Dhanteras

Dhanteras – Dhan means ‘wealth’ and theras indicates ‘the thirteenth day’. It is observed two days before Diwali. Also known as Dhanvantari Puja or Dhantra Yodashi, it falls on the thirteenth day of the dark fortnight of Kartik Month. The day is of great importance to business community and homes. Houses are decorated and special rangolis are drawn on the floor.

It is not just about material wealth but it also about the spiritual wealth associated with this special day. The entire festive season develops the cheerful mood and brings in a special occasion for friends and family members to be close to each other yet again and spend some quality time together.
 
Dhanteras is the advance welcoming for Maa Laxmi, who is worshipped on the day of Diwali. In many homes small footprints are painted with vermillion (kumkum) so as to direct the Goddess to our home, when she arrives at the doorstep. Earthern diyas are lit on Dhanteras day in the evening to banish the evil spirits.

Cows are worshipped on the day in many regions. Thus feeding green fodder to cows this day is considered auspicious.

Dhanteras has special significance to the business community of India. All Businessmen, jewelers and corporate houses offer prayers in order to please Maa Laxmi. Especially the jewelers celebrate this festival in the most pompous manner in the gold market areas.

There is also a significance of buying new utensils on this day. But avoid buying something with a sharper edge like forks, knives, leather items etc. Buying gold and silver jewelry is considered auspicious on this day. Other items like silver coins, pooja accessories, brass, metallic, fiber or wooden idols of gods and goddesses can be given out to near and dear ones.

Sending Dhanteras sweets to relatives and acquaintances is another way to celebrate this festival.
Donating some medicines or eye/ear drops to the needy people on Dhanteras is also considered auspicious since this day is marked with a legend of the physician of Gods - Dhanwantri Ji.

A baby girl born on Dhanteras day is considered as the arrival of Goddess Lakshmi into the house and is considered to be lucky for the family. When such girls get married and leave for her husband’s home, they should leave their footprints(with kumkum) at a place in their maternal home to ensure that Maa Lakshmi does not leave the house ever.

1. The best time for Lakshmi Puja (worship) on Dhanteras is during Pradosh Kaal when Sthir Lagna prevails. If Dhanteras Puja is done during Sthir Lagna, Luxmi ji will stay in your house; hence this time is the best for Dhanteras Pujan. Vrishabha Lagna is considered as Sthir and mostly overlaps with Pradosh Kaal during Diwali (Deepawali) festivity.
2. Buy Gold on Dhanteras (Dhan Trayodashi).
3. Buying Gold or Silver coins and utensils on Dhanteras is treated to be highly auspicious.
4. Buying Silver idols of Laxmi ji, Kuber ji and Ganesha are treated to be highly auspicious.
5. Cows are worshipped on this day in many regions. Thus feeding green fodder to cows on this day is considered auspicious.
6. Donating some medicines or eye/ear drops to the needy people on Dhanteras is also considered auspicious since this day is marked with a legend of the physician of Gods - Dhanwantri Ji’s birthday (Great Ayurveda Acharya/ best Vaidh or a doctor).

1. Avoid Sexual activities on Dhanteras/ Dhan Trayodashi or Dhanvantri Jayanti to enjoy good health and prosperity.
2. Avoid eating non-veg or consuming liquors on this auspicious day to enjoy the bliss of good wealth and prosperity.
3. Avoid speaking ill of the people to whom you detest or you don’t like.
4. Have a good control over your tongue and go for the meditation or reciting laksmi or kuber mantras as much as you can.
5. Take care no one should suffer because of you today or in these diwali days.
   
6. Avoid lending money on Dhanteras.
   
7. Avoid buying something with a sharper edge like forks, knives, leather items etc.
   

Legend has it that when Lord Dhanvantari, the physician of the Gods and an incarnation of Lord Vishnu, emerged from the ocean of milk, which was churned by the Gods and the demons on the day of Dhanteras, he brought a jar of the extraordinary elixir.
Sage Durvasa cursed Lord Indra when "The pride of wealth entered his head” which made Lakshmi abandon him. When she went away, she left him devoid of power, bravery, enthusiasm and radiance, making his life miserable. The demons, who were waiting for a chance like this, invaded heaven and defeated Lord Indra. He lost everything - Lakshmi, his throne and kingdom, and began living in hideout.

Time passed. Brihaspati, Indra's teacher, who was distraught by Indra’s predicament tried to find a solution with Brahma and Vishnu, along with other gods, who accompanied him.

They found a solution, which was a Herculean task: the ocean of milk had to be churned to become potent ambrosia, which, if consumed by the gods, would bring immortality. The churning would also bring back Lakshmi.

To accomplish this paramount feat, the assistance of the demons was necessary. Intelligently, Brihaspati struck a deal with the demons, who agreed, in the hope of procuring ambrosia and amassing wealth for themselves. Mandara Mountain was used as a churning rod and Vasuki, the king of the serpents, as a rope.

Surmounting difficulties like sinking the Mount Mandara into the milky ocean, were overcome by Lord Vishnu, who took the form of a tortoise and hoisted it on his back, the churning began.

Kalakuta, a dreadful poison was initially produced, and which Lord Shiva drank, much to the relief of the gods and demons. Lord Vishnu continually encouraged and motivated the gods and demons during the churning the sea. From it emerged a horse named Uchaishravas and Kalpavriksha was empowered to grant its wish, manifesting Kamdhenu and other celestial bodies. As the ocean continued to be churned, Apsara were born.

Rising from the depths of the ocean of milk was a divine and celestial goddess. She stood on a fully blossomed lotus, wearing a garland of lotus and neck. Heavenly beautiful and radiant, she held a lotus in her hand and smiling. She was Lakshmi.

The sages began reciting hymns in praise of her. Gandharvas sang and Apsaras danced. Even the elephants on either side of her, sprinkled sacred Ganga water on her, bathing her with it, letting her be called Gajalakshmi. As she was born from the ocean of milk, she was referred to as Samudratanya.

The king of the ocean appeared in his natural form and welcomed Lakshmi as a daughter, presenting her with attractive clothes, jewels and a garland of lotus. To everyone’s surprise, she garlanded Vishnu with it. Then, when she turned and looked demurely at Indra, he received extraordinary radiance.

The gods and demons continued to churn the ocean for Amrut or nectar. Ultimately, Dhanavantri emerged from the ocean of milk, carrying a jar of the elixir (ambrosia). Both the asuras and the devas wanted the ambrosia, but Vishnu was able to give the immortal nectar to the gods, and the asuras were defeated. The churning of the ocean resulted in the immortality of the devas and was the reason for Lakshmi's emergence.