Benefit-Driven: Here's How Celebrating Dhanteras the Right Way Can Bring More Than Just Wealth

As the festive season rolls in, the first big day that kicks off the Diwali celebrations is Dhanteras. For many, it's the perfect excuse to go shopping for something new, whether it's a piece of jewelry, a shiny new kitchen utensil, or even a car. But behind the tradition of buying new things lies a much deeper meaning and some fascinating stories.

Dhanteras, which falls on October 18th this year, is also known as Dhantrayodashi. The name itself gives us a hint about its significance: "Dhan" means wealth, and "Teras" refers to the thirteenth lunar day of the Kartik month, when it is celebrated  It’s a day for welcoming prosperity and good fortune into our homes.

One of the most important figures celebrated on this day is Lord Dhanvantari, who is revered as the god of Ayurveda and the divine physician. According to ancient legends, during the Samudra Manthan, or the great churning of the ocean by the gods and demons, Lord Dhanvantari emerged. He was carrying a pot of amrita, the nectar of immortality, and the sacred texts of Ayurveda. Because he brought the gift of health and longevity to the world, Dhanteras is as much a celebration of well-being as it is of wealth.

This connection to health and prosperity is why buying things, especially metals like gold and silver, is considered so auspicious on this day. It's a symbolic act of bringing these positive energies home. The new items are thought to be a sign of good luck, inviting Goddess Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth who is also believed to have emerged during the ocean churning, to bless the household.

There’s another powerful story connected to Dhanteras that explains a unique tradition. On this evening, many people light a lamp, known as a Yama Deepam, and place it outside their homes, facing south. This lamp is an offering to Yama, the god of death. The belief is that this light will protect the family from untimely death.

The legend behind this practice is about the 16-year-old son of a king named Hima. It was predicted that he would die from a snakebite on the fourth day of his marriage. His quick-thinking wife, however, came up with a plan. On that evening, she piled up all her jewelry and gold coins at the entrance of their room and lit lamps all around. She then spent the night singing songs and telling stories to keep her husband from falling asleep.When Yama arrived in the form of a snake, he was so blinded by the dazzling light of the lamps and treasure that he couldn't enter.He ended up listening to the stories and songs all night and left peacefully in the morning, sparing the prince’s life.

So, as you prepare for the festivities, remember that Dhanteras is about so much more than just shopping. It’s a day steeped in stories that celebrate the importance of health, the blessing of a long life, and the hope for a prosperous year ahead.

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