Dhanteras, also known as Dhanatrayodashi, is the first day that marks the festival of Diwali in India. It is celebrated on the thirteenth lunar day of Krishna Paksha (dark fortnight) in the Hindu calendar month of Kartik. Dhanvantari, who is also worshipped on the occasion of Dhanteras, is considered the God of Ayurveda who imparted the wisdom of Ayurveda for the betterment of mankind, and to help rid it of the suffering of disease.
It is followed by Narak Chaturdashi (November 3), Diwali (November 4), Govardhan Puja (November 5) and Bhai Dooj (November 6). Also known as Dhantrayodashi and Dhanvantari Trayodashi, people consider it as an auspicious day to buy gold, new utensils, Lakshmi-Ganesha idols and other home appliances. Dhanteras is celebrated on the thirteenth day of the month of Ashwin, two days before Diwali.
Legend has it that on the day of Dhantrayodashi, Goddess Lakshmi emerged out of the ocean during the Sagar Manthan (churning of the milky sea) along with Lord Kubera, the God of wealth and hence the two are worshipped on the auspicious day of Trayodashi.
The day of Dhanteras is also observed as Dhanvantri Jayanti, the birth anniversary of the God of Ayurveda. It is said that Lord Dhanvantari emerged towards the end of the Sagar Manthan when the Devas and Asuras were churning the sea, with the nectar of immortality (Amrit).
Another legend revolves around the 16-year-old son of King Hima. As per his horoscope he was fated to breathe his last on the fourth day of his marriage because of snakebite. On the appointed day his wife illuminated the house with numerous lamps and placed a heap of gold and silver coins and ornaments in front of their bedroom. All through the night she sang songs and told stories. The lights of the lamps and the dazzle of the coins and ornaments blinded the god of death, Yama, who had come as a serpent. He spent the entire night listening to the sweet songs before leaving peacefully next morning. This is why Dhanteras is also called Yamadeepdaa.
On Dhanteras, Lakshmi Puja is performed in evening and clay diyas are kept lit overnight. Prasad of traditional sweets is offered to Goddess Lakshmi. During the puja, three forms of Goddess Lakshmi – Goddess MahaLakshmi, Maha Kaali and Goddess Saraswati are worshipped. Lords Kuber and Ganesha are also worshipped on the day.
Puja Vidhi
For good health, well-being, and good life, you should worship Lord Dhanvantari on the day of Dhanteras. Lord Dhanvantari is considered an incarnation of Lord Vishnu. To worship him, you need a wooden post, incense, earthen lamp, cotton, scent, camphor, ghee, fruits, flowers, nuts, sweets, and prasad. According to traditions, seven grains are also kept. The seven kinds of cereal include wheat, urad, moong, gram, barley, rice, and lentils.
Clean the northeast corner of the house and put a wooden post there. Now spread a red cloth on that post and install the idol or picture of Lord Dhanvantari on it along with a picture or idol of Lord Ganesha. Place a Kalash filled with water in the north direction of the wooden post and place a bowl full of rice on top of that Kalash. Now tie Kalawa on the face of that Kalash and make a swastika sign with Roli.
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