Ashvini Kumaras (अश्विनीकुमारौ)

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The Ashvins or Ashwini Kumaras, in Hindu mythology, are two Vedic gods, divine twin horsemen in the Rigveda, sons of Saranyu, a goddess of the clouds and wife of Surya in his form as Vivasvan. They symbolize the shining of sunrise and sunset, appearing in the sky before the dawn in a golden chariot, bringing treasures to men and averting misfortune and sickness. They are considered the physicians of the gods and are devas of Ayurvedic medicine. They are represented as humans with the heads of horses. They may also be referred to as the 'Horsemen' and are forever young, handsome, and athletic.

Vedic and historical references

In the epic Mahabharata, King Pandu's wife Madri is granted a son by each Ashvin and bears the twins Nakula and Sahadeva who, along with the sons of Kunti, are known as the Pandavas.

The Mahabharat and the Puranas, relate that the Ashwini Kumar brothers, the twins, who were Raja-Vaidya (Royal Physicians) to Devas during Vedic times, first prepared the Chyawanprash formulation for Chyawan Rishi at his ashram, hence the name Chyawanprash.

The Ashvins are mentioned 376 times in the Rigveda, with 57 hymns specifically dedicated to them: 1.3, 1.22, 1.34, 1.46-47, 1.112, 1.116-120 (c.f. Vishpala), 1.157-158, 1.180-184, 2.20, 3.58, 4.43-45, 5.73-78, 6.62-63, 7.67-74, 8.5, 8.8-10, 8.22, 8.26, 8.35, 8.57, 8.73, 8.85-87, 10.24, 10.39-41, 10.143.

Names of Ashvinikumaras

The Ashvins' name derives from the Sanskrit asva or 'horse' and they are closely associated with that animal, sometimes even considered to have the bodies of men and the head of a horse

Each of the Ashvinimumaras have got a unique different name.

they are known individually as Dasra and Nasatya

Ashvini is the other name of their mother Saranyu. Thus from mothers name, the sons are called as Ashvinikumaras.

Ashvini Kumaras family background

Mother: Saranyu

Father: Vivaswan. Vivaswan is known to be the son of Daksha Prajapati.

Sister: Usha is the name of sister of Ashvinikumaras.

Names of the wives of Dasra and Nastya are: Surya and Urjani who are the daughters of Surya devata.

Gurus of Ashvini kumaras

Ashvini kumaras learned Ayurveda from Daksha Prajapati.

They learned Madhuvidya and pravarga vidya from Atharvana Dadhichi.

Birth of Ashvinikumaras

One can find references about birth of Ashvinikumaras in Rigveda.

Chariot of Ashvinikumaras

It is believed that Ashvinikumaras became the physician of gods after learning Madhuvidya from Dadhichi. In order to to make Ashvinikumaras capable of wondering everywhere in Swarga, Gods created a golden Chariot for them. In vedas one can find the depiction of Ashvinikumaras and their chariot as follows. This chariot was golden in colour and triangular in shape. It has 3 pillars or supports and a beautiful triangular roof. IT has got 3 wheels. The horses carrying this chariot are known as 'Hari' are are believed to run with the speed of Vayu. In this chariot Ashvinikumaras are seen sitting with a smiling face. They have a pot filled with Amrt (elixir) in left hand while hold Shankha in the right hand. They drink Somarasa regularly. In such a way they wonder in the universe thrice in the day and thrice at night and apply their medical skills in such a way that it appears to be a magic or miracle.

Various medical skills of Ashvinikumaras described in Rigveda

In Rigveda there are many stories about the various medical operations and successful treatments done by Ashvinikumaras. There is an emphasis in their role as helpers and heroes who save and heal. One can realize that, many such medical jobs done by Ashvinikumaras are in fact the very recent and latest developments in medical science and technology developed in current times. But from this we can say that what we call now as latest and advance medical science was known to ancient rshis due to Ashvinikumaras. Few examples are given below,

Surgery

Transplants

Skin grafts

Interesting tale of Dadhichi Rshi

Shalakya

Kayachikitsa

Balarogas

Agada