The Science of Diwali and the Wisdom of Lord Dhanvantari
It’s that time of the year when the entire nation goes about reveling in the festival of lights, the five-day-long celebration of Diwali is symbolic of the triumph of good over evil, light over darkness. Diwali is not just a festival, it’s an emotion at large that unifies us all. Diwali is more than just a religious festival though. It is also a festival that celebrates the science of Ayurveda. What makes the Festival of Lights unique is its quality of transcending mythology to offer practical scientific solutions that stay relevant even in modern life. The science behind the festival of lights is ironically something the majority of us are blind to. Yet, educating ourselves about it will help us celebrate the festival even more consciously.
Lord Dhanvantari: The Father of Ayurveda
Diwali is a wholesome celebration of 5 days, the onset of which is marked by the day of Dhanteras, the 13th day of the month of Karthika according to the Hindu Lunisolar Calendar. Lord Dhanvantari, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu and the Father of Ayurveda is worshiped on this day. The word Dhanavantari is almost synonymous with a doctor today as the deity is symbolic of the science of Ayurveda which holds the key to long and healthy living.
Traditionally speaking, Lord Dhanvantari is believed to have been born as a result of Samundra Manthan, the same way Godess Laxmi emerged. With a pot of nectar (of immortality) in one hand and the Ayurveda Granth in the other, Lord Dhanvantari is symbolic of the scientific wisdom of health, wellness, and vitality. While the teachings of Ayurveda go back to ancient times, the relevance of the knowledge still holds true in modern healthcare.
Ayurveda and Diwali
As Diwali coincides with the onset of winter, the change in weather and climatic conditions causes a huge imbalance in our surroundings and our body’s functioning, making us susceptible to many diseases. The time of winter is also a time when our life processes slow down, making us more susceptible to minor negative changes in our environments. The five-day-long celebration of Diwali helps us restore the lost balance and find the energy and activeness to function normally and thus enables us to celebrate seasonal changes as well. The Science of Ayurveda focuses on slow and natural healing, which is reflected in every ritual and tradition we perform during Diwali festivities.
The Scientific Significance of Lighting a Lamp
The deadliest animal on earth isn’t a lion or tiger, but a mosquito, and many people still die of malaria. In Delhi, during Diwali and the winter season, air pollution increases due to a drop in temperature and reduced human activity. The traditional solution of lighting Diyas with ghee, mustard oil, or sesame oil is known to heal and purify the environment around. The diyas are believed to protect families spiritually and physically as is even justified by the science behind it.
Harsha Lohani
Content Writer
IT Department
