Dhanteras, the day of purchasing gold, silver and new utensils is observed on the thirteenth day of the Ashwin month. As per the lunar calendar, Dhanteras is derived from Sanskrit language in which Dhan means wealth and Teras means thirteen. This is the first day of Diwali celebration.
What is Dhanteras?
Dhanteras marks the beginning of the festival of lights, Diwali. On this day, precious metals like gold and silver coins and new utensils are purchased with a belief that they will bring prosperity. Dhanteras is also known as Dhanwantri Triodasi or Dhantryaodashi.
Legend of the Day ‘Dhanteras’
The legend of Dhanteras is about King Hima’s sixteen year old son. According to the horoscope of his son, he was fated to die on the fourth day of marriage by a snake’s bite. On the night of the fourth day his wife didn’t let him sleep. In a big heap she laid all her ornaments and gold and silver coins and kept it at the entrance of her husband’s bedroom. She lighted countless lamps all over the place, told stories and sang songs. When the God of death, Yam arrived (in the form of a snake) his eyes were blinded by the sparkling of the brilliant lights and he was unable to enter inside the prince’s bedroom. Thus, he climbed on the ornaments and coins and sat there for the whole night listening to the songs. Next morning he quietly went away. In this way the princess saved the life of her husband. Since then day of Dhanteras is also known as “Yamadeepdaan” and diyas and lamps are kept burning the entire night to adore Yam, the God of death.
Significance of Dhanteras
Dhanteras is devoted to Goddess Lakshmi, the Goddess of wealth. On this day people purchase clay idols of Lord Ganesha and Goddess Lakshmi and perform Lakshmi Puja and light diyas to remove the shadows of evil spirits. A girl born on Dhanteras is believed to be very fortunate, as her birth indicates arrival of Goddess Lakshmi.
Dhanteras Celebration
Dhanteras comes two days before Diwali. Other than purchase of gold and silver articles, people clean and decorate their houses with beautiful Rangoli patterns, colourful lights and light diyas. Footprints of Goddess Lakshmi are also drawn using rice flour and vermilion and lamps are lit for the entire night.
Exchange of Dhanteras gifts is also a very popular aspect of this day. Markets are flooded with Dhanteras gifts. The day of Dhanteras is auspicious for marriage, housewarming, purchasing car and jewelry, commencing new projects and setting up business.
Welcome Goddess Laxmi home this Diwali in the form of blessed gold and silver coins with Ganesh Laxmi murti inscribed on them.
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Celebrations Done In Different Regions
In Maharashtra, this day is celebrated as the custom of 'Naivedya'. A mixture of powdered coriander seeds and jaggery is mixed to prepare a traditional sweet which is offered to the Goddess. In Southern India, on the day of Dhanteras, cows are adorned with ornaments and worshipped and are considered to be the reincarnation Goddess Lakshmi.
To know the right time to perform puja or any auspicious event on the day of Dhanteras, make use of our Shubh Muhurat service.
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