjadeva. Abjadeva (Dhanvantari) was pleased and was born as a son to Dhanvā. Dhanvā named the boy as Dhanvantari and the latter taught his disciples Āyurveda, by parts, eight in number. From Dhanvantari in order were born Ketumān—Bhīmaratha—Divodāsa. (Chapter 29, Harivaṃśa). 3) Dhanvantari and Parīkṣit. There is a story in the purāṇas that when Takṣaka went and bit Parīkṣit to kill him, a Viṣahārī (one who cures those infected with snake venom) rushed to save the king but was bribed and sent back by Takṣaka. There are indications in the Purāṇas to show that the Viṣahārī under reference was Dhanvantari though it is stated that Kaśyapa was the person involved. (See under Takṣaka). 4) Dhanvantari and Manasādevī. In the Kṛṣṇajanma Khaṇḍa of Brahmavaivarta Purāṇa there is a story connecting Dhanvantari with Manasādevī, a serpent-goddess. Once Dhanvantari with his disciples was going to Kailāsa. On the way Takṣaka made a venom-spitting hiss. At once one of the disciples of Dhanvantari boldly went and plucked the diamond on the head of Takṣaka and threw it to the ground.