The word ‘Dhanteras’ comes from two words: ‘Dhan,’ meaning wealth, and ‘Teras,’ meaning the thirteenth day of the lunar fortnight in the Hindu calendar month of Kartika. Dhanteras marks the beginning of Diwali festivities and holds profound historical and cultural significance. This day is considered auspicious for buying new items, especially gold and silver. But why is that? There are many legends about why Dhanteras is celebrated.

Story of Samudra Manthan

A legend about Dhanteras is linked to the Samudra Manthan, the churning of the ocean by the gods and demons, where many treasures emerged. Along with those treasures, Goddess Lakshmi, sitting on a lotus, came out with a pot filled with gold, representing good fortune, wealth, and happiness.

Following this, on Dhanteras, people decorate their homes with rangolis and light diyas to welcome Goddess Lakshmi and seek her blessings.

Story of King Hima and his son

Another legend features King Hima’s 16-year-old son, who was prophesied to die from a snake bite four days after his wedding. On that day, his wife didn’t let him sleep. She put all her gold and silver jewellery at the entrance of their room and lit many lamps. Then, she kept him awake by singing songs and telling stories all night.

When Yamaraj, the God of Death, came as a snake, the bright light from the lamps and jewellery dazzled him, and he couldn’t enter the room. Unable to take the prince’s life, Lord Yamaraj went away. Since then, people light lamps and buy new things, especially metals, to protect themselves from evil and bring good fortune. Dhanteras is also called Yamadeepdaan as people also ask for Lord Yamaraj’s blessings and pray for the long lives of their family members.

Story of Goddess Lakshmi and the farmer

Once, Goddess Lakshmi asked Lord Vishnu to join him on a visit to earth. Lord Vishnu agreed, but made her promise that she will not look to the south. However, she couldn’t resist and did exactly what she had been asked not to do. Lord Vishnu, upset that she had given in to earthly temptations, told her to serve a poor farmer for twelve years as penance. During this time, the farmer became wealthy and prosperous with her presence. When the twelve years ended, Lord Vishnu came to take her back, but the farmer refused to let her go. Eventually, Goddess Lakshmi revealed her true identity and promised to visit him every year on Krishna Trayodashi, the night before Diwali.

From then on, the farmer cleaned his home and lit lamps to welcome her each year. Hearing this story, others began worshipping Goddess Lakshmi on Dhanteras, lighting lamps and seeking prosperity.

How do we celebrate Dhanteras?

On Dhanteras evening, devotees pray to Lord Dhanvantri and Goddess Lakshmi for peace and happiness. It’s believed that Goddess Lakshmi enters only clean homes, so people tidy up and decorate their homes.

Dhanteras is also considered lucky for buying silver, gold, or metal items to bring prosperity. Many people also worship their main source of income; shopkeepers worship their shops, while farmers adorn and worship their cattle.

This year, Dhanteras will be celebrated on October 29 and puja timings will be:

Pradosh Kaal: 6:01 PM to 8:27 PM
Vrishabha Kaal: 7:04 PM to 9:00 PM

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