Dhanvantari is the Hindu god of and an avatar of Lord Mahavishnu. He is mentioned in the Puranas as the god of Ayurveda. He during the Samudra Manthan arose from the Ocean of Milk with the nectar of immortality. It is common practice in Hinduism for worshipers to pray to Dhanvantari seeking his blessings for sound health for themselves and/or others especially on Dhanteras or Dhanwantari Trayodashi.