About Dhanteras
Dhantera is a combination of two words. ‘Dhan‘ denotes wealth, and ‘Teras‘ denotes the thirteenth lunar day of Krishna Paksha in the Hindu calendar month of Ashvin or Kartika. This day is deemed auspicious for acquiring gold and silver jewelry, utensils, and even electronic items as a gesture of inviting Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Kubera into households. Both deities symbolize wealth and prosperity in Hindu mythology.
In the tapestry of Diwali festivities, Dhanteras emerges as a jewel, adorned with rich traditions and captivating legends. Passed down through generations and woven into the fabric of Hindu religious texts, the legend of Dhanteras, also known as Dhantrayodashi, unfolds a story that resonates with devotion, virtue, and the timeless dance between the divine and earthly realms.
Many observe a day-long fast on the auspicious day of Dhantrayodashi, culminating in the breaking of the fast through the sacred Lakshmi-Kubera Puja held in the evening. This practice is steeped in the Dhanteras Vrat Katha, a narrative that binds devotees in a connection with the divine and imparts a profound spiritual significance to the day.
The Enchanting Saga of Goddess Lakshmi and the Farmer’s Field
Once, Goddess Lakshmi, the epitome of wealth and prosperity, persuaded Lord Vishnu to accompany her on a visit to Earth. However, this divine journey came with a condition—Goddess Lakshmi must not succumb to earthly temptations and should refrain from looking in the south direction. Eager to experience the mortal realm, Goddess Lakshmi agreed to Lord Vishnu’s stipulation.
Yet, her ‘Chanchal’ (restless) nature led her to break the pact. As her gaze wandered towards the south, she was captivated by the allure of yellow mustard flowers and lush sugarcane fields. Unable to resist, Goddess Lakshmi adorned herself with mustard flowers and indulged in the sweet nectar of sugarcane juice.
Lord Vishnu, witnessing the breach of the sacred agreement, grew displeased. As a consequence, he decreed that Goddess Lakshmi must serve a twelve-year penance on Earth, tending to the fields of a humble farmer who had cultivated mustard and sugarcane.
With the divine presence of Goddess Lakshmi, the farmer’s fortunes transformed overnight. Prosperity showered upon him, and his fields flourished with abundance. The twelve years passed swiftly, and the time arrived for Goddess Lakshmi to return to Vaikuntha, the heavenly abode.
However, when Lord Vishnu, disguised as an ordinary man, approached the farmer to reclaim Goddess Lakshmi, the farmer staunchly refused to part with his celestial benefactor. All attempts by Lord Vishnu to persuade the farmer proved futile, and he remained resolute in retaining Goddess Lakshmi’s services.
In a moment of revelation, Goddess Lakshmi disclosed her true identity to the farmer. She expressed her gratitude for his unwavering devotion and explained that she could not linger on Earth any longer, needing to return to Vaikuntha. Despite the impending separation, Goddess Lakshmi assured the farmer that she would visit him every year on the night of Krishna Trayodashi, just before the celebration of Diwali.
Dhanteras: A Timeless Celebration of Divine Blessings
As we celebrate Dhanteras, the legend echoes in our hearts, reminding us of the enduring bond between the divine and the devoted. The festival becomes a tapestry woven with threads of faith, prosperity, and the eternal promise of Goddess Lakshmi’s benevolent presence in our lives. May Dhanteras illuminate your path with the radiance of divine blessings, weaving a tapestry of prosperity and joy in the fabric of your existence.
The Divine Prelude: Goddess Lakshmi Emerges from the Milky Sea
Dhantrayodashi holds a special place in the Diwali narrative as the day when Goddess Lakshmi emerged from the depths of the ocean during the churning of the Milky Sea. This celestial event, steeped in myth and symbolism, signifies the birth of prosperity and abundance. On this sacred day, devotees invoke the blessings of Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Kubera, the God of wealth, ushering in a season of opulence and divine favor.
The Dance of Devotion: Lakshmi Puja on Dhanteras
The fervor of Dhanteras reaches its crescendo with the observance of Lakshmi Puja. Devotees embark on a spiritual journey, offering prayers and homage to Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Kubera. This ritual, conducted during the Pradosh Kaal—commencing after sunset and lasting approximately 2 hours and 24 minutes—creates a sacred space for communion with the divine.
The Night of Krishna Trayodashi: A Promise of Annual Grace
While Dhanteras sets the stage, the true climax of Lakshmi Puja unfolds on Amavasya, two days after Dhantrayodashi. This night, known as the Night of Krishna Trayodashi, holds profound significance. The collective prayers of the faithful converge on this auspicious occasion, seeking the benevolent gaze of Goddess Lakshmi as she graces the earthly realm with her divine presence.
A Timeless Celebration of Divine Blessings
As the lamps flicker and the echoes of prayers resonate, Dhanteras becomes a timeless celebration—a symphony of faith, prosperity, and the eternal connection between the mortal and divine. May the radiance of this auspicious festival illuminate your path, weaving a tapestry of prosperity, joy, and divine blessings in the fabric of your existence. As you partake in the rituals of Dhanteras, may the divine grace of Goddess Lakshmi enrich your life with abundance and fulfillment.
Source of information: https://www.drikpanchang.com/
