Dhanteras-The beginning of the auspicious occasion of Diwali

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Dhanteras-The beginning of the auspicious occasion of Diwali

The festival of lights, Diwali is a 5-day ritual that starts with Dhanteras or Dhanatrayodashi. The 13^th lunar day of Krishna Paksha in the month of Kartik (as per Hindu calendar) is Dhanteras. Dhanvantri is worshipped on this day and He is the God of Ayurveda that helps people keep diseases away.

An interesting fact:

Dhanteras was declared as the “National Ayurveda Day” by the Indian Ministry of Ayurveda, Unani, Yoga and Naturopathy, Siddha and Homeopathy. It was first declared on 28^th October 2016.

According to mythology, God Dhanvantri (incarnation of Lord Vishnu) emerged at the time of Samudra Manthan (churning of the ocean). He emerged from the ocean holding a Kalash of Amrit (divine nectar of immortality) in one hand and the holy text of Ayurveda in the other hand. He is also considered as the Vaidya of Gods.

People clean their homes thoroughly on the auspicious occasion of Dhanteras. Lord Dhanvantri is worshipped in the evening. Homes are decorated with Rangolis and flowers. Entrances are adorned with Torans. In the evening, clay lamps filled with oil are lit and left to burn overnight. Artificial lights are also installed in the homes, offices, and government organisations.

What are the interesting indulgences on the occasion of Dhanteras?

There is an important significance of purchasing utensils, gold, or silver articles on this day. It is believed that items made of metal or precious metal is considered lucky to be purchased on the occasion of Dhanteras. It is the “new dhan” or wealth that people like to purchase on this day.  The day also witness purchase of new automobiles and appliances by households.

In some households, the first clay lamp is lit and dedicated to the Yama, the Lord of Death. This is done to pray to the Lord to avoid any mishap during the auspicious event of Diwali. Goddess Lakshmi is worshipped to bestow devotees with wealth and prosperity. In the villages, people worship their cattle; adorn them because they consider cattle as their main source of income.

An interesting story:

King Hima’s 16-year old son was predicted with untimely death as per his horoscope. The prediction was that he would die of snake-bite on the 4^th day of his marriage. When the fourth day of his marriage came, his wife decided that they would remain awake the whole night. She took all the ornaments, gold and silver coins, made a heap of all this and laid it at the entrance of the room. She also lit several clay lamps near the heap. Then she started singing and narrating stories to her husband so that he would not sleep. Yama Lord arrived, in the form of snake, cane and was dazzled with the brightness of the lamps and ornaments of precious metals. He could not enter the chamber and hence He climbed the heap of ornaments and coins and sat there listening to the songs and stories the whole night. With the first ray of dawn, Lord Yama left the place silently. The prince was saved due to the intelligence of his bride and since then the day is celebrated as Dhanteras.

·         The story above clearly proves the significance of buying new silver and gold coins and utensils.

·         It also signifies the importance of lighting the lamp overnight on this day and dedicating it to the Lord Yama.

·         It is also believed that no one should pay their loans or give money to anyone on this day of Dhanteras.

·          Buying broomstick on this day and using it to clean the home or premise is also considered lucky because it is believed that it wipes away poverty, financial, and health problems from the premises.

·          Another interesting story goes that Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati played the game of dice on this day and the latter won. Hence, people indulge in gambling and it is considered auspicious to gamble on Dhanteras. It is believed that it brings good luck and prosperity.

Dhanteras is an important day in the festival of lights and people celebrate the occasion with full excitement and fervour. Every year the dates change but the enthusiasm to celebrate the festivals remains unchanged.  For any further details you can contact any of our astrologers directly.