Dhanteras or Dhanatrayodashi is an important Hindu festival that falls on the thirteenth day of Krishna Paksha (waning phase of the moon) of Kartik month. It is a part of the Diwali festival. Some people consider it the starting day of Diwali, while some believe it to be the second day (the first being Vasubaras). It is mainly celebrated as the birth anniversary of Lord Dhanvantari, the god of Ayurveda. Dhanteras is the day of cleaning Lord Krishna’s ornaments, according to Satsangi Jeevan by Shatananada.
What is Dhanteras Also Known As?
Dhanteras is also known as Dhanatrayodashi, Dhanvantari Trayodashi, or Dhanvantariterasa.
Which Gods are Worshipped on Dhanteras?
Goddess Lakshmi, Lord Dhanvantari, Lord Yama, and Lord Kubera are worshipped on this day.
Meaning of Dhanteras and Dhanatrayodashi:
The word “Dhanteras” is comprised of two words, viz. “Dhana” and “Teras”. “Dhana” means wealth, and “teras” or “trayodashi” means the thirteenth day. As the festival falls on the thirteenth day of the dark fortnight of Kartik month, the word “teras” or “trayodashi” is used.
History of Dhanteras:
There is no information available about when the celebration of Dhanatrayodashi started, but the tradition must be at least a few thousands year old.
Why is Dhanteras Celebrated?
There are two stories behind the celebration of Dhanatrayodashi. One is about the appearance of Lord Dhanvantari and Goddess Lakshmi, and another is related to Lord Yama.
The Emergence of Lord Dhanvantari and Goddess Lakshmi from the Ocean of Milk:
When gods and demons performed the churning of the ocean, many valuable things came out of it. Lord Dhanvantari came out of the ocean with a pot filled with the elixir of life in his hands on the thirteenth day of Krishna Paksha of Kartik month; therefore, to commemorate this occasion and show gratitude toward Lord Dhanvantari, Dhanteras is celebrated.
On the same day, Goddess Lakshmi also emerged from the ocean of milk.
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The Story of King Hima’s Son and his Wife:
Once upon a time in India, there was a king named Hima who ruled justly over his kingdom. He had a son who was very pious and obedient, but King Hima was worried because a renowned astrologer had predicted that his son would die on the fourth day of his marriage through a snakebite. But he had no option rather than to get his son married because the kingdom needed an heir.
When the newly-wed bride of his son came to know about the prediction, she decided to fight with destiny. On the night of the fourth day of their marriage, she sealed all the entrances to their room except the door and kept a heap of jewelry and precious coins at the entrance. She lit many lamps in the room. She made sure that her husband would not sleep by telling him interesting stories and singing beautiful songs.
When Lord Yama disguised as a snake came in the night to bit her husband, he was dazzled by the shine of the jewelry and the lamps. When he climbed the heap of jewelry, he heard her telling interesting stories to Hima’s son. The stories were so interesting that Lord Yama forgot the purpose of his visit to the house for some time. When he realized it, it was too late because the time of the death of Hima’s son was passed. Hence, he had to return empty-handed.
Thus, a virtuous woman saved the life of her husband with her wit. The day this happened was the thirteenth day of the Krishna Paksha of Kartik month. Hence, people celebrate this day by lighting lamps and worshipping wealth.
How is Dhanteras Celebrated?
On the day of Dhanteras, people wake up early in the morning and perform Abhyanga Snana (a medicated bath). The homes that have not yet been cleaned in preparation for Diwali are thoroughly cleaned and washed. Females in the house draw Rangoli in front of the door. Some people draw tiny footprints in front of the door with rice flour and vermilion powder.
In the evening, people wear new clothes and lit oil lamps in and around the house. Then Lakshmi Puja is performed, which is the main aspect of Dhanatrayodashi. This Puja is done during Pradosh Kaal, which starts from sunset and lasts for approximately two and a half hours. The Muhurat for the Puja varies from region to region because of the different sunset times. The method of ritual also varies from region to region.
Yampadeep Danam is performed on this day to honor Lord Yama. Lamps are lit throughout the night in the south direction, while in some regions, they are floated into rivers or other water bodies.
A red cloth is spread on a wooden board (Paat), and the small idols of Lakshmi, Ganesha, Kubera, and Lord Dhanvantari are placed on it. Some people also worship money and jewelry on this day. Then the Puja of Lord Ganesha is performed. Then Dhanvantari, Kubera, and Lakshmi are worshipped by offering flowers, fruits, and coriander seeds.
See this video to know how to perform Dhanateras Puja: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-vATkP2_NUM
After the Puja is over, people burst firecrackers. Generally, sweets are made for meals on this day.
Benefits of Celebrating Dhanatrayodashi:
Hindus believe that worshiping Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Kubera on this day brings good luck and helps solve their financial problems. Worshipping Lord Yama prevents untimely deaths in the family. As Lord Dhanvantari is the god of health, his worship keeps the devotees in good health throughout the year.
What to Buy on Dhanteras?
It is believed that buying certain items on Dhanatrayodashi brings good luck and prosperity.
1. Gold and silver.
2. Coriander seeds.
3. Utensils (not made from steel/iron).
4. Broom.
5. Electronic items.
6. Business-related things.
7. Gomti Chakra.
What Not to do on Dhanteras?
1. Do not give coriander seeds to anyone.
Coriander seeds are of utmost importance on this day. In Indian languages, they are called Dhane or Dhaniya, which also means wealth. Hence. one should not give it to anyone as it is believed to bring bad luck. Also, one should treat these seeds as Goddess Lakshmi Herself and not insult them by touching them with feet or throwing them here and there.
2. Do not pay loans and lend or borrow money. It is believed to bring bad luck, and the doer suffers financial losses.
3. Do not buy items with sharp edges, leather items, or items that are made from iron/steel.
4. Avoid using glass items because breakage of glass is considered inauspicious.
5. Do not wear or use black clothes.
6. Don’t buy a car.
7. Do not buy fake gold.
8. Do not eat non-veg food or drink alcohol.
9. No Vastu Shanti on this day.
Dhanteras in Jainism:
In Jainism, Dhanteras is celebrated as the first day of the Diwali festival. It has special significance in Jainism because Lord Mahavira attained Nirvana on this day. For Jains, Dhanatrayoadash is the day to honor the goddess of wealth, i.e., Goddess Lakshmi. The Svetambar women polish their jewelry and ornaments to honor her.
When was Dhanateras in 2021?
Dhanatrayodashi was observed on November 2, 2021.
When is Dhanateras in 2022?
Dhanteras is on October 23, 2022.