Dhanvantari - physician of the gods

An illustration of Dhanvantari

In Hindu mythology, the origin of ayurvedic medicine is attributed to Dhanvantari, the physician of the gods.It is common practice in Hinduism for worshipers to pray to Dhanvantari seeking his blessings for sound health for themselves and others. Many people have in the course of history have taken the name "Dhanvantari" in connection with their medical practices. Based on Vedic traditions an early Indian medical practioner was one such Dhanvantari, believed to be one of the world’s first surgeons and is regarded as the source of Ayurveda. He perfected many herbal based cures and natural remedies and was credited with the discovery of the antiseptic properties of turmeric and the preservative nature of salt which he incorporated in his cures. Dhanvantari is also believed in Vedic tradition to be the pioneer of plastic surgery.