Dhanteras, also known as Dhantrayodashi, marks the first day of the grand Diwali festival. Celebrated on the Trayodashi tithi of Krishna Paksha in Kartik month (as per Hindu Panchang, IST), this festival carries deep spiritual, astrological, and mythological significance. It is a day when people worship Lord Dhanvantari for health, Goddess Lakshmi for wealth, and even follow traditions to protect life and prosperity.
Let us explore the mythological stories behind Dhanteras and understand why this day is considered so auspicious in Indian astrology.
1. The Story of Lord Dhanvantari: The God of Ayurveda
One of the most important legends of Dhanteras comes from the Samudra Manthan (churning of the cosmic ocean).
- During the great churning between the Devas (gods) and Asuras (demons), many divine treasures emerged.
- On the day of Trayodashi, Lord Dhanvantari, the divine physician, appeared carrying a kalash filled with Amrit (nectar of immortality) and the knowledge of Ayurveda.
- This is why Dhanteras is also celebrated as the birthday of Lord Dhanvantari.
👉 Astrological Note: Worshipping Lord Dhanvantari on this day is believed to improve health, longevity, and vitality. Reciting the mantra:
“ॐ नमो भगवते वासुदेवाय धन्वन्तरये अमृतकलशहस्ताय सर्वमायविनाशनाय त्रैलोक्यनाथाय श्रीमहाविष्णवे नमः ॥”
brings relief from chronic health problems.
2. The Blessings of Goddess Lakshmi
Another popular belief connects Dhanteras with Mata Lakshmi, the Goddess of wealth.
- According to the Puranas, Goddess Lakshmi also emerged from the Samudra Manthan on this auspicious day.
- Devotees light diyas and lamps in the evening to welcome Lakshmi into their homes.
- Buying new utensils, silver, or gold is considered highly auspicious as it invites prosperity and abundance.
👉 Astrological Tip: Performing a Lakshmi Puja during the Pradosh Kaal (after sunset, IST) ensures good fortune. Offering lotus flowers and chanting “ॐ श्रीं महालक्ष्म्यै नमः” strengthens Venus (Shukra Graha) in the horoscope, which governs wealth and luxuries.
3. The Tale of King Hima’s Son and Yama
Dhanteras also carries a protective legend against untimely death.
- A king’s son was predicted to die of a snake bite on his wedding night due to planetary dosha.
- His newly-wed wife, to protect him, laid out her jewelry, coins, and lamps at the entrance of their room and kept her husband awake with stories and songs.
- When Yama, the God of Death, arrived in the form of a serpent, he was blinded by the dazzling lights and left without harming the prince.
Since then, people light diyas outside their homes on Dhanteras evening as “Yamadeepdaan” to ward off untimely death and ensure protection.
👉 Practical Remedy: Lighting a sesame oil lamp facing south on Dhanteras evening is considered highly effective for removing Pitru Dosha and ensuring family well-being.
4. Dhanteras in Astrology: Why the Day is Powerful
- Dhanteras falls under Krishna Trayodashi Tithi, which is linked to Lord Kubera and Goddess Lakshmi.
- It is considered one of the most auspicious days to start new investments, buy metals, or initiate business ventures.
- Astrologers recommend that trading, purchasing gold/silver, or starting new work on this day under a favorable Shubh Muhurat (IST-based) brings long-term prosperity.
5. How to Celebrate Dhanteras for Maximum Benefits
Here are some practical steps to observe Dhanteras meaningfully:
- Morning: Offer prayers to Lord Dhanvantari for health and healing.
- Evening (Pradosh Kaal, IST): Perform Lakshmi-Kubera Puja with lamps and flowers.
- Yamadeepdaan: Place a south-facing diya outside the home for protection.
- Purchasing Rituals: Buy gold, silver, copper, or utensils (avoid borrowing or selling metals on this day).
- Remedies: Chant Lakshmi and Dhanvantari mantras, donate sesame oil, or distribute white sweets for Venus and Moon blessings.
Conclusion
Dhanteras is much more than a day of shopping, it is a cosmic reminder of health, wealth, and protection. From the emergence of Lord Dhanvantari with Amrit, the blessings of Goddess Lakshmi, to the protection of King Hima’s son from Yama, the stories highlight the spiritual depth of this day.
By combining mythological wisdom with astrological remedies, we can celebrate Dhanteras in a way that truly brings prosperity, longevity, and divine blessings into our lives.
Q: Why do people buy gold, silver, or utensils on Dhanteras? Is it only tradition or does it have astrological meaning too?
A: Buying metals on Dhanteras is not just a cultural tradition but also has astrological importance. Metals like gold and silver are associated with Sun and Moon energies, while copper is linked to health and vitality. Purchasing these items on the Trayodashi tithi is believed to attract Lakshmi’s blessings and strengthen planetary influences that bring wealth, stability, and protection. It’s also said that bringing new items home on this day ensures that prosperity continues to multiply throughout the year.
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