Dhanteras marks the beginning of the great festival of Diwali. This day is dedicated to the worship of Goddess Lakshmi, the deity of wealth and prosperity, and Lord Dhanvantari. Rooted in ancient mythology, this day is celebrated with prayers for happiness, prosperity, and good health in life.
According to mythology, during the churning of the ocean (Samudra Manthan) by the gods and demons, Lord Dhanvantari emerged from the ocean on the Trayodashi tithi of the month of Kartik, holding a pot of nectar (amrit) in his hands. This is why this day came to be known as Dhanteras.
Lord Dhanvantari is regarded as the father of Ayurveda and the science of medicine. He is considered an incarnation of Lord Vishnu, who blesses human beings with freedom from disease and a healthy life. This is why he is worshipped on Dhanteras, with prayers for good health.
It is believed that buying new items on Dhanteras — especially utensils, gold, and silver — is auspicious. According to tradition, purchases made on this day bring thirteen-fold prosperity into the home, along with the lasting blessings of Goddess Lakshmi.
According to one legend, it was foretold that King Hima's son would die on the fourth day of his marriage. His wife placed gold and silver ornaments along with many lamps at the doorway of his room, and kept Yamraj, the god of death, from entering by singing songs and telling stories throughout the night — thereby saving her husband's life.
Based on this very legend, the tradition began of lighting a lamp in the name of Yamraj at the main entrance of the house on the evening of Dhanteras. This is known as the "Yam Deepak," and lighting it is believed to free the family from the fear of untimely death and bring the blessing of a long life.
On Dhanteras, along with Goddess Lakshmi, Lord Kuber, the deity of wealth, is also worshipped. It is believed that performing this puja with proper rituals brings happiness and prosperity into the home, and ensures there is no shortage of wealth and grain throughout the year.
Dhanteras marks the beginning of the five-day grand festival of Diwali, which continues through Naraka Chaturdashi (Choti Diwali), Diwali, Govardhan Puja, and finally Bhai Dooj. The festival brings new energy and positivity through home cleaning, decoration, and auspicious shopping.
Dhanteras teaches us that true wealth is not just gold or silver, but good health, a long life, and the happiness and prosperity of one's family. This is why the festival is celebrated with prayers for both health and abundance.
May your life always be filled with wealth, good health, and prosperity.
