Dhanteras, the beginning of the Diwali festival, is celebrated on Tuesday, October 29. On this day, people worship Lord Dhanvantari, the God of Ayurveda, and Goddess Lakshmi, the Goddess of wealth and prosperity. The term “Dhan” means wealth and “Teras” refers to the thirteenth day of the lunar month. This day is considered auspicious for purchasing gold, silver, utensils and electronics to welcome Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Kubera, both symbols of wealth in Hindu mythology. Significant purchases on Dhanteras are also believed to bring good luck in financial matters.

Dhanteras 2024: Why is Dhanteras celebrated?

Dhanteras is celebrated for various reasons rooted in Hindu mythology and tradition:

Worship of Lord Dhanvantari: Lord Dhanvantari is worshiped as the god of health and Ayurveda. He is believed to have emerged from the sea with a pot of amrita (elixir) during the churning of the milky ocean known as Samudra Manthan.

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Arrival of Goddess Lakshmi: The day marks the arrival of Goddess Lakshmi, who is believed to bring good luck and prosperity to devotees.

Auspicious Beginnings: Dhanteras means the beginning of Diwali celebrations and is considered an auspicious time for new beginnings, investments and purchasing valuable items.Honor wealth and prosperity: The festival honors Lord Kubera, the god of wealth, along with Goddess Lakshmi and emphasizes the importance of wealth in life.Cleaning and cleaning: Dhanteras is also associated with purification of home, mind and soul and preparing for the joy and enlightenment of Diwali.

What is Dhanteras: Historical Context and Stories

Dhanteras, celebrated on Dhanatrayodashi, has great significance in Hindu mythology. During the Samudra Manthana, the gods and demons churned the ocean of milk in search of Amrit, the nectar of immortality. From this turmoil emerged Goddess Lakshmi, the embodiment of wealth and prosperity, and Lord Kubera, the god of wealth, alongside Lord Dhanvantari, who produced a pot of Amrit, symbolizing health and well-being. Devotees worship these deities with reverence during Dhanteras.

Another well-known legend tells of the sixteen-year-old son of King Hima, whose horoscope predicted that he would die of a snake bite on the fourth day of his marriage. To protect him, his clever bride came up with a plan. She placed gold and silver coins at the entrance to her bedchamber and lit lamps to create a breathtaking display.

As night fell, she sang enchanting songs and told stories to keep her husband awake and to keep Yama, the god of death, at bay. When Yama arrived disguised as a snake, the glare of the lamps and jewelry blinded him, preventing entry.

Instead, Yama climbed onto the piles of coins and listened to the bride’s fascinating stories and melodies. He remained tied up there until dawn, sparing the prince’s life. As the sun rose, Yama silently walked away, leaving the couple safe.

Dhanteras thus combines elements of devotion, cultural practices and legendary stories and is an integral part of Diwali celebrations for millions of people.

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Who is Lord Dhanvantri?

Lord Dhanvantari is a significant figure in Hinduism and is worshiped as the god of Ayurveda and medicine. He appeared during the Samudra Manthan, the churning of the ocean, a crucial event in Hindu mythology. Devotees celebrate its contribution to healing and health, especially during Dhanvantari Jayanti, which falls on Dhanteras, two days before Diwali.

According to Hindu scriptures, Lord Dhanvantari appeared during the Samudra Manthan. He is depicted with four arms and holding a pot containing amrit (nectar), divine herbs for medical treatment and sacred texts. In some depictions he resembles Lord Vishnu holding a conch and a discus.