Dhanteras: Invite Wealth and Prosperity home

The word "Dhanteras" has been derived from two terms: "Dhan" stands for "wealth" & "Teras" stands for "number thirteen." Hence, the divine occasion of "Dhanteras" is considered a day to worship wealth & prosperity, and it is celebrated each year on the thirteenth day (13th day) during the Krishna Paksha phase of the moon in Ashvin month as per Hindu Panchang. That's why it's also known by the name "Dhantrayodashi."

According to the Gregorian Calendar, it falls in the month of either October or November.

This year, we are observing the divine observance of “Dhanteras”/ “Dhantrayodashi” on the 29th of October ‘24.

As per Drik Panchang, the “tithi” for "Dhanteras/ Dhantrayodashi" in the year 24 are as follows:

• Dhanteras Puja on Tuesday, 29th of October ‘24
• Trayodashi Tithi Begins - 10:31 on 29th of October ‘24
• Trayodashi Tithi Ends - 13:15 on 30th of October ‘24

Importance of "Dhanteras"/ "Dhantrayodashi":

The festival of "Dhanteras'' marks the first day of the long Diwali festivities in India. Hence, it becomes a very significant occasion for Hindus.

As per the popular story of 'Samudra Manthan', Mata Lakshmi along with the other treasures emerged from "the churning of the sea" on the same day.

Also, Dhanvantri, the God of Ayurvedic medicine carrying the elixir of immortality, has come out during "Samudra Manthan" on "Dhanteras." Hence, this occasion is also observed as "Dhanwantari Trayodashi " or "Dhanvantri Jayanti", the birth anniversary of the God of Ayurveda.

There's also a legend behind the utmost importance of this day which is as follows:

Once there was a king called Hima. He had a son. Hima used to believe a lot in astrological predictions. One day, an astrologer came to his kingdom. He was asked to look at the horoscope of the Prince. Then, the astrologer predicted to King Hima that his son would die after four days of marriage due to a snake bite.

King Hima tried everything in his whole lifetime to prevent his son from meeting any woman. But on turning 16, his son met a girl & fell in love with her. Unwantedly, Hima had to accept the girl as his daughter-in-law for his son's happiness.

After their marriage, King Hima mentioned the astrologer's prediction to his son's wife. To save her husband from fate, she made sure that her husband didn't fall asleep by lighting up the room using earthen lamps or Diyas. She kept on narrating stories & talking with him the whole night, ultimately keeping him occupied. Additionally, she had also laid out all her gold & jewellery at the entrance of their bedroom to distract the snake whenever he comes in.

When Yama, the God of Death, arrived at their entrance in the form of a serpent, he was bedazzled and captivated by the radiant display of ornaments strategically placed by the prince's wife. The glittering lights and sparkling treasures at the doorstep enchanted Yama, who, instead of claiming the prince's life, stayed the night, mesmerized by the songs and stories. Ultimately, the prince's wife saved his life & they lived happily thereafter.

In gratitude for this miraculous intervention, "Dhanteras" is celebrated as a day to welcome prosperity and ward off misfortune.
Following this, "Dhanteras" is also observed as "Yamadeepam." On this occasion, women illuminate every corner of their homes with "diyas," symbolizing reverence for Lord Yama.

As per Drik Panchang,

• Yama Deepam on Tuesday, 29th of October ‘24

The flickering flames burning throughout the night serve as prayers for the well-being, happiness, and prosperity of their husbands and families.

Astrological Significance of "Dhanteras"/ "Dhantrayodashi":

Other than Mata Lakshmi, the festive occasion of "Dhanteras" pays respect to Lord Yama as well. There's a belief that buying gold on the Trayodashi tithi can appease Lord Yamaraj who prevents his devotees from experiencing Akaal Mrityu or dying prematurely. Due to this reason, the astrologers suggest that people should light an oil lamp outside the entrance of their homes on "Dhanteras" in the name of Lord Yama. Eventually, it seeks protection from death and disasters.

Rituals & Observances on "Dhanteras"/ "Dhantrayodashi":

Apart from lighting lamps to appease Lord Yama, there are lots of rituals & observances followed by the devotees on "Dhanteras" which are as follows:

• The main ritual of "Dhanteras" involves the cleaning and decoration of homes and business premises. People believe that this preparation invites Goddess Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth, into their homes.
• Dhanteras rituals include cleaning and adorning primary water containers in homes, adorned with marigold flowers and vermilion paste. The water in these jars symbolizes Holy Ganga water metaphorically and is used for the traditional Abhyanga Snan (morning bath) the following day.
• The tradition of buying precious metals and utensils on Dhanteras is said to symbolize the protection against ill fortune and the blessings of wealth and prosperity. It is believed that acquiring new possessions on this day brings good luck and success.

In Hindu traditions, adhering to a muhurat, the auspicious timing for activities, holds significance. The opportune moments for purchasing gold and precious metals align with Pushya Nakshatra and Dhanteras. Pushya Nakshatra, governed by Jupiter and linked to Goddess Lakshmi, is particularly revered, making it an ideal time to welcome the Goddess of Wealth into homes. Additionally, when Pushya rises on Thursday (Guru Pushya Yoga) or Sunday (Ravi Pushya Yoga), Vedic astrology designates them as propitious days for acquiring gold and jewelry.

• In the evening, traditional prayers are offered to Goddess Lakshmi, Lord Ganesha, and Lord Kubera, the God of wealth.

On "Dhanteras", performing Lakshmi Puja during Pradosh Kaal, starting after sunset, lasting around 2 hours and 24 minutes, is auspicious.

As per Drik Panchang,

• Dhanteras Puja Muhurat - 19:01 to 20:33
• Duration - 01 Hour 32 Mins, and
• Pradosh Kaal - 18:03 to 20:33

However, Lakshmi Puja on Amavasya after two days of "Dhantrayodashi" is considered more significant.

• Lord Dhanvantari, the God of Ayurvedic medicine, is also worshiped by people on this day to be free from all types of illnesses.

On Dhanteras, Brahmin women in South India, especially Tamil Nadu, craft 'Marundhu' or 'medicine.' Offered in prayers, this concoction is consumed before dawn on Narak Chaturdashi. Passed down through generations, Marundhu recipes aim to balance tridoshas and promote well-being, embodying a tradition of health and heritage.

• Devotees light oil lamps and incense to create a spiritually charged atmosphere. The sound of bells and chanting of hymns fill the air, creating a sense of devotion and festivity.
• In Maharashtra, devotees present "Naivedya," a sweet crafted from jaggery and coriander seeds, as an offering to Goddess Lakshmi during Dhanteras.
• Additionally, in rural areas, the significance of cattle as a primary source of income prompts people to extend worship to these animals on this auspicious day.

Spiritual Significance of "Dhanteras":

In addition to the material aspects, Dhanteras also emphasizes the spiritual wealth that one can accumulate through righteousness, kindness, and devotion. The festival encourages individuals to reflect on the importance of wealth in both material and spiritual dimensions, fostering a sense of gratitude and generosity.

Dhanteras beckons the belief in auspicious beginnings, where bringing new items into our homes transcends the physical to embrace spiritual renewal. As homes undergo a meticulous cleaning, making space for fresh acquisitions, a parallel process unfolds within our minds. Clearing mental clutter becomes paramount, creating room for devotion (Bhakti), love for the divine (Guru Prem), selfless service (Seva), and the repetition of divine names (Naam Jap). Just as physical spaces are adorned for prosperity, the mind is adorned with new concepts, replacing old and redundant ideas with the profound love of Krishna.

Homes and commercial spaces are transformed, not just for aesthetic appeal but as a symbolic gesture to welcome success and abundance. The evening unfolds in the glow of small clay diyas during Lakshmi and Dhanvantari Puja, where the light signifies more than just dispelling darkness. In our hearts, let each diya burn to drive away the shadows of negative thoughts, banishing the specter of evil and ensuring our inner sanctuaries remain illuminated with positivity and divine grace.