Dhanwantari is believed to be the father of medical science. He is the pioneer of ayurveda and he is the first ayurvedic surgeon known. He is believed to be the brother of Goddess of wealth Laxmi. The origins of the ancient healing science known as Ayurveda are lost in cosmic antiquity. According to the ancient text Caraka-samhita, this "Science of Life and Longevity" is eternal and is revealed in each universe in each of its infinite cycles of creation and destruction. Great sages or demigods generally reveal this healing science.

Occasionally, the Supreme Lord Himself descends as the avatara (incarnation). Dhanvantari and re-inaugurates the tradition of Ayurveda. This extremely rare appearance of God is recorded in the Vedic literature of ancient India. Dhanvantari`s appearance is celebrated each year on the 13th day (trayodasi) of the waxing moon a few days before the Diwali.

Nothing is known for sure as to how Dhanwantari looked but some slokas say he was dark and wore yellow clothes and somewhere he is said to be fair with a happy face. He looks like Vishnu with medical herbs in his hands.