Dhanteras : Importance & Significance of Dhanteras in Hinduism
"Dhanteras", is one of the famous festivals of India. It is an important part of Diwali celebration.
It is a first day of five day celebration of Diwali festival. This auspicious day is also observed as Dhantrayodashi or Dhanvantri Jayanti (the birth anniversary of God of Ayurveda).
The word "Dhana" signifies money or wealth and "Teras" means thirteenth day as per the Hindu calendar.
The festival of "Dhanteras" falls in the Hindu calendar month of "Kartik" (Oct-Nov) on the 13th lunar day of Krishna Paksha (dark fortnight).
This auspicious day is celebrated two days before of the festival of lights "Diwali".
Dhanteras is associated with wealth and prosperity. On this auspicious day people buy precious metals gold and silver ornaments and utensils to enhance the household prosperity.
It holds special significance for the business community. All the new purchases are dedicated to goddess Lakshmi and lord Kubera.
How is Dhanteras Celebrated?
On Dhanteras, people clean and decorate their houses and make goddess Lakshmi's little feet with rice flour at the entrance of the house and near the temple.
Rangolis adorn the corners of the houses and Yamdeep (diya) is lit.
Some people prefer observing a fast on this day while some do a puja in the evening after sunset.
In the evening while doing the puja, devotees place seven grains in front of goddess Lakshmi's idol or picture and seek her blessings for prosperity and wealth.
It is said that this is an auspicious day to buy silver utensils or gold ornaments in order to bring luck into the household.
People keep diyas in front of the main gates until morning so as to get rid of evil forces and negative energies.
Dhanteras 2017 Puja Mahurat:
According to Drik Panchang, Dhanteras Puja Muhurta is between 7:19 pm and 8:17 pm on 17 October.
Duration: 0 Hours 58 Mins
Pradosh Kaal: 17:45 to 20:17
Vrishabha Kaal: 19:19 to 21:14
Trayodashi Tithi Starts at 00:26 on 17 October
Trayodashi Tithi Ends at 00:08 on 18 October
Dhanteras Puja Vidhi and Vrat Vidhi :
Dhanteras puja is done in the evening after sighting the stars.
- Place a wooden platform and draw the symbol of Swastik in rangoli. In the middle of the Swastik, place a lamp with four wicks. Make a hole in a cowry shell, place it on the lamp and light the lamp with oil or ghee. This is also called as Yamadeep or the lamp dedicated to Yamraj, the god of death and to pay respect to the ancestors of the family.
- Chant Dhanvantri mantra 108 times and offer worship and flowers to Dhanvantri.
- Dhanvantri mantra
- “Aum dhan dhanvatarey namah”.
- Decorate the idols of Ganesh and Lakshmi, offer incense and special dishes to them and do puja to both. Chant the mantras of Lakshmi 108 times offering flowers and coins if you prefer.
- Lakshmi mantra : “Om Shreem Hreem Shreem Kamale Kamalalaye Praseed Praseed Om Shreem Hreem Shreem Mahalakshmyai Namah”
Why Dhanteras is celeberated ?
Though there are many stories regarding the evolution of Dhanteras, the most famous if of the King Hima’s story.
According to ancient legend, the son of King Hima was predicted to die due to snakebite on his sixteenth birthday as per his horoscope.
In order to protect the prince, his newlywed wife did not let him sleep and placed all her ornaments in a heap at the entrance of the sleeping chamber.
She placed all available treasuries of gold and silver coins too along with those jewellery.
She lighted up the entire place with lamps so that every nook and corner was visible and there was no darkness anywhere. She then began to sing songs and recite poems in order to keep her husband from falling asleep.
She feared that he may die if he falls asleep.
When the god of death, Yama Raja arrived disguised as a serpent, his eyes got blinded by the bright lights placed in the room and so he couldn't enter the chamber.
Yama failed to enter the chamber and he climbed atop the heap of ornaments and coins and began to listen to the songs and recitations of the prince’s wife.
The night was spent in this manner and it dawned, and in this way, the prince was saved.
This is the reason, why there are still some persons who keep lamps burning through the night on Dhanteras.
Things to buy in Dhanteras:
According to mythology and beliefs, these things considered to be good to buy on Dhanteras.
- Metal Utensils
- Ganesh-Lakshmi idol
- Broom
- Salt
- Rudraksha
- Metals – Gold, Silver
- Accounts Register
- Swastik symbol
Things NOT to buy in Dhanteras:
Iron: According to customs, one should not bring home products made of iron on Dhanteras. Since steel is another form of iron, it is advisable to avoid buying this metal.
Sharp objects: Please skip buying scissors, knife etc on Dhanteras.
Glass products: Since glass is considered to be associated with Rahu, it is meant to be avoided on Dhanteras
Anything black: Even if you are one of those who is obsessed with the colour back, it is recommended to avoid buying black particularly as it is considered to be a symbol of bad luck.
