The festival of light, Diwali is one of the most auspicious festivals in Hinduism. Before Diwali, we celebrate the festival of Dhanteras, which is also called ‘Dhanatrayodash’.
This day is observed on the Trayodashi of Krishna Paksha of Kartik month. Dhanteras will be observed on October 22-23 this year. Dhan in Hindi is referred to as “money”, so this day is marked as a day of Dhana Lakshmi.
Krishna Trodashi 2022 Date starts: 22 Oct, 6:02 PM, ends on 23 Oct, 6:03 PM
This day is also called “National Ayurveda Day”, which was declared by the Indian ministry of Ayurveda, Yoga, and Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, and Homeopathy on October 28, 2016.
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Dhanteras Significance
It is said that Goddess Lakshmi shows up on this day alongside Lord Kuber, who is known as the God of wealth, to the people who love them with all commitment and heart. During Samudra Manthan, people should worship Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Kuber to satisfy them. Additionally, as per Hindu folklore, individuals purchase utensils, adornments, and other materialistic things to bring prosperity to their lives.
It is said that Lord Dhanvantri emerged from the ocean during the Krishna Paksha Tryodashi of the Kartik Mass with an Amrit pot. To receive blessings of Lord Dhanvantri and Amrit from his pot, worshippers devote their time worshipping on this day.
Tales Related To Dhanteras
Very much like numerous Indian celebrations, this day is excessively connected to popular Hindu legendary stories. There’s an intriguing story behind Dhanteras, for which individuals worship Lord Yamaraja on this day.
According to one of the well-known stories, it is accepted that the horoscope of a ruler’s child anticipated that he will die on the fourth day of marriage in the wake of getting nibbled by a snake. On the fourth day of his marriage, his better half determined to turn the destiny around, ensured that he didn’t rest, and narrated stories to keep him conscious.
To bait the snake away, she spread out all her jewelry and coins at the passageway. It is accepted when the God of Death came in the camouflage of a snake, he was dazed by all the amazing adornments and coins.
This way the snake couldn’t enter the ruler’s chamber and furthermore got snared to the wife’s melodious voice and stories. It is accepted that he quietly left the spot toward the beginning of the day and spared the king’s life.
Another intriguing story that is extremely famous is the one including Lord Dhanvantari, who is a manifestation of Lord Vishnu, who emerged from a sea that is believed to be agitated by the Gods and devils upon the arrival of Dhanteras.
From that point forward, Dhanteras is known as perhaps the most propitious days and probably the greatest celebrations for Hindus. Not long before Diwali individuals clean their homes, embellish them with lights and diyas to keep the evil powers and negative energy away.
How is Dhanteras Celebrated?
On Dhanteras, people buy new materialistic things like utensils, jewelry, or something valuable to add to their house. The day marks the coming of Goddess Laxmi in the house.
People also wear new clothes and decorate their house with rangoli and lights. They do this in order to welcome Goddess Laxmi. They also make tiny Laxmi footprints and light Diyas.
Businessmen pray for prosperity and make offerings to Goddess Laxmi on this day. After sunset, Diyas are lit for Lord Yama. These Diyas are lit throughout the night to honor the God of death, Yamaraj.
Dhanteras Puja Vidhi
In the evening, the relatives assemble and start the prayer. They worship Lord Ganesha and before that, give him a shower and bless him with sandal paste. A red cloth is presented to the Lord and afterward, new flowers are showered on Lord Ganesha. Worshippers chant the following mantra:
Vakra-Tunndda Maha-Kaaya Suurya-Kotti Samaprabha |
Nirvighnam Kuru Me Deva Sarva-Kaaryessu Sarvadaa ||
Which means:
(I worship Lord Ganesha) who has a brilliance of a million suns, a large trunk, and a huge body. I pray to him to free my life with all the obstacles always.
From that point forward, Lord Dhanwantari, the originator of Ayurveda is worshipped. Individuals appeal to God for the great well-being and prosperity of their families. After washing and blessing the icon of Lord Dhanwantari with vermillion, nine assortments of grains are presented to the Lord. People then chant the mantra:
“Om Namo Bhagavate Maha Sudharshana Vasudevaya Dhanvantaraye; Amrutha Kalasa Hasthaaya Sarva Bhaya Vinasaya Sarva amaya Nivaranaya Thri Lokya Pathaye Thri Lokya Nidhaye Sri Maha Vishnu Swarupa Sri Dhanvantri Swarupa Sri Sri Aoushata Chakra Narayana Swaha”
Which means:
We worship God, who is Sudharshana Vasudeva Dhanvantri. He holds the kalasha brimming with the nectar of interminability. Ruler Dhanvantri eliminates all the apprehensions and illnesses. God Kuber is offered fruits, flowers, incense sticks, and Diya. Individuals chant the mantra:
“Om Yakshyaya Kuberaya Vaishravanaaya Dhanadhanyadi Padayeh
Dhana-Dhanya Samreeddhing Me Dehi Dapaya Swaha”
Which means:
Kubera, the master of yakshas, favors us with abundance and success.
Worshipping Goddess Laxmi
At the time of Pradosh Kaal, after nightfall, which goes on for more than two hours, Goddess Lakshmi is worshipped on Dhanteras. Prior to beginning the ceremonies, a piece of new material is spread with a small bunch of grains in the fabric.
The material is to be spread on a raised stage. A Kalash half loaded up with water (blended in with Gangajal), betel nut, a flower, a coin, and some rice grains are additionally kept together.
Devotees keep mango leaves in the Kalash. With Haldi (turmeric) over the grains, a lotus is drawn and Goddess Lakshmi is kept over those grains.
The symbol of Lord Ganesha is additionally kept and finance managers keep their significant business books close to the icon of Goddess Laksmi. Diyas are lit, flowers offered, and haldi, vermillion applied to the Goddess Lakshmi, Lord Ganesha, and to the Kalash. They chant:
“Om Shreem Hreem Shreem Kamale Kamalalaye Praseed Om Shreem Hreem Shreem Mahalakshmaye Namaha”
After this, take a plate and wash Goddess Lakshmi with panchamrit (combination of milk, curd, ghee, margarine, and nectar) and offer the Goddess with sandal paste, ittar (scent), saffron paste, vermillion, haldi, gulal and abeer. The relatives close their hands and worship Goddess for the achievement, thriving, bliss and prosperity!
Tryodashi Date Starts: 6:02 PM 22 Oct 2022
Tryodashi Dates Ends: 6:3 PM 23 Oct 2022
