Interesting Facts about Dhanteras
Diwali is one of the major Indian Festivals celebrated by the Hindu community. The festival is celebrated over 5 days. The first day of Diwali is celebrated as Dhanteras. Observed on the thirteenth lunar day of Krishna Paksha, Dhanteras is one of the auspicious occasions in Indian culture. Dhanteras is also known by different names such as Dhantrayodashi or Dhanvantri Jayanti. Dhanteras brings wealth into everyone's life.
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Dhanteras Celebration |
Story behind Dhanteras
Dhanteras is associated with
huge wealth, prosperity, and human bonding. Here we unfold some of the facts linked to this prosperous festival.
According to the Vedic
scriptures, during Samudramanthan, Shri Dhanvantari appeared with Amrita in one
hand. Considering it an auspicious thing to happen, the day was named after
him. He is also called an incarnation of Shri Vishnu. There is one more
interesting story associated with Dhanteras.
It is a common belief that
king Hima's 16-year-old son was predicted to die on the fourth day of this
marriage due to a snake bite. Knowing this, his wife did not let him sleep for
the entire day and night. Also, she kept all her belongings (gold jewelry) around
her husband's bed, brightens the room with lights, and started singing.
As predicted, Yamraj arrived
there like a serpent on the fourth night but left the prince unharmed. This is
why it is considered that on Dhanteras, buying gold and lighting up the house can
bring prosperity and no harm to you.
On the occasion of
Dhanteras, buying gold is believed to bring Lord Kuber's blessings into the
house. Also, according to popular belief the things you buy on this day
become 13 times more due to the blessings of God of wealth. Also known as
Yamadeepdaan, on Dhanteras a 'Deep Dan' is offered to Yamraj. This is done to
prevent any unfortunate incident like the premature death of a family member.
Diya is lit at the house
entrance facing south. Doing this can keep evil and death away. One of the famous
folklore is about Goddess Laxmi.
Why Lakshmi Puja on Dhanteras?
Do you know why we do Laxmi
Puja every year on Dhanteras? There is an interesting story behind this as
well.
Once upon a time, Goddess
Laxmi and Visnu visited earth. She was asked by him not to get attracted by
earthly temptations. However, Goddess Laxmi couldn't resist herself and landed
on a farmer's sugarcane field. There, she relished impeccable sugarcane juice.
Seeing this, Shri Visnu declared that Goddess Laxmi has to serve the farmer as
a helper for 12 years. Post this, the farmer started to prosper with the
arrival of Goddess Laxmi. Later, when the farmer and his family visited the
river Ganga, she revealed Goddess Laxmi's true identity. Knowing this, the
farmer refused to let her go away after the time of her stay was completed.
Overwhelmed by the farmer's love
and affection, goddess Laxmi promised him to visit every year on Dhanteras.
The goddess also asked him
to keep his house clean on the day and to light a lamp for her. This is the reason;
we do Laxmi Puja after sunset.
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