Lord Dhanvantari

Dhanvantari Homam

A fire ritual offered to Lord Dhanvantari, the divine physician and a form of Vishnu, traditionally performed to pray for good health alongside proper medical care.

In-person Online available2 to 3 hoursAlso: Dhanvantri HomamAlso: Dhanvantari Havan

A priest tending the holy fire during a homam

Overview

What is Dhanvantari Homam?

Dhanvantari Homam is a Vedic fire offering dedicated to Lord Dhanvantari, who is described in the Puranas as emerging from the churning of the ocean holding the pot of amrit. He is revered as the deity of Ayurveda and healing.

The homam includes Ganesh puja, sankalp, kalash sthapana, Dhanvantari avahan and offerings into the fire with the Dhanvantari mantra, often together with Vishnu and Mrityunjaya mantras as per the vidhi.

Families often perform it for an elder, before or after a surgery, or on Dhanteras, which is also observed as Dhanvantari Jayanti. It is a prayer and is meant to complement, never replace, the advice of doctors.

अग्निमीळे पुरोहितं यज्ञस्य देवमृत्विजम्।
होतारं रत्नधातमम्॥

Agnim īḷe purohitaṁ yajñasya devam ṛtvijam, hotāraṁ ratnadhātamam.

I praise Agni, the priest placed before us, the divine minister of the sacrifice, the invoker, the greatest bestower of treasures.Rig Veda 1.1.1

Significance

Lord Dhanvantari is honoured as the source of the healing arts. Invoking him through agni is traditionally seen as a prayer for strength, recovery and well-being.

Dhanteras, two days before Diwali, is observed by many as Dhanvantari Jayanti, and practitioners of Ayurveda also worship him on this day.

Who performs it

Families praying for the well-being of an elder or unwell loved one, alongside medical care
Those preparing for or recovering from a surgery or treatment
Doctors, Ayurveda practitioners and healthcare workers
Anyone wishing to mark Dhanteras with a Vedic homam

When to perform

On Dhanteras (Dhanvantari Jayanti)
Before or after a medical procedure, on a muhurat suggested by the Pandit
On Ekadashi or Thursday, as per family custom
On the janma nakshatra of the person for whom it is performed

Traditionally associated with

Traditionally performed as a prayer for good health and recovery
Devotees seek strength and peace of mind during treatment
Believed to invite the blessings of the divine physician
Brings the family together in prayer for a loved one

These are traditional beliefs associated with the ritual. Pujas are acts of devotion and are not a substitute for medical, financial or professional advice.

How the puja is performed

1
Ganesh puja and sankalp
The sankalp is taken in the name of the person for whom the homam is performed.
2
Kalash sthapana
A kalash is established and Lord Dhanvantari is invoked into it.
3
Agni pratishtha
The holy fire is kindled in the havan kund with mantras.
4
Homam
Ghee, herbs and samagri are offered into the fire with the Dhanvantari mantra.
5
Purnahuti and blessings
The final offering is made, kalash water is sprinkled and aarti is performed.

The exact vidhi varies by region and family tradition, your Pandit will follow your customs.

Samagri (puja materials)

Havan kund, samidha and cow ghee
Havan samagri mix
Medicinal herbs traditionally used in the homam, as per vidhi
Kalash with mango leaves and coconut
Tulsi leaves
Flowers, sandalwood, kumkum and akshat
Dry coconut and dry fruits for purnahuti
Fruits and sweets for naivedya

Samagri can be arranged on request. We'll share a list suited to your vidhi before the day.

What's included

Usually included

Experienced Pandit(s) for the homam, with the number depending on its scale
Sankalp taken in your name, gotra and family details
Guidance on preparation, timing and what the family should arrange
Vidhi performed according to the Vedic tradition followed by the Pandit
Samagri and havan kund can be arranged on request

Not included

Travel and accommodation for the family
Venue booking or hall charges, where a venue is needed
Dakshina beyond what is agreed at the time of booking
Bhojan or prasad distribution for guests, unless arranged separately

Duration: 2 to 3 hours. Inclusions are confirmed for your booking on WhatsApp.

In-person puja

A Pandit performs the ritual at your home, office or chosen venue in Varanasi or Hyderabad. We help with muhurat, samagri and preparation.

Online puja

· Share the person's name, gotra and nakshatra on WhatsApp
· The Pandit performs the homam with sankalp in their name
· Join by video call from home or hospital for the purnahuti and aarti

How online Dhanvantari Homam works

Available in

Dhanvantari Homam in Varanasi Dhanvantari Homam in Hyderabad Online, worldwide

More cities are coming soon.