BhaktiLoopDhanteras
Dhanteras marks the first day of the five-day Diwali festivities. It is considered an auspicious day for purchasing new items, especially gold, silver, and utensils, symbolizing wealth and prosperity. It is dedicated to the worship of Lord Dhanvantari (God of Ayurveda), Goddess Lakshmi (Goddess of Wealth), and Lord Kubera (Treasurer of Gods). Lamps are lit for Yamraj to ward off untimely death. Marks the beginning of the five-day Diwali festivities. It is primarily observed for prosperity, wealth, and well-being. It's considered highly auspicious to make new purchases, especially of gold, silver, or utensils, symbolizing incoming wealth and good fortune.
Key Rituals & Practices
Cleaning and decorating homes, especially entrances.
Purchasing gold, silver, new utensils (steel, brass, copper) to symbolize new wealth.
Lighting 'diyas' (oil lamps) and candles, particularly at the entrance and around the house.
Performing 'Dhanvantari Puja' for good health and well-being.
Performing 'Lakshmi Puja' (a smaller scale compared to Diwali night) for prosperity.
Performing 'Yamdeepam' or 'Yamraj Puja' by lighting a diya outside the main door facing south to appease Lord Yamraj and prevent untimely death.
- Dhan Puja/Lakshmi Puja:** Worshipping Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Kubera for wealth and prosperity in the evening.
- Dhanvantari Puja:** Worshipping Lord Dhanvantari (the physician of the Gods) for good health and well-being.
- Yama Deepam:** Lighting an oil lamp (diya) outside the house, facing south, to ward off untimely death and honor Lord Yama (God of Death).
- Purchasing New Items:** Buying gold, silver, new utensils (especially brass or copper), or other valuable items is considered very auspicious.
- Cleaning and Decorating Homes:** Thorough cleaning and decorating of homes, particularly the entrances, to welcome Goddess Lakshmi.
- Rangoli and Alpana:** Drawing intricate designs at the entrance to homes.
- Lighting Diyas:** Lighting oil lamps to illuminate homes and surroundings.
Associated Deities
Hindu Calendar Details
Hindu Month
Kartik
Paksha
Krishna Paksha
Tithi
Trayodashi
Regional Relevance & Variations
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Historical & Mythological Context
Dhanteras is associated with several legends: 1. **Samudra Manthan (Churning of the Ocean)**: It is believed that Lord Dhanvantari, the physician of the gods and an avatar of Lord Vishnu, emerged from the Samudra Manthan on this day, carrying a pot of Amrita (the divine nectar of immortality). This is why Dhanteras is also celebrated as National Ayurveda Day. 2. **King Hima's Son Legend**: A popular legend tells of King Hima's sixteen-year-old son, who was prophesied to die on his wedding night from a snake bite. His intelligent wife, however, did not allow him to sleep. She lit countless lamps and spread gold and silver coins and ornaments at the entrance of their chamber. She also sang songs and told stories to keep her husband awake. When Yamraj, disguised as a snake, arrived, his eyes were blinded by the glittering light of the lamps and ornaments. He couldn't enter and was forced to retreat, thus saving the prince's life. This is why lamps are lit for Yamraj on Dhanteras to ward off untimely death. 3. **Goddess Lakshmi**: Goddess Lakshmi also emerged from the Samudra Manthan, making this day significant for her worship, particularly for wealth and prosperity. It is believed that Lord Dhanvantari, the physician of the Gods and an incarnation of Lord Vishnu, emerged from the Samudra Manthan (Churning of the Ocean) on this day, holding a pot of Amrita (elixir of immortality). Hence, he is worshipped for good health. Another legend associated with Yama Deepam involves King Hima's son, who was prophesied to die by a snake bite on the fourth day of his marriage. His wife, on the night of Dhanteras, did not let him sleep and laid out all her ornaments and gold coins at the entrance of their chamber, lighting numerous lamps. When Yama, in the form of a snake, arrived, his eyes were blinded by the lamps, and he couldn't enter. He had to return, thus saving the prince's life. This led to the tradition of Yama Deepam to avert untimely death.
Alternative Names
Gregorian Date
Varies (typically October/November, two days before Diwali)