Dhanteras: The Inaugural Day of Diwali

Dhanteras, also known as Dhantrayodashi is celebrated on the thirteenth lunar day (Trayodashi) of Krishna Paksha (dark fortnight) in the Hindu calendar month of Ashwin or Kartika. This festival marks the beginning of the five-day festivities of Diwali, the grand festival of lights celebrated across India. This auspicious day is a celebration of prosperity, well-being, and the welcoming of Goddess Lakshmi into homes.

Dhanteras Legends | Vrat Katha

Emergence of Goddess Lakshmi

One of the most prominent legends associated with Dhanteras is the story of the Samudra Manthan, the cosmic churning of the ocean. This monumental event, described in ancient scriptures, was undertaken by the gods and demons in search of Amrita, the nectar of immortality. During this churning, many divine objects and beings emerged from the ocean, including Goddess Lakshmi, the deity of wealth and prosperity. She appeared with a pot of gold and was welcomed by the gods and sages with hymns and prayers. This auspicious day of her appearance is commemorated as Dhanteras.

Birth of Dhanvantari

Another legend intertwines with the tale of Samudra Manthan – the appearance of Dhanvantari, the divine healer and the god of Ayurveda. He emerged on the same day, holding a jar of elixir and the sacred texts of Ayurveda. His arrival is celebrated as the birth of Ayurveda, a traditional system of medicine that has been practiced in India for thousands of years. Dhanvantari’s emergence on Dhanteras symbolizes the importance of health and well-being, making the day significant not just for wealth but also for health.

The Clever Young Bride and King Hima’s Son

A popular legend that is often narrated during Dhanteras is about the 16-year-old son of King Hima. His horoscope predicted death by a snake bite on the fourth day of his marriage. On that day, his new wife created a barrier of her gold and silver ornaments at the entrance of their sleeping chamber and lit numerous lamps around their room. She kept her husband awake all night with stories and songs.

When Yama, the god of death, arrived in the guise of a serpent, he was dazzled and blinded by the brilliance of the lamps and the jewelry. Finding himself unable to enter the prince’s chamber, he climbed atop the heap of ornaments and listened to the wife’s melodious songs.

By morning, without harming the prince, Yama slithered away, sparing the life of the young prince. This act of protecting her husband is reflected in the custom of buying precious metals on Dhanteras and lighting lamps through the night to ward off evil.

Rituals and Celebrations

As a symbol of ushering in wealth, purchasing gold or silver articles or new kitchenware is considered propitious. This tradition stems from a deep cultural belief that acquiring new ‘Dhan’ on this day will bring good luck.

On Dhanteras, many also honor the wisdom of Ayurveda and its contribution to health and healing. This is aligned with the legend of Dhanvantari, and since 2016, the Indian government has commemorated this day as National Ayurveda Day to celebrate and recognize the importance of Ayurvedic science.

To dispel darkness and bring in light, earthen lamps are lit, a practice that serves as an offering to Yama, the deity of death, to protect from untimely demise, and to welcome Goddess Lakshmi. The purchase of gold and utensils is symbolic of the wealth brought by Goddess Lakshmi and the prosperity she represents.

Elaborate rangolis, vibrant patterns created on the floor using colored powders, and decorations at the doorstep are made to invite the Goddess of Wealth with pomp and splendor.

The celebration of Dhanteras is therefore not just a prelude to Diwali but a profound observance that honors the delicate balance of material affluence and physical well-being, underpinned by these enduring legends that continue to shape the festival’s traditions.

Modern Adaptations

Today, Dhanteras sees not only traditional practices but also modern interpretations with people investing in electronics, automobiles, and other modern commodities, evolving with the times while keeping the core spirit intact.

Dhanteras is not just a precursor to Diwali but a comprehensive celebration of life’s material and spiritual wealth. It’s a time for family, for gratitude, and for preparation, setting the tone for the festivities ahead. As we light lamps and draw rangolis, we also ignite the light within us, welcoming prosperity and wellness into our lives with hope and joy.

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