Dhan Teras marks the First day of Diwali celebration. It is also called Dhanvantari Trayodashi. On Dhanteras, Lakshmi – the Goddess of wealth and Lord Kuber are worshiped as the treasurer of wealth and bestow er of riches, to provide prosperity and well being. It is the day for celebrating wealth, as the word ‘Dhan’ means wealth and ‘Tera’ comes from the date 13th. On this day buying steel, silver or gold is considered auspicious.
The main doors of houses and offices are decorated with flowers, lights and rangolis. An extensive pooja is organised in all households where people worship Goddess Laxmi with their purchase of the day (utensil/Jewelery).
An interesting Story related to Dhan Teras
An ancient legend ascribes the occasion to an interesting story about the 16 year old son of King Hima. His horoscope predicted his death by snake-bite on the fourth day of his marriage. On that particular day, his newly-wed wife did not allow him to sleep.
She laid out all her ornaments and lots of gold and silver coins in a heap at the entrance of the sleeping chamber and lit lamps all over the place. Then she narrated stories and sang songs to keep her husband from falling asleep.
The next day, when Yama, the god of Death, arrived at the prince’s doorstep in the guise of a Serpent, his eyes were dazzled and blinded by the brilliance of the lamps and the jewelry. Yam could not enter the Prince’s chamber, so he climbed on top of the heap of gold coins and sat there the entire night listening to the stories and songs. In the morning, he silently went away.
Thus, the young prince was saved from the clutches of death by the cleverness of his new bride, and the day came to be celebrated as Dhanteras. And the following days came to be called Naraka Chaturdashi (‘Naraka’ means hell and Chaturdashi means 14th). It is also know as ‘Yamadeepdaan’ as the ladies of the house light earthen lamps or ‘deep’ and these are kept burning throughout the night glorifying Yama, the god of Death. Since this is the night before Diwali, it is also called ‘ Chhhoti Diwali ’.
Why Buying Utensils/Silver/Gold is considered auspicious on this very day ?
Churning of ocean (Samudra manthan) by Gods and demons forms an important part of the Hindu mythology. It is believed that during the churning of ocean by Gods and demons, Lord Dhanvantari (the Physician of Gods) emerged out with a jar of Amrit (elixir) on the day of Dhanteras. Thus, the worship of Lord Dhanvantari has become a part of Dhanteras celebrations in most of the home. As Lord Dhanvantari appeared with jar of nectar so considering that fact utensils buying is considered auspicious.
Hence you came to know that Dhanteras is not directly connected with money, it is connected to health (Health is wealth) , generally people get confused with name ” Dhantearas” is related to Dhana (Money) but it is related to lord Dhnavantari , who is lord of health, Ayurveda and medicines. Generally people purchase jwellery , vehicles etc on this day in lack of knowledge as they think the day is related money but one should buy coins and utensils made of steel, silver or gold on this day, we should offer Diya to lord Yama (God of death) . The day should be celebrated as a Day of health not money but people get misguided by many so called Guruji on TV, newspaper and social media
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