Dhanteras is celebrated on the first day of the five-day long Diwali festival. The suffix ‘Teras’ in Hindi is synonymous with the word Trayodashi in Sanskrit which refers to the thirteenth day of the fading phase of the moon.
Different rituals connected to Dhanteras aim at praying for the prosperity of the household and the health and long life of the husband. On the day of Dhanteras, many households perform Laxmi Puja (read till end to know the reason why). Dhanteras sets the auspicious and celebrative mood for the Diwali celebrations. Here is a highly interesting mythological story connected to Dhanteras.
As per Hindu mythology, it is customary to buy precious metals, like silver or gold on this day. Buying gold is believed to bring Lord Kuber’s blessings in the house. Also, according to the popular belief the things you buy on this day enhances 13 times due to the blessings of Lord of wealth.
This day is also known as Yamadeepdaan, on Dhanteras a ‘Deep Dan’ is offered to Yamraj. This is done to prevent any unfortunate incident like the premature death of a family member. Diya is lit at the house entrance facing south. Doing this can keep evil and death away. It is popular among many communities to offer thirteen diyas to Lord Yama. This is done to strengthen the lifeline of the family members.
According to the mythology, during Samudramanthan, God of health, Dhanvantari appeared with Amrit in one hand. Considering it an auspicious thing to happen, the day was named after him. He is also called an incarnation of Lord Vishnu and the physician of gods.
There is one more interesting story associated with Dhanteras. It is a common belief that king Hima’s 16-year-old son was predicted to die on the fourth day of this marriage due to snake bite. Knowing this, his wife did not let him sleep for the entire day and night. Also, she kept all her jewels around her husband’s bed, brightens the room with lights and started singing. As predicted, Yamraj arrived there like a serpent on the fourth night but left the prince unharmed. Therefore it is considered that on Dhanteras, buying gold and illuminating the house can bring prosperity and no harm to you.
Do you know why we do Laxmi Puja every year on Dhanteras?
There is an interesting story behind this as well. Once upon a time, Goddess Laxmi and Lord Vishnu visited earth. She was asked by him not to get attracted by earthly temptations. However, Goddess couldn’t resist herself and landed on a farmer’s sugarcane field. There, she savoured sugarcane juice. Seeing this, Lord Vishnu declared that Goddess Laxmi must serve farmer as a labourer for the period of 12 years. Post this, the farmer started to prosper with the arrival of Lord Laxmi. Later, when the farmer and his family visited river Ganga, she revealed her identity. Knowing this, the farmer refused to let her go away after the completion of 12 years. Overwhelmed by the farmer’s love and affection, Goddess Laxmi promised him that she will visit every year on Dhanteras. The goddess also asked him to keep his house clean on the day and to light a lamp for her. This is the reason; we do Laxmi Puja after sunset.
Now, here are some more unknown and interesting facts on Dhanteras:
- In Jainism, Dhanteras is celebrated as the first day of the Diwali festival. It has special significance in Jainism because Lord Mahavira attained Nirvana on this day. For Jains, Dhanatrayoadash is the day to honour the goddess of wealth, i.e., Goddess Lakshmi.
- In eastern India Dhanteras is celebrated as Kali Puja and Dipanwita Lakshmi Puja.
- Dhanteras was originally celebrated only by the business community in North and West India. However, with time this festival has gained popularity among rest of the population in all parts of India.
- As per legends, Dhanteras puja allows people to avoid untimely death. The story of the 16-year-old son of King Hema describes how the night-long puja helped him to avoid a snakebite despite death being a part of his fate.
- In some regions, copper containers are filled with water and Tulsi leaves and are placed in different parts of the house.
What to Buy on Dhanteras?
It is believed that buying certain things on Dhanatrayodashi brings good luck and prosperity.
- Precious metals like Gold and silver
- Coriander seeds
- Utensils (not made from steel / iron)
- Broom
- Electronic items
- Business-related items
- Gomti Chakra
Don’ts on Dhanteras?
- Do not give coriander seeds to anyone. Coriander seeds are of utmost importance on this day. In Indian languages, they are called Dhane or Dhaniya, which also means wealth. Hence. one should not give it to anyone as it is believed to bring bad luck. Also, one should treat these seeds as Goddess Lakshmi
- Do not pay loans and lend or borrow money. It is believed to bring bad luck
- Do not buy items with leather items, items made from iron / steel and sharp objects
- Do not wear black clothes
- Do not buy fake gold
- Do not eat non-veg food or drink alcohol
- Do not do Vastu Shanti on this day