Dhan Teras:

 


The word Dhanteras is made of two words Dhan meaning money and Teras means thirteenth day of lunar month. On the day of Dhanteras, one must worship Goddess Lakshmi , Lord Ganesha , and Lord Kuber (treasurer of wealth). They will bless you with wealth & prosperity. The festival is celebrated on the thirteenth lunar day of the Krishna Paksha (the dark fortnight) in the Kartik Maas (month). Dhanteras is the first day of the grand Diwali festival that lasts for a period of five divine days. Hence, Dhanteras is the grand opening of the five-day festivity of Diwali.
It is a very special day for the mercantile and business community. Most of the people prefer buying gold, silver, and some other precious jewels.
Behind the celebration of every festival, there is some story. Similarly, the festival of Dhan Teras has its legends. There are two well known legends:
Legend Of Lord Yama
A King by the name Hima, had a son, whose death was predicted with a bite of a snake, right after his marriage. On knowing this, the prince’s wife was desperate to save her husband’s life. She did not allow her husband to sleep the whole night. As death is a synonym to darkness, she lit lamps, candles, and made a big heap of her jewellery. She gathered all the precious stones, diamonds, silver, gold, whatever valuable she had. Along with all this, she sang songs and told stories to the prince, in order to prevent him from going off to sleep.
The Lord Of Death Lord Yama appeared to take the life of the prince in the form of a snake. But, he was unable to do so, as the bright light and heap of gold acted as a hindrance in his path. Hence, Yamraj could not enter the house and the prince was saved from his destined death.
Since then, this day is celebrated as Dhan Teras and also given the name ‘Yamadeepdaan’ as lamps are lit in order to adore Lord Yama.
Legend Of Dhanvantari
During the time of Samudra Manthan (churning of the ocean of milk), it was decided that everything which will come out, including Amrit (immortal nectar), will be divided equally among Devas (gods) and Asuras (demons).
God Dhanvantari came out with a pitcher of Amrit, while churning the ocean. Gods with their artfulness were able to attain Amrit (immortal nectar). Lord Dhanvantari is considered as the Avtar of Lord Vishnu and is worshiped as the healing god or physician.
Celebration of Diwali:
The festival of DhanTeras is celebrated across the country with a lot of enthusiasm and joy. The celebration of Dhan Teras is especially in the Hindu community. On the day of Dhan Teras, Goddess Lakshmi is worshiped along with Lord Ganesha & Kuber. Special Ghee Diyas are lit, sweets are prepared. On this day, it is believed that Goddess Lakshmi arrives on earth and blesses everyone with wealth and prosperity.
We from Hetvi Astro & Vastu Consultant wish all our readers Happy Dhan Teras.