Totalbhakti

धनतेरस

Do you know what is the first day of the diwali festival called ? You guessed it right. It’s Dhanteras, and is the first day of the five-day Diwali celebrations. This festival is also known as "Dhantrayodashi" or "Dhanwantari Triodasi". It falls on the auspicious thirteenth lunar day of Krishna Paksha in the month of Ashwin (October/November). "Dhan" stands for wealth. On Dhanteras, the "Owl" form of the Goddess Laxmi is worshiped to provide prosperity and happiness. This day has special significance for the business community due to customary purchases of precious metals on this day.

The Story

Once upon a time, the sixteen year old son of King Hima was doomed to die by a snake-bite on the fourth day of his marriage as per his horoscope. On the fourth day of his marriage his young and beautiful wife did not allow him to sleep. She made a big heap of gold and silver coins, ornaments at the entrance of the room and lighted lamps all over the place. Then, she went on telling stories and singing songs.

When the god of death arrived there in the guise of a serpent, his eyes got blinded by that dazzle of those brilliant lights. Thus, the God of death could not enter the Prince's chamber. So he climbed on top of the heap of ornaments and coins and sat there the whole night listening to the melodious songs. In the morning he went away quietly. This saved the prince from the clutches of the God of death.

Since then this day of Dhanteras came to be known as the day of "Yamadeepdaan" and lamps are kept burning throughout the night in respect of “Yam”, the god of Death.

According to another legend, when the gods and demons churned the ocean for Amrit (nectar), Dhanavantri (the physician of the gods and an incarnation of Vishnu) emerged carrying a jar of the elixir on the day of Dhanteras.

Preparations

For the auspicious day of Dhanteras, people renovate and decorate their houses. To welcome the Goddess of wealth and prosperity, colorful and traditional rangolis are made at the entrance. Small footprints are also drawn with rice flour and vermilion powder all over the house. Lamps are prepared to be kept burning all through the night.

Traditions

It is considered auspicious to purchase gold or silver items or new utensils on the occasion of Dhanteras. The newly purchased “Dhan” or any precious metal is considered to be a sign of “Good Luck”.

Celebrations

Worship of Goddess Laxmi is done in the evening with “Diyas” (small oil lamps) lit over the house to drive away the evil spirits. Bhajans in praise of Goddess Laxmi are also sung for Her blessings and traditional sweets too are offered to the Goddess. In villages, cattle are adorned and worshiped by farmers as they form the main source of their income. Some believe that Cows are the incarnation of the Goddess Lakshmi.