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Dhanvantari Stotram — Word-by-Word Meaning

धन्वन्तरि स्तोत्रम्

Every Sanskrit word explained in English

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Word-by-Word Breakdown

शङ्खं
Shankham
The conch (held in one hand)
चक्रं
Chakram
The discus (Sudarshana Chakra)
जलौकां
Jalaukam
A leech (used in Ayurvedic bloodletting therapy)
अमृतघटं
Amrita-Ghatam
The pot of nectar of immortality (amrita kalasha)
दधत्
Dadhat
Holding, bearing
चारुदोर्भिः चतुर्भिः
Charu-Dorbhih Chaturbhih
With four beautiful arms
अंशुक
Amshuka
Fine garment / radiant cloth
परिविलसत्
Parivilasat
Shining brilliantly all around
मौलिम्
Maulim
Crowned head / diadem
अम्भोजनेत्रम्
Ambhoja-Netram
Lotus-eyed one
कालाम्भोद
Kalambhoda
Like a dark rain-cloud
उज्ज्वलाङ्गं
Ujjvalangam
With a radiant, glowing body
कटितट
Kati-Tata
Around the waist / hips
चारुपीताम्बराढ्यं
Charu-Pitambar-Adhyam
Adorned with a beautiful yellow silk garment
वन्दे
Vande
I bow, I worship
धन्वन्तरिं
Dhanvantarim
To Lord Dhanvantari (divine physician)
निखिलगद
Nikhila-Gada
All diseases / the entire forest of ailments
वन
Vana
Forest
प्रौढदावाग्निलीलम्
Praudha-Davagni-Lilam
One who playfully acts as a mighty wildfire (burning the forest of all diseases)

Complete Translation

Om. I bow to Lord Dhanvantari, who holds in his four beautiful hands the conch, the discus, a leech, and the pot of the nectar of immortality. He is crowned with a diadem of fine, pure, exquisitely radiant cloth, and his eyes are like lotuses. His luminous body glows like a dark rain-cloud, and his hips are adorned with a beautiful yellow silk garment. He sportingly acts as a mighty raging wildfire that burns down the entire forest of all diseases.

Origin & History

Source: Traditional Sanskrit dhyana shloka (Ayurvedic / Vaishnava tradition)

Author: Unknown (traditionally recited in Ayurvedic and Vaishnava lineages)

Period: Ancient / Classical

Dhanvantari emerged from the Kshira Sagara (ocean of milk) during the Samudra Manthan, the great churning undertaken by the devas and asuras. As the divine physician of the gods he carried the kalasha of amrita that conferred immortality. He is considered an amsha-avatara of Vishnu and the divine source from which Ayurveda, the science of life, was revealed to sages and physicians. This dhyana verse, used as the opening meditation of his worship, fixes his form in the devotee's mind before prayer.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is Lord Dhanvantari?▼
Dhanvantari is the divine physician and an avatar of Lord Vishnu. He appeared during the Samudra Manthan (churning of the milk ocean) holding the pot of amrita, the nectar of immortality. He is regarded as the originator of Ayurveda and is worshipped as the god of medicine and healing.
Why is Dhanvantari worshipped on Dhanteras?▼
Dhanteras, the first day of Diwali, is celebrated as Dhanvantari Jayanti — the day Dhanvantari emerged from the ocean with the nectar pot. Worshipping him on this day is believed to bless the household with health, vitality and protection from disease for the coming year.
What does Dhanvantari hold in his hands?▼
In this dhyana shloka he is described with four hands holding the conch (shankha), the discus (chakra), a leech (jalauka, symbolising Ayurvedic therapy) and the pot of amrita (nectar of immortality).
Can anyone chant the Dhanvantari Stotram?▼
Yes. While it is especially dear to Ayurvedic physicians and students, anyone seeking good health, recovery from illness, or the well-being of a loved one may chant it with faith and devotion.

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