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As India dives into the festive season, the joy and spirit of Dhanteras fill the air. A key occasion in the five-day Diwali celebration, Dhanteras is widely celebrated for its association with wealth, prosperity, and good health. But beyond the traditions of shopping for gold, silver, and new household items, the story behind Dhanteras reveals why this festival holds such a special place in the hearts of millions.
The Mythical Origins: A King, a Curse, and a Savior
The roots of Dhanteras go back to the myth of King Hima, a noble and wise ruler. According to legend, astrologers predicted that Hima’s son would die on the fourth day of his marriage due to a snake bite. This prophecy devastated the king and queen, who worried deeply about their son’s future. They consulted sages and priests, hoping to alter his destiny, but the prediction remained unchanged.
When the fated day arrived, Hima’s daughter-in-law, aware of the prophecy, decided to outwit death. As dusk fell, she placed her husband in a room filled with bright lamps, adorning every corner with the glow of earthen diyas. Determined to protect him, she also surrounded him with countless pieces of gold and silver ornaments. She then sat by his side, telling stories and singing songs to keep him awake and entertained through the night.
As the story goes, Yama, the god of death, arrived at the king’s palace disguised as a snake. But when he approached the prince’s chamber, the dazzling light from the lamps and precious metals blinded him. The bright glow and the sound of the daughter-in-law’s songs distracted Yama, and he waited outside, listening until dawn. When the sun finally rose, he was forced to return to his realm, sparing the prince’s life. This is why Dhanteras is sometimes referred to as Yamadeepdaan, as lamps are lit to honor Yama and ward off any untimely death.
The Tale of Dhanvantari: The Divine Healer
The festival also holds significance in connection with Dhanvantari, the revered god of Ayurveda and healing. According to Hindu scriptures, Dhanvantari emerged from the cosmic ocean during the legendary Samudra Manthan, or churning of the ocean of milk. As the divine healer of the gods, Dhanvantari held a pot of amrit—the nectar of immortality—that symbolized health, longevity, and well-being.
Thus, the day came to be known as Dhanteras (Dhan meaning wealth and Teras meaning the thirteenth day). Dhanteras marks a day of gratitude for both material and physical wealth, with people honoring the values of good health, prosperity, and the divine blessings of Dhanvantari.
Modern-Day Dhanteras: A Tradition of Prosperity
In modern India, Dhanteras is the perfect time to purchase precious items as a sign of good luck and an auspicious beginning. Gold, silver, and even kitchen utensils are popular purchases during the festival, each believed to bring blessings of abundance and well-being. Shops buzz with eager buyers, and the vibrant markets are a reflection of Dhanteras’ significance in Indian culture.
People clean and decorate their homes, drawing rangoli patterns at the entrance to welcome prosperity. They light diyas and candles to illuminate their homes and protect them from negative energies. Many offer prayers to Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth, and Kubera, the god of riches, asking for blessings of prosperity and financial stability in the coming year.
A Festival of Hope and Blessings
Beyond the material aspects, Dhanteras embodies the importance of life’s deeper riches: love, health, and the safety of loved ones. The festival reminds people to value both physical and spiritual wealth, a message that resonates across generations. While the gold and silver symbolize prosperity, the diyas signify hope, dispelling the darkness of fear and uncertainty.
Dhanteras has evolved over time, but its essence remains deeply rooted in Indian culture. For many, it is a day to pause, reflect, and express gratitude for both tangible and intangible blessings. It is a festival of new beginnings, not only in terms of wealth but also in fostering a spirit of positivity and protection.
Embracing the Spirit of Dhanteras Today
Today, Dhanteras serves as a reminder to cherish life’s true wealth—our health, family, and relationships. As the story of King Hima’s son teaches, wealth and material possessions are valuable, but love and vigilance are equally powerful protectors. And just as Dhanvantari represents the ultimate healer, Dhanteras highlights the need to nurture well-being, not just with medicine but also with love and faith.
So, as the festival approaches, people across India eagerly await the chance to embrace these timeless values. Dhanteras may be celebrated with gold, silver, and festive lights, but its legacy is far deeper, shining brightly with hope, health, and happiness for all.
