“Dhantrayodashi”, is popularly known as Dhanteras which is usually celebrated two days before Diwali, on the Trayodashi Tithi, in the Hindu month of Kartik. This year it will be celebrated on 2nd November, which is Tuesday and two days before the festival of lights. Dhanteras is derived from ‘Dhan’ which means wealth and ‘Teras’ which means thirteen. As this day falls on the thirteen lunar day of Krishna Paksha in the Hindu Calendar, every year.
In several parts of the country, Diwali celebrations begin with Dhanteras, this day is meant for worshipping Lord Dhanvantari, Goddess Lakshmi, Lord Ganesha, and Lord Kubera.
Everything you need to know about Dhanteras Puja
During Satyuga, on the day of Dhanteras, the God of medicines – Lord Dhanvantari and Goddess of wealth – Lakshmi Devi appeared from the depth of the ocean bed during Samudra Manthan to obtain the Amrit (immortality). Lord Dhanvantari, is believed to be an avatar of Lord Vishnu, emerged holding a Kalash containing the divine nectar or amrit. Goddess Lakshmi is worshipped by the devotees on Dhanteras for a wealthy and prosperous life.
On the day of Dhanteras, people wake up early and take bath, on the onset of sunrise. After finishing the morning rituals they make preparations for Lakshmi puja in the evening. People light diyas in the evening and also decorate their homes on the day of Dhanteras. They light incense sticks, distribute sweets and flowers to Goddess Lakshmi and members of the family congregate together to perform Puja. People also worship Lord Kuber on this day to double the benefits and blessings.
Dhanteras is also believed to be a very special day for making significant purchases, especially articles of gold, silver and items of utensils. Hindus believe buying on this day, as it brings good luck, wealth and prosperity. On this day delicious savouries and sweets are made and offered to Goddess Lakshmi. In Maharashtra, the ‘prashad’ also known as ‘Naivedyam’ is made with powdered dry coriander seeds and jaggery.
Most of our Indian festivals are associated with mythological stories. People worship Yamraja (the God of death) on this day. There is an interesting story behind Dhanteras, which states that, it was predicted according to the horoscope of the King Hima’s son, the prince would die on the fourth day of his wedding after he will get bitten by a snake. Similarly, the wife ensured that she will turn around the fate this time. So she made her husband remain awake throughout the night by narrating different stories.
To keep the snake away, she set out all her ornaments and coins at the entrance. It is also believed when Yamraja came disguised as snake, he was
blinded by the dazzling gold coins and jewellery and the bright diyas couldn’t take his son’s life. The snake left the place silently which spared the life of the prince. Now there is also a tradition of lighting Yamadeep. In this ritual, a diya is lighted for Yama, the Lord of Death, to stay outside one’s home. It is also assumed that lighting this diya will keep away all the evils and also prevent untimely death of family member.
To conclude I would say that Dhanteras is a major Hindu festival and significance in the overall celebrations of Diwali. Main festival of Diwali is
incomplete without the Dhanteras, which marks a prosperous and joyful beginning in one of the India’s most significant festivals. The rituals of
commemorating Dhanteras might also vary from state to state but fundamentally it is the celebration of prosperity and health.
Also read:
Diwali Shopping Checklist – 11 Essential Things to Buy!
