Dhanteras | Marks the Beginning of the Diwali Festival

Dhanteras marks the beginning of the major 5-day-long Hindu festival, Diwali. Dhanteras is celebrated two days before Diwali. Dhanteras Festival, also called Dhantrayodashi or Dhanwantari Trayodashi, falls on the favorable thirteenth lunar day of Krishna Paksha in the Hindu month of Kartik (October/November). In the word Dhanteras, "Dhan" means prosperity. On this day, people pray to Goddess Laxmi, the Goddess of wealth and prosperity, seeking her blessings.

Stories Associated with Dhanteras

Dhanteras is the first day of a 5-day long Diwali celebration. On this day, ardent devotees worship Goddess Laxmi and pray for her blessings. Many stories, myths, and legends are associated with this festival. Here are a few Dhanteras stories that are quite popular among Hindu devotees.

1. Samudra Manthan

There is a popular story associated with the Dhanteras festival. As per this story, during Samudra manthan or amrit manthan or the churning of the Milky Ocean resulted in the unearthing of many precious gems, valuables, and most importantly, amrit or a potent liquid that made people immortal after consuming it. This churning took place between Gods and Asuras. This churning was done to get Amrit or nectar. This nectar was prepared by Dhanavantari, the physician of the gods and a manifestation of Vishnu. On Dhanteras, Lord Dhanvantari appeared with a pot of nectar from Samudra Manthan. It is one of the most famous legends behind Dhanteras.

2. Story of King Hima

Another intriguing tale about this day is of the sixteen-year-old King Hima. According to his horoscope, he was destined to die by a snake bite on the fourth day of his marriage. On the fourth day of his marriage, his young wife kept King Hima awake and didn't allow him to rest. She arranged bunches of gold and silver coins in a huge pile at the passageway of her bedroom and lit endless lights everywhere. What's more, she continued reciting stories and singing tunes. When Yam, the god of death, came in the form of a serpent, his eyes were blinded by the light's brightness. The serpent couldn't enter the king’s chamber. So, he got over the mountain of coins and sat listening to the sweet melodies the entire night. As the night gave way to dawn, the serpent or Lord Yama had no choice but to leave. This way, King Hima’s life was saved by his devoted wife. From that point forward, this day of Dhanteras became known as the day of "YAMADEEPDAAN", and lights are continued lit for the duration of the night in respectful worship to Yam, the god of death.

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3. Story of Goddess Laxmi

In India, young girls on Dhanteras day are regarded as the entry of Goddess Lakshmi into the house and is viewed as lucky by specific communities in North India. At the point; when young girls born on Dhanteras get married and leave for their husband's home, she leaves her footprints on a plate secured with 'kumkum' (red powder utilized in Hindu puja), this is to guarantee that Goddess Lakshmi does not go out.

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4. Story of Lord Vishnu and His Consort, Goddess Laxmi

Once Goddess Laxmi requested her husband, Lord Vishnu, to take her along on one of His visits to the earth. Lord Vishnu accepted her request and agreed to take her with him but on a condition. He asked Goddess Laxmi to avoid earthy temptations and look in the southern direction. Goddess Laxmi agreed to this condition. Since her flickering attitude, she could not resist her urge to look in the south direction. Despite trying to control her urges, she fell prey to earthly temptations and became besotted with sweet sugarcane juice and bright yellow mustard flowers. Lord Vishnu got annoyed when he saw Laxmi Ji breaking her pledge. He asked her to spend the next twelve years as a penance on the earth, serving a poor farmer engaged in cultivating sugarcane and mustard in his field.

As Laxmi Ji arrived at the farmer’s field, his fate changed, and he became wealthy and prosperous. After the completion of twelve years, it was time for the Goddess to return to her home, Vaikuntha Lok. Lord Vishnu returned to earth to take his wife back, but the farmer refused to relieve her from his services.

Despite repeated requests, when the farmer did not budge, Laxmi ji revealed her identity. She promised the farmer to return yearly on the night of Diwali or Krishna Trayodashi. As per Dhanteras legends, the farmer started cleaning his hope and lighting earthen lamps to welcome Goddess Laxmi to his household. These rituals continued making him prosperous and wealthy.

5. Story of Lord Kuber

As per the ancient scriptures and religious texts, 13 diyas are lit on Dhanteras. As per popular belief, these thirteen laps are dedicated to Lord Kuber, who is considered the owner of wealth, valuables, and splendour.

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Dhanteras Preparations

Houses and business premises are remodelled and brightened to celebrate this propitious day. Doors are made bright with flawless conventional themes of Rangoli structures to welcome the Goddess of Wealth and Prosperity. Small footprints are drawn with rice flour and vermilion powder everywhere throughout the houses to show her passionately long-awaited entry. Lights are used to decorate homes, businesses, and other buildings.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Dhanteras

Ques 1. What are the legends associated with Dhanteras?
Ans 1. Many stories, myths, and legends are associated with this festival. There is a popular story associated with the Dhanteras festival. As per this story, during Samudra manthan or amrit manthan or the churning of the Milky Ocean resulted in the unearthing of many precious gems, valuables, and most importantly, amrit or a potent liquid that made people immortal after consuming it. This churning took place between Gods and Asuras. This churning was done to get Amrit or nectar. This nectar was prepared by Dhanavantari, the physician of the gods and a manifestation of Vishnu. On Dhanteras, Lord Dhanvantari appeared with a pot of nectar from Samudra Manthan.

Ques 2. What is so special about Dhanteras?
Ans 2. Dhanteras is the first day of a 5-day long Diwali celebration. On this day, ardent devotees worship Goddess Laxmi and pray for her blessings. It is believed that Goddess Laxmi showers her blessings on her devotees and makes them wealthy, happy, and prosperous.

Ques 3. Why are there 13 Diyas on Dhanteras?
Ans 3. As per the ancient scriptures and religious texts, 13 diyas are lighted on Dhanteras. As per popular belief, these thirteen laps are dedicated to Lord Kuber, who is considered the owner of wealth, valuables, and splendour.

Ques 4. What preparations should be made on Dhanteras?
Ans 4. People get their homes and business ready to celebrate this propitious day. Doors are made bright with flawless conventional themes of Rangoli structures to welcome the Goddess of Wealth and Prosperity. Small footprints are drawn with rice flour and vermilion powder everywhere throughout the houses to show her passionately long-awaited entry. Lights are used to decorate buildings, homes, and businesses.

Ques 5. What is the significance of Dhanteras?
Ans 5. Dhanteras marks the beginning of the major 5-day-long Hindu festival, Diwali. Dhanteras is celebrated two days before Diwali. Also known as Dhantrayodashi or Dhanwantari Trayodashi, falls on the favourable thirteenth lunar day of Krishna Paksha in the Hindu month of Kartik (October/November). In the word Dhanteras, "Dhan" means prosperity. On this day, people pray to Goddess Laxmi, the Goddess of wealth and prosperity, seeking her blessings.