Dhanteras - First day that marks the festival of Diwali

Oct. 15, 2019

By Annu Sachdeva

Dhanteras also known as Dhanatrayodashi or Dhanvantari Trayodashi is the first day of the five days long festival of Diwali. It is celebrated in the dark half (Krishna Paksh) in the month of Kartik, on triyodashi tithi according to Hindu calendar. On this thirteenth day of Kartik month, Goddess Lakshmi is worshipped. This year it will be on October 25, 2019.

Dhanteras History

There are lots of stories associated with this day. According to Legends, when the Devtas and Asuras performed Samundar Manthan (churning of the Sea) Lord Dhanvantri appeared from the depth of the ocean with a kalash of Amrit in his hands. We therefore invite Goddess Lakshmi to our clean homes by buying copper utensils. The reason behind this is that it is believed that Amrit is stored in copper and gives long life and health to family members. The legend goes that Lord Vishnu took the form of a beautiful apsara (Mohini) so that the Amrit could be distributed only to the Devtas. Lord Vishnu made a division within the kalash- on one side there was Amrit and on the other side there was water. He was giving Amrit to Devtas and water to the Asuras. Rahu became aware of this and he transformed himself into one of the Devtas and sat between Sun and Moon in the line of the Devtas. As soon as Lord Vishnu gave the Amrit to Rahu both Sun and Moon realised that he is a rakshas and pointed him out to Lord Vishnu. His throat was instantly cut by the sudarshan chakra by Lord Vishnu, but by that time Amrit had reached his throat and he became Amar. The portion of his head became Rahu and the body below the neck became Ketu. It is believed that due to this reason when Rahu or ketu are associated with either moon or sun or both in a horoscope then the native’s soul is not satisfied throughout the life. It causes immense mental stress.

Another Story…

According to another Legend, there was a young prince called Hima. His horoscope said that he would die of snake bite on the fourth day of his marriage. On that particular day, prince’s wife decided to lay all her gold jewellery and coins in heaps near door of their sleeping chamber and lit lamps near the door. Then she distracted her husband from falling asleep by telling him various stories. Lord Yama appeared on the door in the form of a serpent. Due to the shine of gold and lamps, his eyes were blinded. As a result, he could not enter the chamber of the prince and sat on the heaps of the jewellery the entire night, listening to stories. In the morning He went away. So, the prince’s wife saved her husband’s life. So we ward off Yama from our lives for all the family members on this day by buying gold and burning one Diya of oil outside the house.

What to buy on Dhanteras

Buying Kauris on Dhanteras (any puja shop would have that) is symbolic of wealth increasing day by day. The kauris can be bought with the idols of Laxmi and Ganesh Ji on Dhanteras shubh muhurat.

Why is it considered to buy Gold, Silver auspicious?

Goddess Laxmi resides in Gold, Silver and in clay. So buying gold, silver or even a money bank of clay (piggy bank) painted a bright red in colour is extremely good for increasing your wealth all year round.

Lord Kuber who takes care of wealth of Ma Laxmi is also prayed to for prosperity all year round. Dhanteras is an extremely auspicious day for working professionals as only with the blessing of Lord Kuber you can earn wealth and retain it.

Starting a new business venture or in modern times a SIP(Mutual Funds) is considered very auspicious on this day.

Buy the idols of Lord Ganesh and Goddess Laxmi too this day in shubh muhurat. Laxmi ji resides in gold, silver and clay, so buy the Murtis made of either one of these . The muhurat timings given are for Delhi NCR, so for local timings connect with the mandir priests of your locality.

Best Time to buy utensils, Silver or Gold during the day: 14.25 hours to 15.50 hours (Delhi NCR) Approximately 2.25pm to 3.50pm on 25th October 2019.

For Dhanteras Puja Mantra Video visit Kubera Ashtha Laxmi Mantra

This year Shubh Muhurat for Dhanteras is between 7pm to 8.45 pm.

Wishing you all a very Happy Dhanteras and a successful year ahead.