Dhanteras, The Day of Wealth and Wisdom

The first day of the Diwali festival is Dhanteras or Dhana Trayodashi or Dhanatrayodashi or Dhanvantari Trayodashi. This day is eventually observed on the 13th lunar day of Krishna Paksha in the Vikram Sambat Hindu calendar during the month of Aaswayuja as per the Amaavasyanta Luni-Solar Calendar.

This day is observed in the honor of Dhanvantari who is viewed as the master of all physicians and the originator of Ayurveda. It is also very clear that this day is associated with wealth and the auspicious moment where people purchase silver and gold jewelry or any other new thing such as utensils.

Significance of Dhanteras:

The important aspect of this day rests on the fact that Goddess Laxmi and Dhanvantri came out of the ocean at the time of sea churning. Therefore on this day, along with Goddess Lakshmi, Lord Kuber is also worshiped.

The legend:

The famous legend held for this day is about a 16-year old son of King Hima. As per his horoscope, it was predicted that he will die by a snake-bite on the 4th day of his marriage. Therefore, on the supposed day, his newly-wed wife didn’t allow him to sleep and laid all her gold, silver coins and ornaments in the heap at the entry of their sleeping chamber. She also lit all the lamps around the place, meanwhile, sang songs and narrated stories to her husband. The following day, when the god of Death, Yama arrived at their doorstep, his eyes were dazzled and deluded by the brightness of jewelry and lamps. As a result, Yama, who couldn’t enter the chamber of the prince climbed on the heap and sat there to listen all the narrations and songs. In the morning, he quietly went away and this is how the prince was saved from the predicted death. From that day till now, this auspicious event is celebrated as Dhanteras.