Dhanteras – Let Goddess Lakshmi stay in your house forever

Dhanteras is one of the most important festivals of the Hindus, which is celebrated on the 13th day of Krishna Paksha, in the Hindu month of Kartik. It is believed that it was on this day that Lord Dhanvantari emerged from the Ocean of milk, during Samudra Manthan, and this is where Dhanteras gets its name from. It is also known by the names Dhantrayodashi or Dhanvantari Trayodashi. In the year 2017, Dhanteras date will be October 17.

Dhanteras Date

Dhanteras Muhurat

Why is Dhanteras celebrated?

Like all Hindu festivals, Dhanteras too has a meaningful story behind it, which is described below.

The Legend of Dhanvantari

During the churning of the ocean of milk (Samudra Manthan), Dhanvantari emerged from the ocean holding a pot, which contained the nectar of immortality (Amrit). Dhanwantari is regarded as an incarnation of Lord Vishnu, and also the physician of Gods. As per Hindu Scriptures, Dhanvantari was the one who came up with the practice of Ayurveda. It is believed that worshipping him on this day, brings good health and prosperity in the house.

The Relation between Dhanteras and Yamadeepdaan

It is believed that King Hima had a son, whose death was prophesied, and it was unveiled that he would die of a snakebite on the fourth day of his marriage. When the boy got married, King Hima revealed the secret to his newly wedded daughter in law. In order to save the life of her husband, she illuminated the house with lamps and adorned it with heaps of gold jewellery on the 4th day of their marriage. She kept her husband awake by singing melodious songs all night. Disguised as a snake, Lord Yama sneaked into the house, but his vision was blurred by the dazzling gold and lights. He stayed in the house all night, and returned the next morning as he was unable to take away the life of the boy. This is the reason why Yamadeepdaan is done on the day of Dhanteras.

Dhanteras : Puja Vidhi

Following rituals are carried out to celebrate the festival -

1. On this auspicious day, Lord Dhanwantari along with Shodashopachara is worshipped. The pujan consists of Aasan, Padya, Arghya, Achaman (scented drinking water), bathe, clothing, jewelry, scents (saffron and sandalwood), dhoop, flowers, deep, Aachman (pure water), betel leaf, Naivedya, aarti and parikrama.
2. Buying utensils of gold or silver are considered to be auspicious, and aid in restoring peace and prosperity in your house.
3. The house should be decorated with lights and lamps to get rid of darkness, as the festival of Dhanteras symbolizes the arrival of Diwali.
4. Lord Yama is revered with lamps (Yamadeepdaan), so that the phobia of death could be eliminated.

MyKundali wishes you a prosperous and Happy Dhanteras…!!