Story of Dhanteras – Learn about the legend, traditions, & other aspects

The popular Hindu festival of Dhanteras is also known as Dhanatrayodashi or Dhanvantari Trayodashi. It is a festival of prosperity celebrated just before Diwali. The festival is known to mark the beginning of Diwali celebrations. It is celebrated on the thirteenth day of the dark fortnight of the Hindu lunar month of Kartik. Like most other Hindu festivals, Dhanteras is also known for its various legends and traditions. This article aims to shed light on these legends and traditions to enhance the fun of Dhanteras celebrations.

What does Dhanteras mean?

The word Dhanteras is made from two words; dhan, which means wealth, and teras, which means thirteenth. According to legend, it was on this day that Goddess Lakshmi emerged from the ocean during Samudra Manthan. People believe that buying gold and other precious metals on this day will bring Goddess Lakshmi into their lives.

Hence, it is not surprising that people jewelry and utensil shops are overcrowded with people on this day. Many people also buy a new broom on this day. It is a common belief that doing so will erase all their financial difficulties and worries.

What is the real story behind celebrating Dhanteras?

There are many legends associated with Dhanteras and its origins. However, it is difficult to claim which of these legends is the real story behind the celebration of the festival. The most popular of these legends are explained briefly as follows:

Legend Of King Hima and His Son

According to this legend, King Hima was a fair and just ruler. He deeply loved his son, who was sixteen years old. One day, the astrologers informed King Hima that his son would die due to a snake bite on the fourth day after his marriage. This worried the King extremely and he sought various ways to save his son's life. Another learned astrologer advised the King to get his son married to a girl with a lucky horoscope. The king did so and on the fourth day after the marriage, everyone waited with bated breath to see what would happen. On the said day, Hima's daughter-in-law placed numerous lighted lamps all over the house. She also placed coins of gold and silver along with various ornaments in front of her bedroom. Then she started singing melodious songs for her husband to keep him awake. Later at night, Yama arrived in the form of a serpent to claim Hima's son's life.

However, he was mesmerized by the brilliance of the lamps and the gold. He also felt captivated by the melodious voice of Hima's daughter-in-law and sat there listening to her songs the whole night. Thus, he missed the time to take the life of Hima's son, and the young prince was spared. That is why in many parts of India people refer to Dhanteras celebrations as Yamadeepam even to this day.

The Legend of Dhanvantri and Amrit Kalash

Yet another legend that led people to Dhanteras celebrate is that of Dhanvantri and the Amrit Kalash. As per this legend, centuries ago Gods and Demons were in a fierce battle for supremacy. Then on the advice of Lord Vishnu, both sides agreed to churn the ocean, with the winning side deemed more superior. As the Gods and Demons began to churn the ocean using Vasuki as the rope, countless precious things emerged from it.

Then on the thirteenth day of Kartik Krishna Paksh, Dhanvantari, the physician of Gods emerged from the ocean. He carried the Amrit Kalash, or the pot filled with elixir of life, in his hands, which he gave to the Gods. Along with him, Goddess Lakshmi also emerged from the ocean and was accepted by Lord Vishnu as his partner. So, the festival is celebrated to worship and express gratitude to Dhanvantari and Goddess Lakshmi.

The Legend of Goddess Lakshmi and the Farmer

This legend states that Goddess Laksmi convinced Lord Vishnu to take her along on his visit to the earth. Although Lord Vishnu agreed, he placed the condition that venturing into the southern region was forbidden. However, on reaching the earth, Goddess Lakshmi was captivated by the beauty and aroma of the fields of sugarcane and mustard flowers growing in the southern region. So, she broke her promise and moved in the southern direction where she plucked the flowers and even drank the juice of sugarcane. Angered by this, Lord Vishnu cursed the goddess to spend the next 12 years on earth serving the farmer whose fields she had ventured into. Goddess Lakshmi accepted her punishment and over the next 12 years, she served the farmer and helped him prosper.

When Lord Vishnu came to take the goddess back after 12 years, the farmer refused to let her go. This forced Goddess Lakshmi to reveal her true identity to the farmer. She also promised him that she would visit him every year on the night of Dhanteras. So, every year the farmer cleaned his house to welcome Goddess Lakshmi, and soon other people also started celebrating the festival.

17" Lord Vishnu Standing on Sheshnag with Lakshmi Ji In Brass Statue

Rituals Associated with Dhanteras Puja

To celebrate the festival, people wake up early on this day and take a medicated bath. They clean and decorate the house with flowers and rangoli designs. In the evening, the Dhanteras puja is performed by worshipping Goddess Lakshmi and even Lord Vishnu and Dhanvantari. In many southern regions, people also perform Yamadeep Danam by lighting diyas in the southern direction and floating them into rivers and lakes.