Dhanteras: A Festival of Wealth and Prosperity
Dhanteras is a significant Hindu festival that marks the beginning of the five-day celebration of Diwali. The word Dhanteras is derived from the Sanskrit words Dhan, meaning wealth, and Teras, meaning the thirteenth day. It is celebrated on the thirteenth lunar day of the dark fortnight of the Hindu month of Kartik, which usually falls in October or November.
Dhanteras is also known as Dhanatrayodashi or Dhanvantari Jayanti, as it is the day when Lord Dhanvantari, the god of Ayurveda and health, emerged from the ocean with a pot of nectar during the churning of the cosmic ocean (Samudra Manthan).
Dhanteras is a festival of joy, prosperity, and good fortune, as people worship Goddess Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth, and Lord Kuber, the god of treasure, and buy new items such as gold, silver, jewelry, utensils, vehicles, or property.
Significance of Dhanteras
Dhanteras has great significance in Hindu culture and tradition, as it is associated with various legends and beliefs. Some of the most popular ones are:
- According to one legend, when the gods and demons were churning the ocean for the nectar of immortality, Lord Dhanvantari appeared with a pot of nectar in his hands. He is considered to be the physician of the gods and the originator of Ayurveda, the ancient science of medicine and healing. He is worshipped on this day for good health and well-being.
- According to another legend, King Hima had a son who was destined to die on the fourth day of his marriage by a snake bite. His wife, however, was very clever and determined to save her husband. She placed a heap of gold and silver coins and jewelry at the entrance of their bedroom and lit lamps all over the place. She also kept her husband awake by singing songs and telling stories. When the god of death, Yama, came in the form of a snake, he was dazzled by the brightness of the lamps and the coins and could not enter the room. He sat on the heap of coins and listened to the wife’s songs and stories. In the morning, he quietly went away, sparing the life of the young prince. Since then, Dhanteras is also known as Yamadeepdaan, and people light lamps throughout the night to ward off evil and death.
- According to yet another legend, a poor Brahmin named Dhanvantri lived in a village. He was very devoted to Lord Vishnu and used to offer water to the sun god every morning. One day, he found a small pot of gold in the river. He was overjoyed and took it home. He decided to use the gold to help the needy and perform religious rituals. However, every time he used some gold from the pot, it was miraculously replenished. He realized that it was a divine blessing from Lord Vishnu and thanked him for his grace. He also shared his fortune with his fellow villagers and made them happy. Since then, Dhanteras is also celebrated as a day of charity and generosity.
Celebration of Dhanteras
Dhanteras is celebrated with great enthusiasm and excitement by Hindus all over the world. Some of the common ways of celebrating Dhanteras are:
- People clean and decorate their homes and offices with rangoli, flowers, lamps, and candles. They also draw footprints of Goddess Lakshmi with rice flour and vermilion to welcome her into their premises.
- People buy new items such as gold, silver, jewelry, utensils, vehicles, or property on this day, as it is considered auspicious and lucky. They also exchange gifts and sweets with their friends and relatives.
- People perform Lakshmi Puja in the evening, during the Pradosh Kaal, which is the period of one and a half hours after sunset. They offer prayers, flowers, fruits, sweets, and coins to Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Kuber and seek their blessings for wealth, prosperity, and success. They also chant mantras and sing bhajans in praise of the deities.
- People light diyas, or earthen lamps, in their homes and outside their doors and windows. They also light candles and lanterns to illuminate the surroundings. They believe that this will attract the goddess of wealth and drive away the darkness and negativity.
- People also worship Lord Dhanvantari on this day and seek his blessings for good health and longevity. They also observe fasts and offer water, milk, honey, or sugar to the sun god in the morning. They also read scriptures and listen to discourses related to Ayurveda and health.
Traditional Practices on Dhanteras
Dhanteras is a time for Hindus to make new purchases, especially of gold and silver. This is believed to bring good luck and prosperity. Many people also buy new clothes, utensils, and other household items on this day.
In addition to making new purchases, Hindus also perform a special puja, or worship ceremony, to Lakshmi. They offer her flowers, fruits, and sweets. They also light incense and say prayers to invoke her blessings.
Dhanteras for Students: A Time for Academic Success
Dhanteras is also a special day for students. They believe that studying on this day will bring them academic success. Many students light oil lamps and place their books and study materials near the diyas. They also pray to Lakshmi for wisdom and knowledge.
It is a day to express gratitude to the divine forces for their benevolence and protection. It is also a day to share one’s wealth and happiness with others and spread the spirit of generosity and kindness. Dhanteras is a festival that reminds us of the importance of wealth, health, and prosperity in our lives and motivates us to work hard and achieve our goals.
