When is Dhanteras 2023: History, Significance, Rituals and Stories and All You Need to Know

Dhanteras or “Dhanatrayodashi” or “Dhanvantari Trayodashi” marks the beginning of the 5-day long Diwali festival. One of the most important festivals in India, it is celebrated with great enthusiasm and fervour in India. This auspicious day is dedicated to wealth and prosperity, and it holds a special place in the hearts of millions. In this blog post, we’ll explore the significance, traditions, and customs associated with Dhanteras.

The Significance of Dhanteras

Dhanteras is derived from two words: “Dhan”, which means wealth, and “Teras,” which refers to the 13th day of the lunar fortnight (Krishna Paksha; the fortnight following full moon day). This festival is celebrated to honour and seek the blessings of Goddess Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth, and Lord Dhanvantari, the god of health and healing.

It is also believed that during Dhanteras, during the Samudra Manthan, Goddess Laxmi and Lord Dhanvantri emerge from the milky ocean with the treasures of gods and devils. On this day, people worship Lord Kuber, who is known as the “King of Yaksha” and the “Treasurer of the Gods”. 

Buying Precious Metals:

1. One of the most popular customs on Dhanteras is the purchase of gold or silver items. It is believed that buying these precious metals on this day brings good fortune and prosperity to the household.

Cleaning and Decorating:

2. To welcome Goddess Lakshmi, people thoroughly clean and decorate their homes. Small footprints are made with rice flour and vermilion powder to signify the goddess’s arrival. As the new things cannot be accommodated without replacing the old ones. In the similar manner we should clean our thoughts to make room for Bhakti, Guru Prem, Seva, and Naam Jap and  replace the old, redundant and useless thoughts with the new thoughts of  devotion towards God.

Lighting Oil Lamps:

3. Traditional oil lamps or diyas are lit to remove darkness and evil forces from the home. The warm glow of these lamps is said to attract the blessings of Goddess Lakshmi, and prevent anyone from an untimely death.

Offering Prayers:

4. Devotees visit temples or perform special pujas at home, offering prayers and sweets to Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Dhanvantari, seeking their blessings for wealth and good health.

Preparing Special Dishes:

5. Special dishes and sweets are prepared for this occasion, with a focus on a variety of traditional Indian sweets that are offered to deities and shared with family and friends.

Exchanging Gifts:

6. People exchange gifts and tokens of love on Dhanteras, strengthening the bonds of friendship and family ties.

The Story of Dhanteras

Dhanteras is associated with several stories and legends. One of the most popular tales is about a 16-year-old son of King Hima, who was prophesied to die on the fourth day of his marriage, due to a snake bite. His newly-wed wife cleverly lit lamps, placed jewellery and coins at the entrance, and kept him awake by narrating stories. When Yama, the god of death, arrived as a serpent, he was blinded by the brilliance of the lamps and sat on top of the riches without harming the young man. This is why Dhanteras is believed to protect one from an untimely death.

SPIRITUAL SIGNIFICANCE

The legend says that God Shiva reincarnates at the end of Kaliyuga to fulfil his promise mentioned in Gita. The promise was to reincarnate when there will be doomsday or irreligiousness. He reveals why buying jewellery, utensils, etc. on this day is considered auspicious – it is symbolic of God Shiva’s most elevated act of making our minds and intellects as pure as Gold. 

“The essence of Dhan-Teras therefore lies in imbibing the qualities and embodying ourselves like 24-carat gold.”

The customary practice involves displaying all the wealth you’ve amassed before you and experiencing the sense of abundance. When you focus on scarcity, it tends to expand, but when your focus shifts to abundance, it, in turn, flourishes. As mentioned in the Arthashastra, Chanakya asserts, “Dharmasya Moolam Arthah,” signifying that “prosperity is the foundation of righteousness.”

Further, each individual possesses inherent positive attributes, symbolised by the act of lighting a lamp. Some exhibit patience, love, strength, and generosity, while others can bring people together. Your untapped virtues are akin to unlit lamps. Rather than contenting yourself with illuminating just one, ignite a multitude! By lighting the lamp of wisdom in yourself and acquiring knowledge, To eliminate the darkness of ignorance, you must light many lamps. By kindling the flame of wisdom within and seeking knowledge, you awaken all facets of your being. When they are illuminated and active, it becomes a celebration akin to Diwali.

Final Thoughts

Dhanteras is not just a day to buy wealth, but also a time to remember and celebrate the prosperity that goes beyond material riches. It’s a reminder of the importance of wealth and health in our lives, along with the significance of family bonds and the pursuit of happiness. 

We pray that this Dhanteras, may you find not just wealth and prosperity, but also love, joy, and the blessings of good health. May we all revel in the spirit of Goddess Lakshmi, and be inspired by the real wealth – the wisdom that she possesses.

Happy Dhanteras!