Celebrated on the 13th day of the Kartik month of the Dark Lunar fortnight (Krishna Paksha), Dhanteras grace the lives of the masses with wealth. Known by two names, Dhantrayodashi and Dhanvantri Jayanti, the festival lauds the search of the ‘Amrit Kalash’ by the Father of Ayurveda, God Dhanvantri by churning the sea. When the Lord appears out of the sea, he had a pot full of ‘elixir’, due to which we are advice to buy pots and pans (utensils) on the day of Dhan Trayodashi. The festival comes prior to Diwali and heralds the oncoming days of merriment.
Scriptures related to Dhanteras
- Dhanteras befalls on the thirteenth day of the Kartik month. The day is also called ‘Udayvyapini Trayodashi’, which is the day when the thirteeth date of Hindu calendar starts with the timing of the sunrise. If the above conditions are completed, only then the festival of Dhanteras is celebrated that day.
- On the day of Dhanteras during the Pradosh kaal, it is believed that gives lamps to Lord Yamraj will bring good fortune to you and your kins. If the Trayodashi Tithi extends till the next day after sunrise, then the Dhanteras is to be celebrated on that day.
Dhantrayodashi Pooja Vidhi
The best present that mankind has is of good health and affluence. The festival of Dhanteras eulogizes health, well being and profusion. With the embodiment of the Father of Ayurveda, Lord Dhanvantari, this festival came into its being. As the thought expresses, Dhanteras is celebrated to amass a long life, full of success, wealth and luxury. A healthy being is the abode of a healthy mind, that flourishes despite numerous complications.
- On the day of Dhanteras, Dhanvantari, according to scriptures, should be worshipped with Shodashopachara. Shodashopachara is a ritual that consists of 16 apart procedures of worship. This includes, flowers, Aasan, dhoop, Aachaman (scented drinking water), bathe, jewelry, clothing, , scents (saffron and sandalwood), , Padya, Arghya, deep, Naivaidya, Aachman (pure water), betel leaf containing the offerings, Aarti, and parikrama.
- On the day of Dhanteras, it’s a ritual to buy gold and silver utensils. It is known, that these utensils play a major role in harbingering riches in your household.
- Lights and lamps adorn the front gate and open areas of the house on this festival, as it marks the coming event Diwali.
- On the day of Dhanteras, lamps are preferred in front of Lord Yamraj, to put an end to the threat and phobia surrounding the Lord of Death.
