Families often ask for a Dhanvantri homam for a loved one's recovery or a new health journey, and then find the details confusing. A pandit explains the homam, brings the items and leads the havan so you do not need to piece it together.
Why it is done
Dhanvantari is the traditional god of Ayurveda. A homam dedicated to him is a prayer and fire offering, traditionally done around health, wellbeing and gratitude. It is a devotional ritual and not a medical treatment.
Who it is for
Families who want to pray for the wellbeing of a family member; people marking a recovery or a milestone in health; Ayurveda practitioners or clinics who begin the year with a pooja.
When to do it
Many families choose Dhanteras, since Dhanvantari is traditionally associated with that day, or any day the pandit suggests from the panchang. Your family's custom takes priority.
Choose your ceremony
About 1 hour for the standard ceremony; about 1.5 hours for the extended one.
- Live video puja: A live video version works well if the family is abroad or in another city: the pandit leads on video and you follow along at home. You arrange the samagri yourself, and a helper at home makes it easier.
- Standard: The standard ceremony: about 15 steps over roughly 1 hour with one pandit, covering sankalp, Ganesh and kalash worship, Dhanvantari invocation and havan.
- Extended: The extended ceremony: about 22 steps over roughly 1.5 hours with one pandit, with a fuller invocation and more offerings.
Choose the standard for a family-level prayer. Choose the extended if you want more time at each stage or are marking a bigger occasion.
Choose 'With samagri' and the pandit brings the ritual items. Choose 'Own samagri' if you already have them or prefer to buy them yourself.
The sequence
- Purification and sankalp
- Ganesh worship
- Kalash sthapana
- Invocation of Dhanvantari
- Lighting of the havan
- Offerings with Dhanvantari mantras
- Purnahuti
- Aarti and prasad
How to prepare
- Choose a ventilated space for the havan
- Keep a fire-safe spot with water nearby
- Arrange a clean surface for the kalash and the Dhanvantari image
- Share the names of those for whom the sankalp is taken
- Decide whether you will use the pandit's samagri or your own
Who should attend
The person or family for whom the homam is done. Others can join for the purnahuti and prasad.
Your tradition
Mantras, materials and the herbs used for offerings vary by tradition. Tell us your family's custom when booking.
Safety
Havan involves an open flame and smoke. Use a stable heat-safe surface, keep the room ventilated, keep water nearby, and keep flames away from curtains, children and pets. Follow your building's rules on havan in common areas.
Questions
Is this a medical treatment? No. It is a devotional ritual. Please continue with your doctor's care.
How long should I plan for? About 1 hour for the standard and about 1.5 hours for the extended homam.
Which day is best? Many families choose Dhanteras, but any day the pandit suggests from the panchang can work.
Can it be done on video? Often yes. You arrange the samagri and a safe havan setup at home.
Can we do it in a hospital or clinic? Open flames are usually not allowed. Speak to us about alternatives.