Dhanteras is the most auspicious and important festival of India. Diwali is usually celebrated for 5 days, and the first day of Diwali is Dhanteras, which marks the birth of Lord Dhanvantari. The second day is Naraka Chaturdashi, which celebrates the death of Narakasura. The third day is Diwali, which is celebrated with Lakshmi Puja on the occasion of the birth of Sri Mahalakshmi. The fourth day is Govardhan Puja, which is celebrated in the name of Lord Shri Krishna, and the fifth day is Bhai Dooj, which is a very special morning celebration between brother and sister. It is a very vibrant time of year in India.

What is the story behind Dhanteras?

Dhanteras marks the beginning of the extremely popular Hindu festival Diwali. There are various stories regarding the naming of this festival. Dhanteras is a very famous festival of Hindus. The word Dhanteras has two parts: ‘Dhan’ and ‘Teras’. In Sanskrit, the meaning of ‘Dhan’ is wealth, and the meaning of ‘Teras’ is thirteen. According to the Hindu calendar, Dhanteras falls on the 13th day or dark fourth night of Krishna Paksha of Kartik month; hence, it is called Dhanteras.

According to another legend, when the gods and demons churned Ksheer Sagar for nectar, Dhanvantari, who is the physician of the gods, came out with a pot of nectar on the day of Dhanteras. Since Dhanvantari originated on this day, this day is called Dhanteras. Dhanteras is celebrated not only for wealth but also for good health.

Who should be worshipped on Dhanteras?

On the day of Dhanteras, Lord Ganesha, ’’the god of wisdom,” Kuber, “the god of wealth,” Dhanvantari, “the god of medicine,” and Mahalakshmi, ’’the goddess of happiness, prosperity, and splendor,” are worshiped with rituals.

According to beliefs, Lord Ganesha, the god of wisdom, is considered to be the first worshiper and Goddess Lakshmi has blessed Lord Ganesha that whoever does not worship Lord Ganesha along with the worship of Goddess Lakshmi, Lakshmi will never stay with him. Therefore, Lord Ganesha is worshiped as the adopted son of Goddess Lakshmi.

On the day of Dhanteras, Lord Dhanvantari and Goddess MahaLakshmi were born on the seashore; hence, Lord Dhanvantari and Mata Lakshmi are worshiped on Dhanteras.

Lord Kuber is also specially worshiped on the day of Dhanteras. This is because Kuber ji is called the god of wealth. By the grace of Lord Kuber, a person’s life becomes happy. To please Lord Kuber, one should chant Kuber Mantra on the holy day of Dhanteras.

The Ayurvedic Significance of Dhanteras

According to the Bhagavata Purana, a very important event, Kshir Sagar Manthan, is described in great detail and from this event, the roots of Diwali will be traced to the birth of Sri Mahalakshmi from Kshir Sagar and then ultimately to the birth of Lord Dhanvantari. Dhanvantari has been described in great detail in Bhagwat Purana. This is not only in Bhagavata Puranam but also in Sri Ramayanam. We have this incident of Ksheer Sagar Manthan and the birth of Dhanvantari ascribed to Rama and Lakshmana by Maharishi Valmiki and this is one of the earliest references where Dhanvantari is cited as the Adepuruch for Ayurveda, the branch of science. Which is related to life sciences and medicine. 

If we reach the root of the matter, Lord Shri Maha Vishnu, incarnated as Dhanvantari, narrated Ayurveda to Maharishi Sushruta and some others. Maharishi Sushruta has compiled all the teachings in a very ancient book, which today we call Sushruta Samhita. The best thing about it is that it is very well preserved from generation to generation. This Sushruta Samhita is intact and has been around for many millennia. Sushruta Samhita is the foundation stone of Ayurveda and this is the main reason why Dhanteras has a very strong and inherent connection with Ayurveda.

Puja Muhurat of Dhanteras

This year, Dhanteras Puja Muhurat will start at 6:31 PM and end at 8:13 PM on October 29. The auspicious time will last for 1 hour 41 minutes. It has wide social and strict significance in Hinduism.

Before Dhanteras, clean your home, workplace and shop. On the day of Dhanteras, take a bath before sunrise and wear clean or new clothes of red, orange, yellow and other bright colors. Avoid wearing black these days, as it is considered inauspicious. Make rangoli at the main entrance. Worship with discretion. Make footprints of Goddess Mahalakshmi and pray not only for wealth but also for good health.

Things to buy on Dhanteras

According to traditions, it is believed that buying gold with silver on this auspicious day brings wealth and prosperity to the house. Apart from this, buying cooking items, salt, an idol of God, a broom, electronic goods, and investing in property and vehicles is also considered very auspicious on Dhanteras.

On the day of Dhanteras, Lord Dhanvantari came out of Ksheer Sagar carrying nectar in a pot; hence, metal utensils are bought on this day. It is believed that bringing a broom home on the day of Dhanteras keeps Goddess Lakshmi from leaving the house. People believe that cleaning the house with salt water before Diwali removes all the negative energy. Therefore, if we buy salt on Dhanteras, then it will keep our house safe from all the negative energies.

Things not to buy on Dhanteras

It is said by astrologers that purchasing sharp items such as knives scissors and pins will bring misfortune to the family. It is believed that people should avoid buying items made of iron and even glass utensils, as items made of glass and iron are also considered inauspicious. It is also advised to avoid oil or ghee, black items, exchanging gifts, lending money and buying plastic or broken items on the day of Dhanteras.

Shubh Dhanteras! May this Dhanteras bring prosperity and good health to all of you. Celebrate Dhanteras with your family and friends and keep following our Facebook page, Consumer Views India. To read more about these topics, visit our website, www.consumerviews.in, and follow our Facebook page, Consumerviews India. Share it with your friends.