Dhanteras is one of the most popular Hindu festivals. All devout Hindus observe this festival with devotion and respect. It has another name. Dhanatroyodashi or Dhanavatri Troyodashi. The word “wealth” means property. The word Troyodashi means the 13th day of the Hindu calendar. Dhanteras occurs two days before Lakshmi Puja during Diwali. According to Hinduism, energy flows from Vishnu to Lakshmi on this day.
Goddess Lakshmi spread this energy from there to the entire creation. It is said that on the day of Dhanteras, Goddess Lakshmi visits the homes of her devotees and fulfills their wishes. Kubera, the god of wealth is also worshiped on this day. According to folklore, if you buy something on this day, it will increase many times. New gold or clothes are also bought on the day of Dhanteras. Everyone’s house is filled with delicious food and rangoli.
People of the Madozari community worship Kubera and Lakshi on the day of Dhanteras because Kubera and Lakshi are worshiped as protectors of their wealth.
History of Dhanteras
There are many interpretations of this festival. Many dedicate it to the medicine deity Dhanvantari, many spend time worshiping Goddess Lakshmi, and many others worship Yama. There is three main folklore related to Dhanteras. Although the churning of the two Samudras is a part, of the churning of the oceans, the other one is associated with Lord Yama.
According to Hindu mythology, Dhanvantari is the god of medicine and Ayurveda. She is known as the one who used Ayurveda for the betterment of mankind and to cure them of diseases. On the auspicious day of Dhanteras, the God of Ayurveda, Dhanvantari, is worshiped for his wisdom and healing of acute and chronic ailments with Ayurveda.
According to ancient Hindu texts, Ishwar Dhanvantari is also considered the doctor of Hindu gods. Ancient mythological books also claim that God Dhanvantari was born by churning the ocean with a pot of nectar in one hand and a book of Ayurveda in the other.
Another notable story is related to Goddess Lakshmi. According to mythology, Goddess Lakshmi originates from the churning of the great ocean and is a sign of wealth, happiness, prosperity, and good fortune. People make rangoli on the main door and light the main entrance of their house with the lamp to attract and create positive vibes to welcome Goddess Lakshmi.
The third legend is about a prince who was the son of King Hima, who was expected to die of a snakebite on the 4th day of his marriage according to a prophecy. But the princess’s wife made a heap of gold, silver, and all metals at the entrance of her house lit many lamps and kept telling stories and singing songs to her husband all night.
When Yama, the god of death, came in the guise of a serpent, he could not see anything because of the brilliance of the metal and the lamp. Lord Yama then stayed there and left silently the next morning, which is why Dhanteras is also called Yamadipadaan, which means offering an earthen lamp to Lord Yama.
Significance of Dhanteras
Dhanteras, also known as ‘Dhantrayodash’ is a festival celebrated by Hindus. On this day people buy utensils and jewelry to bring good luck. The word Dhanteras is derived from ‘Dhana’ meaning wealth and ‘teras’ meaning thirteen. The day falls on the thirteenth lunar day of the Krishna Paksha of the Hindu month every year. The day usually falls 1-2 days before Diwali.
The greatest Hindu festival named Diwali begins with Dhanteras. Tihar festival in Nepal starts with Dhanteras. The word Dhana refers to wealth and the word teras refers to the thirteenth. Briefly, the thirteenth lunar day of the dark fortnight or Krishna paksha of the Hindu calendar month Vikram Samvat of the month of Ashwin is known as Dhanteras.
It is celebrated in every corner of India, but the rituals may vary. Goddess Lakshmi is worshipped, utensils and gold/silver jewelry are bought, and new business deals are made on this day for more wealth and prosperity.
How to celebrate Dhanteras?
The beginning of the festive season. The day is considered one of the most auspicious days for shopping. On this day, Hindus around the world worship Kubera and Goddess Lakshmi, known as the goddess of wealth. Goddess Lakshmi is believed to have emerged from the ocean of milk during Samudra Manthan or the churning of oceans on this day. The day is considered one of the best and auspicious days for buying valuables. Here is a list of things you can buy
1) Gold and silver
One of the most common items bought in Dhanteras is gold and silver. From coins to jewelry, it is believed that investing in these precious metals can bring more prosperity.
2) Utensils
On an auspicious day, one can also buy silver, copper, and brass utensils. However, steel and iron utensils should be avoided. According to Hindu belief, it is believed that empty vessels should not be brought on this day. One can fill water or food before entering the house.
3) Broom
Even buying a broom on this day is considered lucky. It is believed that buying a broom on this occasion can help in removing all financial worries related to the house.
4) Electronics items
If you have been waiting to buy valuable electronic items, you can consider buying them on this day. From home appliances to phones and laptops, there is a lot to choose from
5) Business related
This day is considered lucky for opening a new shop, office, or even a bank account. Many devotees open their new shops and offices on this day and worship Lakshmi to bring good luck.
6) Gomati Chakra
It is a rare marine snail found in the Gomati river. As per Hindu belief, it is considered sacred and can be used in Diwali Puja. It is believed to help bring success and ward off the evil eye.
7) Open a new account
As a symbol of a prosperous financial life, you can open a new bank account on this day of Dhanteras. It is considered an important day for traders.
8) Idol of Lakshmi-Ganesh
Most people buy idols of Lakshmi, Lakshmi Pooja performed in the evening brings good luck in business.
How to worship Dhanteras?
An urn, rice, coconut, and betel, are all required for the puja. Light a Diya to start the Puja and this Diya should be lit throughout the night. Traditions suggest that devotees should worship clay and silver or any other metal idols of Ganesh and Goddess Lakshmi. Avoid buying glass or plaster Paris figurines.
The entire family should sit together for the puja. “During the puja, one worships three forms of Goddess Lakshmi – Goddess Mahalakshmi, Mahakali, and Goddess Sarasvati. People also worship Lord Kubera and Ganesh, as they represent wealth, learning, peace, and tranquility.
Prasad of fruits, sweets, and dry fruits should be offered. Decorate the temple with fresh flowers, especially red roses and lotuses. Light camphor, incense, or incense stick. Recitation of aarti, ringing of bells, and chanting of mantras are rituals followed for divine blessings.
Why celebrates Dhanteras?
1. Dhanteras festival is celebrated to wish good health to all the family.
2. It is desired to prevent the untimely death of all the family members by celebrating this festival.
3. Mother Lakshmi always sought grace in the house celebrating this festival.
4. By celebrating this festival, it is desired to get the blessings of Lord Kubera at home.
5. By celebrating this festival, everyone in the house is wished peace of mind.
6. By celebrating this festival, it is desired to eradicate poverty in the home.
Why is precious metal bought on Dhanteras?
According to mythology, Dhanvatvari was born on the third day of the Krishna Paksha of the month of Kartika. For this reason, this tithi is also known as Dhanteras tithi. During the emergence of that deity, his/her hands were full of nectar. Since he/she appeared with the pitcher in his/her hand, it is also customary to buy new utensils on this day.
It is also said that King Hima’s daughter-in-law saved her husband from the wrath of Yamaraj. By placing gold, silver, lamps, etc. near the door of the room where her husband was staying, she brightened the room. And seeing the brightness of the house, Yamaraj went back. And that incident happened on the day of Dhanteras. There is a tradition of buying gold and silver for Dhanteras around that event.
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Dhanteras of traders
This day is very important to the business community. According to the scriptures, on the day of Dhanteras, bringing any new metal object into the house or business establishment causes ‘Sri-Vaksha’. Again, Dhanteras marks the beginning of the financial year for many Indian business communities; People also buy new ornaments, utensils, jewelry, etc. on this day. However, the financial year of most Bengali businessmen starts in the new year.
Dhanteras falls on Trayadashi tithi of Shuklapaksha month of Kartik. Dhanteras begins just two days before Diwali. It is with this festival that the celebration of Hindu Diwali, which lasts for about five days, actually begins. Hindus do special shopping in Dhanteras. Here are some messages you can send each other on the occasion of Dhanteras today.
- May your family be filled with happiness, peace, and prosperity this Dhanatroyodashi. Happy Dhanatroyodashi.
- May money shower on you always. I wish this on the full moon of Dhanatroyodashi. Happy Dhanatroyodashi.
- May prosperity come to Dhanatroyodashi. May Lakshmi come to everyone’s house. Happy Dhanatroyodashi.
Dhanteras Wish
Hindus all over the world consider this festival very auspicious. This day is considered very auspicious for completing any work. Lakshmi Ganesh is worshiped on Dhanteras. It is believed that buying gold and silver metal on this day brings happiness and prosperity to the family. Shoppers flock to jewelry stores. Not only shops but many people also worship at home. Today only on the occasion of Dhanteras we bring you some greetings messages that you can send to your dear friends
- May your wealth, happiness and peace be inexhaustible. Happy Dhanatroyodashi.
- May the grace of Maa Lakshmi be upon you and your family always. Happy Dhanatroyodashi.
- May you get success in whatever you start today and may all your dreams come true today. Happy Dhanatroyodashi.
Dhanteras Status
Dhantrayodashi or Dhanvantari-Troyodashi abbreviated as Dhanatarasa. Dhanteras is celebrated on Ayodashi tithi of Shuklapaksha month of Kartik. The thirteenth lunar day of Krishna Paksha falls two days before Diwali. This year also that rule will be observed. According to tradition, Kubera, Lakshmi, and Dhanvantari, Yamaraj is worshiped on the day of Dhanteras.
This moment is considered auspicious. It is considered auspicious to buy gold, silver jewelry, pots, vessels, and coins during this time. If you buy gold, silver, or brass during this time, Lakshmi lives in the house for the whole year. This is accepted. Purchase that. And wish Dhanteras to your friends, relatives, family, and close people. Celebrate the auspicious moment of Dhanteras by sharing the status of relatives and friends in the morning.
- This Dhanteras, I wish that all the wishes of your heart come true. Happy Dhanatroyodashi.
- May Lakshmi Ganesh bless you with happiness and prosperity on the occasion of Dhanteras. Happy Dhanatroyodashi to you and your family.
- May your family be wrapped in auspicious bonds. May the grace of Maa Lakshmi always be upon you. Dhanatroyodashi love and greetings.
FAQ about Dhanteras
Is Dhanteras a Diwali?
The festival of Diwali begins from the Dhanteras
What is the date of Dhanteras 2023?
November 10. Source-Wikipedia
Which God is worshipped during Dhanteras?
Dhanteras is the worship of lord Dhanvantari
While worshiping Goddess Lakshmi and celebrating Dhanteras and Diwali, do it in a sustainable and eco-friendly way. Use an earthen lamp for puja and brighten up the puja house or temple with LED lights. Decorate the altar and main door with fresh flowers, floral strings, and origami or bamboo decorations. Make a rangoli near the puja area with biodegradable paints. Happy Dhanteras
