Dhanteras, also known as Dhanatrayodashi, is a significant Hindu festival that marks the beginning of Diwali, the five-day festival of lights.
It is celebrated with great fervor and enthusiasm across India and by Indians around the world. The word “Dhanteras” comes from two Sanskrit words – “Dhan,” meaning wealth, and “Teras,” meaning the thirteenth day.
As the name suggests, it is observed on the thirteenth lunar day of Krishna Paksha (dark fortnight) in the Hindu calendar month of Kartik.
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The Story Behind Dhanteras
The celebration of Dhanteras is steeped in legend and ancient stories. One popular narrative is associated with the Samudra Manthan, the churning of the cosmic ocean. According to Hindu mythology, on this day, the gods and demons churned the ocean for Amrit or the nectar of immortality.
During the churning, Dhanvantari, the physician of the gods and an incarnation of Vishnu, emerged carrying a jar of the elixir on the day of Dhanteras.
Another story involves King Hima’s sixteen-year-old son, whose horoscope predicted death by snakebite on the fourth day of his marriage. On that particular day, his new wife laid out all her gold and silver coins and jewellery at the entrance of the sleeping chamber and lit lamps all around the place. She then narrated stories and sang songs to keep her husband from falling asleep.
When Yama, the god of death, arrived in the guise of a serpent, his eyes were dazzled and blinded by the brilliance of the lamps and the jewellery. Yama could not enter the Prince’s chamber, so he climbed on top of the heap of gold and listened to the wife’s songs, leaving in the morning without harming the Prince. Thus, the young wife saved her husband’s life, and the day is celebrated as Dhanteras.
Significance of Dhanteras
It is a day that signifies wealth and prosperity. It is considered an auspicious day for making new purchases, especially of gold and silver articles and new utensils.
It is believed that buying metal on Dhanteras brings good luck and fortune. The day is also dedicated to the worship of Dhanvantari, asking for good health, which is considered the greatest wealth.
Dhanteras Muhurat 2023
Dhanteras is celebrated annually on the thirteenth lunar day of Krishna Paksha in the Hindu calendar month of Kartik, which falls in October or November of the Gregorian calendar.
Dhanteras 2023 Date and Time
The festival will be celebrated on November 10, 2023.
Dhanteras 2023 Timings:
| Dhanteras Puja Muhurat | November 10, 2023 | 5:47 PM to 7:43 PM |
| Pradosh Kaal | November 10, 2023 | 5:30 PM to 8:08 PM |
| Vrishabha Kaal | November 10, 2023 | 5:47 PM to 7:43 PM |
Please note that the times are likely based on a specific location in India, and local variations might occur depending on the geographical location.
How Dhanteras Is Celebrated
The celebration of Dhanteras includes several customs and practices:
- Shopping: People purchase new utensils, gold, silver, and other metals. Buying iron, steel, or brass is also considered auspicious.
- Rangoli: Entrances of homes and businesses are decorated with colourful rangoli designs to welcome Goddess Lakshmi, the deity of wealth and prosperity.
- Lamp Lighting: In the evening, lamps are lit to drive away evil spirits. The lamps are kept burning throughout the night in honour of Yama, the god of death.
- Worship: A special “Lakshmi Puja” is performed in the evening. Devotees offer homemade sweets, fruits, and coins to Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Ganesha.
- Yama Deepam: A tradition called Yama Deepam involves lighting a lamp for Yama, the god of death, to prevent untimely death during the auspicious time of Diwali.
Dhanteras Puja Vidhi
- Clean the House: Tidy up your home, particularly the area where you will perform the puja.
- Set Up Puja Area: Lay a red cloth on a raised platform and place idols or images of Lord Ganesh and Goddess Lakshmi on it.
- Prepare the Kalash: Fill a small pot with water, place a betel leaf, a flower, a coin, and some rice grains inside. Top it with a coconut wrapped in a red cloth.
- Puja Thali Arrangement: Assemble a thali with items such as a diya, incense, turmeric, kumkum, sandalwood, and rice grains.
- Light Diyas: Light earthen lamps around the puja area.
- Invocation: Start the puja by invoking Lord Ganesh to remove obstacles.
- Worship the Kalash: Offer turmeric, kumkum, and flowers to the Kalash.
- Lakshmi Puja: Offer the same to the idols of Lord Ganesh and Goddess Lakshmi while chanting mantras.
- Offer Prasad: Place sweets and fruits before the deities.
- Perform Aarti: Conduct the aarti with family members.
- Pray: Say your prayers for prosperity and well-being.
- Distribute Prasad: Share the offered sweets and fruits with family members.
- Charity: Give donations to those in need, as per tradition.
- Yama Deepam: Optionally, light a lamp for Lord Yama outside the home.
- Close the Puja: Conclude with the seeking of blessings from elders.
Conclusion
Dhanteras holds a special place in the hearts of those who celebrate Diwali. It is a day of joy, prosperity, and health, marked by the lighting of lamps and the purchase of precious metals.
The rituals and stories associated with Dhanteras serve as a reminder of the triumph of light over darkness and the power of knowledge, good health, and prosperity over ignorance and poverty.
As such, Dhanteras is not just a festival of wealth but also a celebration of the rich cultural heritage and timeless traditions of India.
FAQs
Q: What does Dhanteras signify?
A: It marks the beginning of Diwali and celebrates wealth and health, honouring the god Dhanvantari.
Q: When is Dhanteras observed?
A: It falls on the thirteenth lunar day of Krishna Paksha in the Hindu month of Kartik.
Q: What are common purchases on Dhanteras?
A: Buying gold, silver, and new utensils is considered auspicious on this day.
Q: What is the main ritual on Dhanteras?
A: The Lakshmi Puja and lighting of lamps are the central rituals on this auspicious day.
Q: Is buying metal compulsory?
A: It’s a tradition for good luck but not compulsory.
Q: Can we buy electronic items on Dhanteras?
A: Yes, any new purchase is considered auspicious on this day.
Q: What’s the best time for Lakshmi Puja on Dhanteras?
A: The evening time, especially during Pradosh Kaal, is considered best for Puja.
Q: Why do we light lamps on Dhanteras?
A: Lamps are lit to ward off evil and welcome prosperity and good health.
