Dhanwantri image in IMC logo

Dhanwantri image in IMC logo

Subject: History

Section: Ancient India

Context: Dhanwantri image in IMC logo. Why doctor protesting

More about the news:

• The logo of the National Medical Commission, featuring a colorful depiction of the physician god Dhanvantri, has faced criticism from doctors, prompting the Indian Medical Association to call for “corrective steps.”
• The IMA expressed concerns about the neutrality of the logo, emphasizing that symbols of national institutions should be inclusive and avoid causing grievances among different sections of society.
• NMC officials defended the logo, noting that the image of Dhanvantri had always been part of it, albeit in a dark silhouette. The new logo adds color to the image and replaces ‘India’ with ‘Bharat’.
• The officials pointed out that the use of mythological symbols, such as the Caduceus in Greek mythology, is not uncommon in medical logos. Officials clarified that Dhanvantri had always been part of the logo, even though the logo was officially adopted in 2022 when the NMC took over from the Medical Council of India in 2020.

Who was Dhanvantari 

• Lord Dhanvantari holds a significant role in Ayurveda’s history, revered as the physician of the Gods and a skilled surgeon.
• In Hinduism, worshipers seek his blessings for effective healing.
• Legend has it that, as the king of Kashi i.eDivodasa,, Dhanvantari taught the science of Ayurveda to sages, including the renowned surgeon Susruta.
• Dhanvantari recastedBrahma’s Ayurveda into 8 divisionsi.eshalya, shalakya, kayachikitsa, bhutavidya, kaumarabhrtya, agadatantra, rasayanatantra, vajikaranatantra and began teaching within the framework of pratyaksa (perception), agama (authoritative scripture), anumana (inference) and upamana (analogy).
• He is also considered an avatar of Vishnu, and a well-known tale depicts him emerging from the churning ocean with a bowl of nectar during the quest for the elixir of life.
• In the context of Ayurveda, physicians of the School of Atreya were known to refer surgical cases to practitioners from the School of Dhanvantari.

What is the meaning of the name:

• The term “dhanus” is a symbolic representation indicating the science of surgery, and Dhanvantari, having mastered it, is associated with this knowledge.
• The word “dhanvan” is linked to the concept of a desert, as seen in RigVeda [V.36.1], where “dhanvachara” signifies someone moving in a desert. 
• This aligns with a Vedic mantra expressing Lord Vishnu as akin to a place in the desert where water is provided to travelers (dhanvanivaprapaasi).
• Therefore, Dhanvantari, as the incarnation of Lord Vishnu holding a pot of nectar, symbolizes a nourishing oasis in the desert of worldly existence.

What is the story of Dhanvantari:

• Lord Dhanvantari is prominently featured in the Bhagavata Purana, emerging from the Ocean of Milk during the churning episode known as Samudra Mathana.
•  As the Devas and Asuras churned the ocean using the Mandara mountain and Vasuki, Dhanvantari appeared holding the pot of amrita (nectar).
• This nectar was eventually seized by the Asuras, leading to the intervention of another avatar, Mohini, who reclaimed it.
• Dhanvantari is revered as the father of Ayurveda, and according to the Charaka Samhita, Ayurvedic knowledge is eternal, revealed in each cycle of the universe’s creation. Lord Vishnu, when required, incarnates as Dhanvantari to reintroduce Ayurveda and alleviate human suffering.
• The churning of the ocean of milk, a significant episode symbolizing spiritual endeavor for Self-realization, involves various divine interventions.
• Lord Dhanvantari emerged during this process, personifying the divine source of Ayurvedic wisdom. 
• The subsequent events included the appearance of the deadly poison (halahala),consumed by Lord Shiva, and the ultimate manifestation of Lord Dhanvantari holding the coveted pot of ambrosia.
• The demons, driven by greed, engaged in quarrels over the nectar pot, leading to Lord Vishnu’s trickery.
• He assumed the form of Mohini, a captivating woman who successfully recovered the nectar from the demons and distributed it exclusively to the demigods. This revitalized the demigods, enabling them to triumph over the demons.
• Lord Vishnu had prophesied Dhanvantari’s reappearance to teach the science of Ayurveda.
• True to the prophecy, Dhanvantari descended at the plea of Lord Indra, who witnessed the afflictions of humanity.
• The scriptures emphasize that remembering Dhanvantari’s name can provide relief from all diseases.
• King Dirghatamas of Kashi earnestly performed austerities to please Lord Dhanvantari, seeking the boon of a son.
• Pleased with the king’s devotion, Dhanvantari was born in the royal household of Kashi. 
• He orally imparted the wisdom of Ayurveda to sages and rishis, whose disciples later recorded these teachings in the Agni Purana.
• Dhanvantari’s legacy endured through disciples like Susruta, Pauskalavata, Aurabha, and Vaitarana.