Progress of the Country is Possible through Healthy Individuals

The festival of Dhanteras is dedicated to worshipping Lord Dhanvantari, the twelfth incarnation of Lord Vishnu, who is considered the divine healer and the father of Ayurveda. Dhanteras is observed on the Trayodashi (13th day) of the Krishna Paksha in the month of Kartik. Lord Dhanvantari's birth is celebrated on this day, and he is often referred to as the father of Ayurveda.

It is believed that Lord Dhanvantari emerged during the churning of the ocean (Samudra Manthan). He extensively studied the properties and benefits of various natural herbs and plants, resulting in the creation of several ancient texts on Ayurveda. One such text is the "Dhanvantari Samhita," which is considered a foundational text in Ayurveda. The knowledge of medical science, as described in Ayurveda, was acquired by the ancient sage Sushruta from Lord Dhanvantari. This knowledge was later expanded upon by scholars like Charaka and others.

Over the years, Dhanteras has been associated with prayers for health and prosperity. In recent times, the traditional essence of Dhanteras has been somewhat overshadowed by changing societal trends and the concept of the "global market." Many people now associate Dhanteras with purchasing gold, jewelry, diamonds, and luxury items. In the present age, wealth has become the primary focus, and everyone seems to be running after it. It appears that people are hungry for wealth.

The situation has reached a point where individuals are more concerned about accumulating wealth than maintaining a balance between wealth, health, and character. The scriptures have warned people against falling into the trap of wealth:

*"Wealth should be accumulated through righteous means; knowledge should be acquired without arrogance, food should be consumed with humility, and conduct should be free from hypocrisy. This is true happiness."*

Loss of wealth doesn't necessarily lead to the ruin of an individual. However, the degradation of character and health can be disastrous. Maintaining one's health is crucial in modern times, where stress, depression, anxiety, and the relentless pursuit of wealth have become the norm. A wealthy person who is constantly restless and anxious cannot truly enjoy life. They often require medication to sleep, highlighting the importance of a peaceful and contented life.

Dhanteras is an opportunity for us to reflect on our lives and reorient our goals. Instead of getting carried away by materialistic desires, let us prioritize our health and well-being. Real wealth is the state of being healthy. If you are healthy, the world is yours. You become prosperous when you don't have to compete and compare incessantly.

It is essential for us to lead a balanced life, taking care of our physical, mental, and emotional well-being. On this Dhanteras, let us resolve to embrace the path of Lord Dhanvantari and focus on the wealth of good health, which will lead us to a prosperous and content life. A healthy individual is not only capable of earning wealth but also contributes to the all-round development of the country.