The holy festival of Dhanteras, which marks the start of Diwali, falls on Tuesday, October 29 this year. Dhanteras is celebrated with great vigour all over India and is revered as a day to honour health, prosperity, and heavenly benefits.
On this holy day, the goddess of riches, Lakshmi, and the Ayurvedic god, Lord Dhanvantari, are worshipped. ‘Teras’ signifies the thirteenth day of Krishna Paksha (the waning moon phase), while ‘Dhan’ represents riches. This day has historically been regarded as extremely fortunate for purchases, particularly those involving gold, silver, and other valuables, as a way to bring fortune and wealth into homes.
The history of Dhanteras
Samudra Manthan’s story Mythological lore
surrounds Dhanteras, also called Dhanatrayodashi. The ancient Samudra Manthan tale states that in order to extract amrit, the devas (gods) and asuras (demons) churned the ocean. Lord Dhanvantari, holding a pot of nectar, which represents health and the welfare of humanity, rose from the depths. Lord Kubera and Goddess Lakshmi, who stood for wealth and prosperity, also emerged with him. Devotees around India reverently celebrate Dhanteras in remembrance of these deities, requesting their blessings of prosperity and good health.
The story of the son of King Hima
The story of King Hima’s son is another well-known folklore that surrounds Dhanteras. A young prince was supposed to die on the fourth day of his marriage from a snakebite, according to legend. Determined to save him, his wedded wife came up with a cunning method. She filled their chamber with innumerable lamps and heaped gold and silver coins, casting a dazzling radiance. In an attempt to keep her husband safe, she sang songs and told stories to keep him up at night. The dazzling show of wealth and light blinded Yama, the deity of death, who had come disguised as a serpent. Yama, unable to enter the room, sat on top of the coin piles and listened to the bride’s captivating speech. Yama withdrew as daylight broke, saving the prince’s life. Devotees still light lamps and show off their valuable metals to ward off negativity since this story represents the victory of life and love over death.
Significance of Dhanteras:
1. Goddess Lakshmi’s arrival: This day is commemorated as the day that Goddess Lakshmi arrives and bestows wealth and good fortune to her followers. Dhanteras is a perfect day to purchase pricey items as offerings because it is said that her presence purifies homes and attracts wealth.
2. Worship of Lord Dhanvantari: On Dhanteras, they honour Lord Dhanvantari, the Ayurvedic and health deity. Hindu legend states that Samudra Manthan, the ocean of milk, was churned and that he came out with a jug of amrit, or the nectar of immortality, which represents life and health that never ends.
3. Honouring success and money: Lord Kubera, the God of wealth, who stands for material abundance, is also connected to the celebration. Dhanteras offers a chance to celebrate the abundance that keeps life going and cultivate thankfulness for good fortune.
4. Auspicious beginnings: Dhanteras is seen as a favourable time for new beginnings, investments, and purchases, and it officially ushers in the Diwali festivities. It creates a good vibe for the whole Diwali season.
5. Cleaning and purification: Many homes perform cleaning ceremonies on this day because they think it attracts good energy. As a sign of removing negativity and getting ready for the light and happiness of Diwali, homes are cleaned and adorned.