What is Dhanteras?

The first day of Diwali is called Dhanteras or Dhantrayodashi that falls on the Trayodashi of Krishna Paksh in Kartik month. Dhanteras meaning 13^th day of the month to invite wealth at home. Diwali begins from Dhanteras which is symbolic of growth and abundance of income. It is believed that Goddess Laxmi pays a visit to every home on Dhanteras. It is consider an extremely auspicious day for worshipping Goddess Laxmi and invoking Her sacred presence in the dwelling.

How to celebrate Dhanteras?

Worship Goddess Laxmi and Lord Kubera on Dhanatrayodashi for continuous flow of income in home. The home has to be well-decorate and lit with lamps to signify the glory of Dhanteras. One should dress up well for the puja and create a lively ambiance. Prepare festive delicacies and offer it to the God first before eating or distributing to others. It is advise to not borrow money or any other materials from anyone since it is the day of receiving and not creating debts.

10 Things to Know

• This celebration also marks the birthday of Lord Dhanvantri. He is the God of Ayurveda and known to bless the devotees with good health and protection from diseases. It is said that Lord Dhanvantri emerged out of the Ocean of Milk (Kshirsagar) during Samudra Manthan on Dhanteras. Lords of medicine would carry a pot of elixir (Amrit). There is one story explaining how Lord Dhanvantri’s name inspired Dhanteras.
• The Goddess and God of wealth i.e. It is the festival of Dhanteras for worshipping Goddess Laxmi and Lord Kuber. Praadosh Kaal (the period of 2 hours following sunset) is the time for this puja. They bestow their devotees with abundance and fill the home with prosperity. It is one of the prominent days as per Hindu calendar to worship Goddess Laxmi and Lord Kubera.
• If you are looking for an auspicious day or Muhurta to purchase any new appliance in house or to make a new addition like a piece of furniture to house then Dhanteras is the perfect day.
• It is a tradition in many Hindu families to buy Gold coins, bars or jewellery on Dhanteras. Gold is a symbol of opulence and highly valued which is why it grows 13 times more when purchased on Dhanatrayodashi. The Lord of wealth Kubera blesses the home and makes the worshipper prosper.
• Yamadeepdan or Deep Daan is a ritual to honor Yama, the God of Death. Near the entrance of a house, keeping an oil lamp (Diya) facing south is necessary. This pleases Lord Yamraj and gives protection to the housemates from sudden death and evil forces. The story tells about a curse Hema placed on her son to die on the fourth night of their wedding. Since his wife already knew this, she did not allow him to sleep and laid her brilliant gold ornaments near his bed. She lit lamps everywhere and began to sing songs & recite stories. When Lord Yama arrived to take the prince’s life, he was engrossed in listening to the stories recited by prince’s new bride and the shine of gold captivated him. By the time it was morning, Lord Yama went back and the bride successfully saved the prince’s life by distracting the God of death. Today, Deep Daan rituals still serve to protect the community.
• For the presence of Goddess Laxmi in the house, the house must remain clean and tidy. As the saying goes “Cleanliness is next to Godliness”, a well-arranged and decorated house brings the blessings of wealth.
• To light up the space in a house, you need to have Diyas (oil lamps) lit all over. This draws the sacred energies in home and creates a spiritual environment. Lighting clay oil lamps is an important part of Dhanteras and the Diwali festival altogether.
• In South India, farmers worship cows since they provide revenue and bring wealth to their homes. It is also a good practice to feed cows on Dhanteras and seek blessings.
• Dhanteras is a propitious day for moving in new house, buying a new vehicle or booking a new property. On this day, Lord Kubera multiplies the blessings and blesses the devotees with abundant wealth in the coming year.
• One can start a new venture or new business on the auspicious day of Dhanteras. It brings good luck and makes new beginnings successful. Those who are waiting for a favorable Muhurta can commence their new businesses from Dhanteras.

May this Dhanteras bring prosperity, good fortune and unending wealth to you!