Religious Desk, New Delhi: Dhanteras, also known as Dhanvantari Trayodashi, is observed on the Trayodashi Tithi (thirteenth lunar day) of the Krishna Paksha (waning phase) of the Kartik month. This year, it falls on October 29, 2024. Dhanteras marks the beginning of Diwali festivities, honoring Lord Dhanvantari, the deity of Ayurveda, who emerged during the churning of the ocean holding the Amrit Kalash (pot of nectar).
Auspicious Timings for Shopping on Dhanteras 2024
- Morning: 9:00 AM to 1:30 PM
- Evening: 7:25 PM to 8:55 PM
It is believed that buying new items, especially precious metals like gold and silver, on Dhanteras brings prosperity.
Dhanvantari Puja Rituals and Timings
On Dhanteras, devotees worship Lord Dhanvantari to seek blessings for good health and longevity. Performing rituals during the auspicious times is believed to amplify the benefits.
Puja Muhurat: 5:45 PM to 8:15 PM
Mantra:
“Satyam cha yena niratam rogam vidhutam
Anveshit cha savidhim arogyamasya।
Gudham nigudham aushadhyarupam, dhanvantaram cha satatam pranamami nityam॥”
Puja Procedure:
- Light a ghee lamp during the worship ceremony.
- Offer medicinal herbs along with other Puja items, as consuming these is believed to promote health.
- Offer Krishna Tulsi, cow’s milk, and fresh butter to Lord Dhanvantari.
- Along with Dhanvantari, worship of Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Kuber is also performed during the Pradosh Kaal (evening period).
Yam Deep Daan Rituals and Timings
Deep Daan Muhurat: 5:45 PM to 8:15 PM
Mantra for Yam Deep Daan:
“Mrityuna Pashahastena Kalen Bharyaya Sah।
Trayodashyam Deepadaanatsuryajah Pritayaamiti॥”
Procedure:
- Prepare a four-faced lamp using wheat flour, filled with mustard or sesame oil.
- Place this lamp outside the house in the south direction after sunset, while praying to Lord Yama for the family’s longevity.
Significance: According to the Skanda Purana, offering a lamp for Lord Yama on Dhanteras prevents untimely death and protects the family from illnesses.
Mythological Significance of Dhanteras
Dhanteras celebrates the moment when Lord Dhanvantari appeared during the churning of the ocean (Samudra Manthan) holding a pot of nectar. Following the curse of Maharishi Durvasa, the heavenly realms lost their prosperity, prompting the gods to approach Lord Vishnu, who advised them to churn the ocean alongside the demons to retrieve the nectar. The Samudra Manthan led to the emergence of Goddess Lakshmi, the Moon, divine Apsaras, and eventually Lord Dhanvantari holding the Amrit Kalash. This event signifies the beginning of Diwali celebrations.
The Tradition of Buying Utensils and Gold on Dhanteras
Dhanvantari, regarded as the father of Ayurveda, brought the nectar of immortality in a golden pot, symbolizing health as true wealth. As a tribute, people traditionally buy gold, silver, and utensils on Dhanteras, believed to bring good fortune and protection against disease. The five-day festival of Diwali starts from Dhanteras, and households perform Ganga Jal purification, decorate with rangoli, and light lamps to welcome Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Kuber.
The Spiritual and Cultural Importance of Gold on Dhanteras
In Indian culture, gold holds a revered status, symbolizing the solar energy that sustains life. Ancient scriptures mention that creation originated from Hiranya Garbha, or the Golden Womb. Hindus view gold as a representation of the sun’s divine power. There’s a legend about a prince whose life was saved from untimely death by his bride’s clever use of golden ornaments, leading to the tradition of purchasing gold for longevity and prosperity.
In Jain traditions, Dhanteras is also known as Dhanya Teras or Dhyana Teras. It’s believed that on this day, Lord Mahavir began deep meditation (yoga), and on Diwali, he attained Nirvana. Hence, this day is celebrated as Dhanya Teras among Jain communities.
Notable Temples Dedicated to Lord Dhanvantari in India
- Nelluvai Dhanvantari Temple, Thrissur: Located in the village of Nelluvai, Thrissur district, Kerala, this temple is believed to have been consecrated by the divine Ashwini Kumaras, the twin gods of medicine. It is said to be over 5,000 years old and attracts doctors who seek blessings for healing powers.
- Thottuva Dhanvantari Temple, Ernakulam: Situated in Thottuva village in Ernakulam district, Kerala, this temple’s deity was installed by Lord Parashurama in the 9th century. The temple is a center for Ayurveda, where people offer Krishna Tulsi, fresh butter, and cow’s milk, as it is believed that meditating here can balance bodily doshas (Vata, Pitta, Kapha).
- Walajapet Dhanvantari Temple, Vellore: Located in Vellore, Tamil Nadu, the Sri Dhanvantari Arogya Peedam temple holds a special ceremony on Dhanteras with a unique herbal havan (fire ritual) to bless worshippers with good health. Since its establishment in 2004, this temple has held havans with medicinal ingredients like amla, lotus, and red chilies.
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