The festival of lights is here, and there is so much excitement in the air. Dhanteras, commonly known as the first day of Diwali, is the day when Hindu goddess Laxmi and Lord Kuber are worshipped. People tend to buy gold and other items on this day, as it is believed that new items brought today bring in loads of good luck. Here’s all you need to know about this festival.
All About Dhanteras
Dhanteras, also known as Dhantrayodashi, marks the beginning of Navratri festivities. The word “Dhan” means wealth, and the word “teras” means the 13th day of Krishna Paksha. As Dhanteras falls on the thirteenth day of Krishna Paksha, it is known so.
It is an auspicious day to buy gold ornaments, silver, new utensils, and many other household items. Dhanteras is the day when people go shopping for various commodities, as they believe that doing so will bring loads of prosperity and good luck.
Hindus worship Lord Kuber and goddess Laxmi, both known as the gods of wealth, on this day. Some people tend to observe the Pradosh fast on this day. The reason behind the celebration is hidden in Hindu mythology!
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Muhurat
The pooja time for Dhanteras will begin at 5:47pm and continue until 7:43pm. If you wish to buy gold or silver, the most auspicious time will be from 12:35pm to 2:45pm. It is believed that one must not buy anything during Rahukaal, which is between 10:41am and 12:03pm.
It is also believed that one must refrain from buying iron, steel, plastic, and glassware on this day.
One must consume food items like jaggery, kheer, panchamrit, and boondi laddoo on this day to bring good luck. People prepare sweets and delicious dishes to share with their friends and family.
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Here’s Why Dhanteras Is Celebrated
A legend relates the tale of King Hima’s sixteen-year-old son. A prophecy said he would die from a snake bite on the fourth day of his marriage. Nevertheless, his wife wouldn’t let him sleep on the day of their wedding. She lit numerous lamps and piled all of her gold and silver ornaments in a mound at their room’s entrance.
She kept him awake the rest of the night by entertaining him with stories and songs. The dazzle of the lamps and jewels blinded Yama, the God of Death when he appeared as a serpent. Yama was unable to enter, so he turned back, sparing the young prince’s life. This custom of burning lanterns
Another mythology connects Dhanteras to the ocean’s churning as it seeks the nectar of immortality, a phenomenon known as the Samudra Manthan. Several celestial gifts surfaced during this churning, including Dhanvantari, the gods’ healer, and Lakshmi, the goddess of riches.
It is thought that on the day of Dhanteras, Lord Vishnu’s incarnation Dhanvantari came, bestowing upon humanity the wisdom of Ayurveda, or ancient Indian medicine.
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We wish you a Happy Dhanteras!
Cover Image Courtesy: Canva
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