Dhanteras: More Than Gold—A Celebration of Health, Life, and Prosperity

Every year, the festival of lights, Diwali, begins with a day of auspicious beginnings known as Dhanteras. But what is the true meaning behind this day of bustling markets and shimmering lights? While many associate it with purchasing gold and new utensils, its origins are rooted in profound mythological tales that celebrate a holistic vision of a well-lived life—encompassing health, longevity, and then wealth.

When is Dhanteras Celebrated?

Dhanteras, also known as Dhanatrayodashi, marks the official start of the five-day Diwali festival. It is celebrated on the thirteenth lunar day (Trayodashi) of the Krishna Paksha, the waning phase of the moon, in the Hindu month of Ashwin or Kartik. The name itself is a blend of "Dhan," meaning wealth, and "Teras," for the thirteenth day.  

The Churning of the Ocean and the Emergence of Divine Gifts

The central story behind Dhanteras is the grand cosmic event known as the Samudra Manthan, or the Churning of the Ocean. In this epic saga, the Devas (gods) and Asuras (demons) worked together to churn the cosmic ocean of milk to obtain Amrita, the nectar of immortality.  

From this monumental effort, two divine beings emerged on this very day:

1. Lord Dhanvantari: The first to appear was Lord Dhanvantari, the divine physician and an incarnation of Lord Vishnu. He rose from the depths holding a pot of the immortal nectar in one hand and the sacred texts of Ayurveda in the other. His appearance signifies the primacy of health, establishing the principle that well-being is the foundation upon which all other prosperity is built.  

   
   

2. Goddess Lakshmi: Following Lord Dhanvantari, the radiant Goddess Lakshmi, the bestower of wealth and fortune, also emerged from the ocean of milk. Her arrival restored auspiciousness to the universe, and she chose Lord Vishnu as her eternal consort. Her appearance on this day is why homes are cleaned and decorated, welcoming her divine grace and blessings for the year ahead.  

   
   

The cosmic churning of the ocean, with Lord Dhanvantari emerging holding the pot of nectar and Goddess Lakshmi seated on a lotus, as described in the Puranas.

The Ritual of Deep Daan: An Offering for a Long Life

One of the most significant and unique rituals of Dhanteras is the Yama Deep Daan—the offering of a lamp to Yama, the Lord of Death. This tradition is based on the powerful legend of King Hima's sixteen-year-old son.  

According to the story, the prince's horoscope predicted that he would die from a snakebite on the fourth day of his marriage. To save him, his intelligent young wife devised a plan. On the fateful night, she gathered all her ornaments and a massive heap of gold and silver coins at the entrance of their chamber. She then lit countless lamps, illuminating the entire palace with a dazzling brilliance.  

When Lord Yama arrived in the guise of a serpent, he was completely blinded by the overwhelming light of the lamps and the glittering treasure. Unable to enter the room, he sat atop the heap of gold all night, captivated by the wife's melodious songs. By dawn, the astrologically ordained moment of death had passed, and Yama departed, leaving the prince unharmed.  

This story gave rise to the tradition of lighting a lamp (diya) and placing it outside the home, facing south, in honor of Lord Yama. This act is a prayer to avert untimely death and ensure the longevity and well-being of all family members. 

The Sanatan and significant ritual of offering a lamp to Lord Yama or Dharmaraja, placed at the entrance of a home to ward off untimely death.

A Note on Lakshmi Puja: Dhanteras vs. Diwali

While Goddess Lakshmi is honored on Dhanteras because she emerged from the ocean on this day, it is important to note that the primary and most significant Lakshmi Puja is performed on the main day of Diwali, also known as Badi Diwali. The worship on Dhanteras serves as a welcome to the goddess, preparing the home for her main arrival and blessings during the grand puja on Diwali night.  

In essence, Dhanteras sets the stage for a holisitc life. It begins by honoring Lord Dhanvantari for health, followed by the Deep Daan to Lord Yama for a long life, and finally, welcoming Goddess Lakshmi for the wealth and prosperity needed to enjoy the first two blessings. It is a beautiful reminder that true abundance is a harmonious blend of well-being, longevity, and fortune.

Ready to welcome health, longevity, and prosperity into your home this Dhanteras? Ensure your rituals are performed with devotion and precision. Book your online Dhanteras Pooja with us today and let our expert vedic pandits guide you through these sacred and sanatan traditions.