 Dhanteras, also known as Dhantrayodashi or Dhanvantari Trayodashi, precedes Diwali by exactly two days, every year. It is celebrated on the thirteenth day of Krishnapaksh during the Hindu month of Kartik. Diwali starts off with Dhanteras and ends with Bhaubeej – five days of non-stop excitement, enthusiasm, as well as entertainment. While, Goddess Laxmi is worshipped during Diwali, Dhanteras is a day to welcome her into the house for prosperity.
This day onwards till Tulsi Poojan, lamps, lanterns, and various forms of lights adorn the doors, windows, and surroundings of houses to dispel darkness from the lives and minds of people. The killing of Ravana by Lord Rama is celebrated as Dassera, and his return to Ayodhya is what Diwali is all about. Although, almost all no moon days are considered to be inauspicious, this amavasya is said to be very auspicious. Â Â Â Â Â Â
As a part of the Dhanteras festivities, people renovate and decorate their homes and offices so that Goddess Laxmi comes in to stay. Tiny footprints are drawn from the entrance of the house to the temple within, where she is being worshipped, to symbolize her arrival. Goddess Laxmi is a presiding deity who is only supposed to arrive and not leave. After all, who would want to lead a life of poverty out of choice!
It is a practice to buy some metal, preferably a precious one like platinum, gold, or silver, on this day. It is believed that this will usher in good luck for the rest of the year. Lord Dhanvantari, an avatar of Lord Vishnu, is said to be the physician to all the Gods. The word ‘Dhan’ means wealth and this wealth can be in cash or in kind. So, since health is wealth, the next time that you complain that you’ve got less money, look at a rich but sick man and thank your stars for not being in his place.
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Tags: Amavasya, Bhaubeej, Dassera, Dhanteras, Dhantrayodashi, Dhanvantari Trayodashi, Diwali, Goddess Laxmi, Gold, Kartik, Krishnapaksha, Lord Dhanvantari, Lord Rama, Lord Vishnu, Money, Platinum, Poverty, Ravana, Rich, Silver, Tulsi Poojan
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