Dhanteras- Celebrating Health, Wealth & Prosperity

When is Dhanteras celebrated?

'Deepavali' literally means 'the rows of lights'. It is a 5-day long festival where each day holds a special significance and has a captivating story behind it. The first day is called Dhanteras, where dhan=wealth, and teras=13th day. It is observed on the 13th day of Krishn paksha during the Hindu month of Kartika. It is also known as Dhantrayodashi.

Origin of Dhanteras

It is believed that on this day, goddess Lakshmi had come out of Samudra Manthan, holding a pot of gold. She then became the consort of Lord Vishnu. Along with her, Lord Kuber and Lord Dhanvantari emerged as well. Kuber is known as the god of wealth while Dhanvantari is the god of health. Dhanvantari had carried amrit-kalash (a pot that contained nectar of immortality) with him, which he had given to the devas. He is also known as the god of Ayurveda and wellness.

In another story, there was a king named, Hima. He had a son who was very dear to him. He loved him immensely. Once he got to know about his son's ill fate- that he is pre-destined to have a good life of 16 years after which he would get marry. After marriage, on the fourth night he would die due to the bite of a snake. The king sought many help to protect his son and was suggested to marry his son to a girl with good fortune. The king did so and informed the girl about his son's fate. His son's wife made a plan to outsmart the lord of death, Yamraj. She kept diyas (lamps), placed all her jewelleries, and piles of gold and silver outside at the entrance of her room. In her room, she kept singing songs and reciting stories to keep her husband awake. Yamraj on the other hand, took the form of a snake and was ready to take the life of king Hima's son. Unfortunately, when he arrived at the entrance he was mesmerized by the melodious voice. Also, he could not see anything and lost his purpose seeing the lights and the sparkle outside the room. At the arrival of the dawn, he realised he had missed the moment or the time of the prince's fated death and so spared the prince's life.

How is it celebrated?

On this day, people light diyas and pray lord Dhanvantari to bless them and their family with good health and wellbeing. Goddess Lakshmi is worshipped for wealth and prosperity. Buying gold, silver, and utensils on this day is said to be very auspicious. This day is observed to to protect the family from negative energies, to bring health, wealth and prosperity to home.