Slokam 10

Next to emerge from the ocean was Dhanvantari.  Dhavantari is a woman with an exquisite, enticing appearance.

Dhanvantari is the Hindu god of medicine and an avatar of Lord Mahavishnu. He is mentioned in the Puranas as the god of Ayurveda. He, during the Samudramanthan arose from the Ocean of Milk with the nectar of immortality. It is common practice in Hinduism for worshipers to pray to Dhanvantari seeking his blessings for sound health for themselves and/or others, especially on Dhanteras or Dhanwantari Trayodashi. The Indian Government has declared that Dhanwantari Trayodashii Kumara every year would be celebrated as "National Ayurveda Day".^[1]

Dhanvantari is acknowledged to be the Paramathma Himself.  Dhanvantari, is the bestower of health.   The modes of treatment are the various medications in the form of herbs, spices and other plant/weed extracts. 

Dhanvantari emerges with the pot of amrutham in her hand , to the excitement of all devas and asuras, whose entire effort was now on the cusp of being rewarded.

The Paramathma’s appearance is often described as being akin to a rain cloud.  A visual image can be very beautiful in itself,  but the comparison that helps us invoke the Paramathma as a rain cloud not only invokes the beauty of His appearance, but also as one who brings the shade from the glaring sun, a shower to cool and nourish the mother earth,  and also to remind us that He is there to restore and retain the balance in our lives. 

The beauty of a rain cloud can be evident only by experience and not be description through words.

May we continue to churn the ocean of life and await our turn to see the Paramathma emerge with the pot of amrutham.