India is all set to celebrate the mega festival of Diwali and the first day of the festivities has begun today, with Dhanteras. Dhanteras is derived from a Sanskrit words “Dhan” which means wealth, and “Teras” which means the 13th day of a Hindu month. This festival is also known as Dhantrayodashi Puja and it is believed that buying gold, silver or any other precious metal on this day will bring you good luck. Goddess Lakshmi is also worshipped on Dhanteras, as according to Hindu mythology, on this day the goddess appeared to bless Lord Kuber, the God of Wealth, when Demons and Gods churned the ocean for nectar.
Another legend holds that on this day the wise young daughter- in-law of king Hima saved her new husband’s life. King Hima’s 16 year old son was destined to die of a snakebite on the fourth day after his wedding. To save her husband’s life, the ingenous bride kept him awake all night with stories, and heaped the doorways with pots of gold to hold any snake in thrall. When Yamma, the Lord of Death appeared to take the young prince, he sat bedazzled in the doorway of his room, captivated by the princess’ stories.
When morning came, Yamma realized the prince’s hour of death had passed, and he returned to hell without him. Since then gold and silver are bought and worshipped out of ritual significance.
Another interesting aspect of Dhanteras is that the business community in India believes that this festival brings good fortune, and the leading stock exchange, BSE, arranges trading sessions.
So, that’s everything on Dhanteras. Have a good one!
