Introduction
Dhanteras is one of the most auspicious Hindu festivals that marks the beginning of the five-day Diwali celebration. It falls on the thirteenth day (Trayodashi) of the Krishna Paksha in the month of Kartik. The word Dhanteras is derived from two Sanskrit words — Dhan, meaning wealth, and Teras, meaning the thirteenth day. Hence, Dhanteras symbolizes prosperity, good fortune, and well-being.
This festival is also known as Dhantrayodashi or Dhanvantari Jayanti, and it is celebrated with great devotion across India. On this day, devotees worship Lord Dhanvantari, the divine physician and an incarnation of Lord Vishnu, and seek blessings for good health and prosperity. It is also considered an auspicious day for buying gold, silver, and other valuables.
Mythological Story Behind Dhanteras
There are several fascinating legends associated with Dhanteras, the most popular one being related to Lord Dhanvantari. According to Hindu mythology, during the Samudra Manthan (churning of the ocean) by the Devas (gods) and Asuras (demons), Lord Dhanvantari emerged from the ocean carrying a pot of nectar (Amrit). His appearance is celebrated as Dhanteras, symbolizing the divine origin of Ayurveda and healing.
Another popular legend tells the story of King Hima’s son, whose horoscope predicted that he would die on the fourth day of his marriage due to a snake bite. To protect him, his wife placed all her ornaments and gold coins at the entrance of their home and lit countless lamps on the night of his predicted death. When Yamraj (the god of death) came to take his life, the dazzling lights and glittering gold blinded him, and he returned without harming the prince. Since then, people light lamps on Dhanteras night as a symbol of protection from negative forces — a ritual known as Yam Deep Daan.
Spiritual and Cultural Significance
Dhanteras is not merely a festival of wealth — it signifies health, happiness, and well-being. The day reminds us that true wealth lies in good health and righteous living. Lord Dhanvantari, considered the founder of Ayurveda, is worshipped for longevity and wellness.
For business communities, Dhanteras holds great importance as they start new accounts, ledgers, or business ventures on this day. In many households, buying new utensils, gold, or silver items is considered highly auspicious. These purchases symbolize the arrival of Goddess Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth and prosperity.
How to Perform Dhanteras Puja (Puja Vidhi)
Worshipping Lord Dhanvantari and Goddess Lakshmi with devotion on this day is believed to bring health and wealth. The step-by-step puja vidhi is as follows:
- Morning Rituals: Begin the day with a holy bath and clean the house thoroughly to welcome divine energy.
- Setup the Altar: Spread a clean red or yellow cloth on the puja platform and place idols or images of Lord Dhanvantari, Goddess Lakshmi, and Lord Kuber (the god of wealth).
- Yam Deep Daan: In the evening, light a lamp (diya) in the south direction outside your house as an offering to Yamraj, to ward off untimely death and negativity.
- Offerings and Materials: Use flowers, incense, sandalwood, sweets, fruits, and coriander seeds in the worship. Coriander seeds are considered a symbol of prosperity.
- Chanting of Mantras:
- For Lord Dhanvantari: “Om Dhanvantarye Namah”
- For Goddess Lakshmi: “Om Shreem Hreem Kleem Mahalakshmyai Namah”
Chant these mantras 11 or 21 times for blessings of health and wealth.
- Aarti and Prasad: End the ritual with aarti and distribute sweets among family members. Illuminate every corner of your home with diyas, symbolizing the triumph of light over darkness.
What to Buy on Dhanteras
According to Hindu tradition, purchasing certain items on Dhanteras brings fortune and prosperity. Here’s a list of auspicious things to buy:
- Gold and Silver:
Buying gold or silver ornaments and coins is believed to attract wealth and fortune. - New Utensils:
Utensils made of brass, copper, or steel are considered lucky. Never bring empty utensils home — fill them with sweets or grains before entering. - Coriander Seeds:
Offering coriander seeds during puja and storing them for future use brings continuous prosperity. - Broom and Lamps:
A broom symbolizes cleanliness and the removal of negative energy, while diyas bring positivity and light into the home. - Idol or Picture of Lord Dhanvantari:
Buying a statue or picture of Lord Dhanvantari ensures good health and long life.
Scientific and Social Significance
Beyond religious beliefs, Dhanteras also holds scientific and social importance. The cleaning rituals and lighting of lamps help purify the surroundings and reduce negative energy. Lighting diyas releases a mild heat and light energy that positively affects the environment and mind, promoting calmness and mental peace.
On the social front, Dhanteras promotes family bonding and unity. Families gather together to clean and decorate their homes, exchange gifts, and prepare for Diwali. This enhances social connection, positivity, and harmony.
Practical Remedies and Rituals for Dhanteras
- Light a Diya at the Main Entrance: It removes negativity and attracts positive energy.
- Worship Lord Dhanvantari: Pray for sound health and protection from diseases.
- Offer Lotus Flowers to Goddess Lakshmi: It invites peace, prosperity, and divine grace into the household.
- Chant Kuber Mantra: “Om Shreem Hreem Kleem Shree Siddhi Kuberaya Namah” — for increased wealth and stability.
Economic and Business Significance
Dhanteras is also known as the festival of shopping and investment. On this day, markets and shops are filled with customers purchasing jewelry, utensils, and electronics. Businesses see it as the perfect day to launch new ventures or investments.
The stock market often witnesses increased trading activity as traders believe Dhanteras is the best muhurat to start financial ventures. This makes Dhanteras not just a cultural festival but an important economic event in India.
Conclusion
Dhanteras is not only about acquiring wealth but also about recognizing that true prosperity lies in good health, wisdom, and positive living. Worshipping Lord Dhanvantari reminds us that “Health is the greatest wealth.”
As the lamps of Dhanteras light up homes and hearts, they remind us to dispel darkness — not just from our surroundings but also from our thoughts. Let us celebrate this Dhanteras with gratitude, compassion, and the intention to invite abundance, health, and happiness into our lives.