Dhanteras: The Festival of Wealth
Dhanteras falls on the thirteenth day of the Ashwin month. “Dhan” is a term that signifies “wealth.” This festival of wealth has significant importance for the rich mercantile community of western India. Houses and commercial properties are refurbished and embellished during Dhanteras. To welcome the goddess of riches and prosperity, Goddess Lakshmi the entrances are made lively with gorgeous traditional themes of Rangoli designs. Small footprints are made with rice flour and vermilion powder all over the dwellings to mark her long-awaited arrival. Throughout the night, lamps are kept glowing. Women buy gold or silver or at least one or two new kitchenware on this auspicious day. Pooja is conducted in the evenings, coupled with the lighting of miniature clay diyas to drive away from the shadows of negative energy. “Bhajans” or devotional songs performed in honor of Goddess Lakshmi. Dhanteras, also known as Dhantrayodashi, is celebrated two days before Diwali in honor of Dhanvantari, the god’s physician and an avatar of Vishnu.
The Story of Dhanteras and Naraka Chaturdashi
An ancient tale attributes the event to an intriguing account of King Hima’s 16-year-old son. His horoscope foretold that he would die from a snake bite on the fourth day of his marriage. On that particular day, his newlywed wife refused to let him sleep. She piled all of her jewelry and gold and silver coins at the door to the sleeping room and placed candles all over the space. She then recounted tales and sang songs to keep her husband awake.
When Yama, the deity of Death, appeared at the prince’s door the following day in the form of a Serpent, his eyes were dazzled and blinded by the brightness of the lights and jewels. Yama was unable to enter the Prince’s room, so he climbed to the top of the gold coin stack and remained there all night listening to the tales and songs. He left quietly in the morning.
As a result of his new bride’s cleverness, the young prince was spared from the mouth of hell, and the day became known as Dhanteras. And the days that followed were known as Naraka Chaturdashi (Naraka means hell and Chaturdashi means 14th). It is also known as Yamadeepdaan because the women of the house light clay lamps or ‘deep,’ which are kept burning all night to honor Yama, the deity of Death. Because it falls on the night before Diwali, it is also known as ‘Chhhoti Diwali’.
Samudra Manthan and Emergence of Lakshmi
The legend of the Samudra Manthan, as recorded in Hindu texts, is the most significant reason we celebrate Dhanteras. When Lord Indra’s vanity and thirst for wealth and glory got the best of him, Muni Durvasa cursed him, and Goddess Lakshmi abandoned him.
Indra became feeble and frail when Lakshmi left the Devlok. Taking advantage of this predicament, the demons invaded and defeated Indra’s territory. A broken-hearted Indra went to his master, Brihaspati, who suggested that the only feasible remedy to Indra’s misfortune would be to churn the enormous sea.
What follows is the rationale behind the celebration of Dhanteras. The gods lacked the strength to churn the sea on their own. As a result, they duped and befriended the demons by offering them false promises. The demons eagerly joined the gods in the hope of receiving ambrosia and prosperity. But initially, there was Kalakuta, a lethal poison.
Lord Shiva took the poison and transformed it into Nilkantha. Nilkantha has remained in the backdrop of Dhanteras puja until this day. Soon after, Uchhaishravas, a horse, Kamdhenu, Kalpabriksha, and other celestial deities emerged from the sea’s churning. Apsaras, Devlok’s gorgeous dancers, were born after some more churning.
According to the Dhanteras tale that has been passed down from generation to generation, a goddess of majestic beauty came from the sea. She was standing on a Lotus that radiated holy light. The gods and demons had never seen a more gorgeous lady. Goddess Lakshmi was the happy goddess with the lotus garland in her palm.
Following this, Lakshmi was bathed in Ganges water, and the sages began to chant hymns while the Apsaras began to dance. Lakshmi was blessed by Brahma, the creator, and Vishnu, the curator, in the same way as Dhanteras puja was. The sea king refers to Lakshmi as his own daughter and lavishes her with exquisite jewelry. She removed the lotus garland from her neck and placed it on Lord Vishnu, becoming his wife.
Devraj Indra recovered his lost splendor once Lakshmi blessed him. Dhanvantari arrived from the deep sea after some more churning, bearing ambrosia that made the gods eternal. According to Dhanteras legend, after drinking the ambrosia, the gods overcame the Demons and returned to Devlok with Goddess Lakshmi, who is still worshipped at Dhanteras puja.
How Should You Prepare for This Festival of Wealth?
This is a festival of wealth that all Indians look forward to. According to the traditions, people clean their houses completely several days before the festival and adorn their homes on the day with diyas, candles, paint, flowers, and a variety of other items. They also adorn the entryway with rangoli and place little foot stickers right outside the main entrance, thinking that they represent the feel of Goddess Lakshmi and hoping that the Goddess of riches would enter their homes.
10 Things You Can Buy This Dhanteras: The Festival of Wealth
Take a look at the top ten things to purchase during Dhanteras.
Silver and Gold
For centuries, Indians have had a soft spot in their hearts for gold and silver. It is the most popular asset among Indians because of its potential for long-term gain. You don’t need to think twice about what is auspicious to purchase during Dhanteras. Purchasing gold and silver is always a sensible decision.
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AIPs (Auto-investment Plans)
Investors may use the power of compounding to achieve greater returns by investing in AIPs, which is the greatest choice among the various items to purchase on Dhanteras.
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Gold Exchange Traded Funds
Gold ETFs are mutual fund schemes that allow you to invest in gold in electronic form. Despite the fact that real gold is not involved, it is one of the finest things to purchase on Dhanteras if you are simply interested in purchasing gold. Gold ETFs and E-Silver may provide superior returns.
Utensils
Purchasing silver, copper, or brass utensils on Dhanteras is considered fortunate according to Hindu traditions. You must not, however, carry an empty vessel home. Before entering the house, fill it with water or food, and avoid purchasing steel or iron utensils.
Equity Investments
Rather than investing in equity on a whim, it is advisable to invest extremely carefully and with a better long-term plan. When investing in equity, use a systematic strategy to assist you to deal with market swings.
Real Estate and Property
What else is good to purchase on Dhanteras: the festival of wealth besides your dream home? Nothing! Everyone has a dream house, whether it is a place to live or an investment. Real estate developers and banks are making bids to acquire houses over the holiday season. You have the option of making a prudent decision and becoming the proud owner of your ideal house, or you may invest in real estate and enjoy the rewards afterward!
Home Electronics and Appliances
India has a large population of young people, and they are in desperate need of new gadgets since they have evolved into more than just a source of entertainment these days. You should bring home the most up-to-date electronics and appliances over these holiday days, with a broad choice of discounts.