Dhanteras, commonly known as the first day of Diwali, is the day when Hindu goddess Lakshmi, Lord Kuber, and Lord Dhanvantari are worshipped. People tend to buy gold and other items on this day, as it is believed that buying new things on this day brings good luck. Read on to know more about this festival and its significance.
All You Need To Know About Dhanteras
Dhanteras, also known as Dhantrayodashi, marks the beginning of the Diwali festivities. The word “Dhan” means wealth, and the word “teras” signifies the 13th day of Krishna Paksha. As Dhanteras falls on the thirteenth day of Krishna Paksha in the Hindu month of Kartik.
On this day, devotees worship goddess Lakshmi (goddess of wealth and prosperity), Lord Kuber (god of wealth), and Lord Dhanvantari (god of Ayurveda). People often clean and decorate their homes and purchase new utensils, jewellery, and other items. Some people tend to observe the Pradosh fast on this day.
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.
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Shubh Muhurat For Puja
As per Drik Panchang, this year Dhanteras will be celebrated on October 29. Also, the shubh muhurat for the puja is between 6:31 PM to 8:13 PM on that day. If you wish to buy gold or silver, the most auspicious time will be from 5:54 PM and 8:22 PM.
Also, it is advised not to buy sharp objects like knives, scissors, and pins on Dhanteras as it attracts bad luck. One must also refrain from buying iron, steel, aluminium, plastic, glassware, oil, and ghee on this day. The elders in Hindu families also advise against buying or gifting on the day of Dhanteras.
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 tale 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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Dhanteras signifies the beginning of the five-day festival of Diwali and is usually celebrated by lighting up of diyas and lights. We wish you all a happy Dhanteras and lots of prosperity in life!
Cover Image Courtesy: Canva
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