Dhanteras is an auspicious occasion when people buy things like gold, silver, and brooms to attract prosperity into their homes and receive the eternal blessings of Maa Lakshmi.
But do you know the fascinating facts behind this sparkling festivity? Most of us celebrate the festival with utter joy and devotion; However, some are unaware of the history, mythological significance, and origin of the same.
Let’s peel up the information about it here in this blog and discover the most surprising things about this festival, which might make you feel awestruck.
Have a glance:
1. Dhanteras is beyond just buying gold
People think that Dhanteras means investing money in gold or silver, but it’s not just so; rather, it means doing things that attract prosperity, wealth, and knowledge. It means attracting abundance in all forms.
2. Dhanteras marks the arrival of Diwali
People take Dhanteras as a shopping day one day before Diwali, but it’s the first day of the five days of Diwali and sets the spiritual atmosphere for it.
People clean their homes and prepare to illuminate them with holy lights to seek Diwali blessings from Maa Lakshmi and Kubera.
3. The best day to start any business
For the new business aspirants, they must brace themselves if they want to start off any business affair. It’s the best day to kick-start any business or undertake entrepreneurship.
‘Chopda Pujan’ is one ritual performed on this day among the Gujarati and Marwari communities. Chopda means “ledger" or “account book” in Gujarati.
Business owners perform a ceremonial puja of their books of accounts on this day so that their business might bring them prosperity and wealth.
4. Cows were worshipped on this day during Vedic times
Cows are associated with wealth, nourishment, health, and divinity. Due to this, cows were once worshipped on this day, and the tradition was named Gau Pujan, which was performed mainly in the rural parts of India.
5. The Mythological Story Behind It
It is important to know why Dhanteras is celebrated before you start preparing for it. It’s said that on this day, once upon a time, gods and demons churned the ocean for Amrit.
All of a sudden, Lord Dhanvantari, who was the physician of the Gods and also the incarnation of Lord Vishnu, appeared there with an urn in his hand, holding the Amrita, and since then, the day has been named as Dhanteeras after him.
6. Ancient Day To Ward off Yama
In some parts of India, a unique ritual called Yamadeepdan is observed, which means “Deep Dan.” A lamp is lit overnight at the entrance facing south, along with some coins to ward off the God of death, Lord Yama, on this day. These lamps are lit all through the night, and prayers are offered to ward off evil and death.
7. The Farmer’s Tale
Once, Lord Vishnu and Maa Lakshmi visited the earth. Goddess Lakshmi disobeyed Lord Vishnu and started enjoying the earthly temptations.
She visited a farmer’s field, and there she drank the sugarcane juice. As penance, Lord Vishnu asked her to spend twelve years as a laborer in that farmer’s field.
The farmer felt happy and got prosperous this way. After twelve years had passed, Maa Lakshmi had to go, but the farmer didn’t want her to.
So, Maa Lakshmi asked the farmer to clean the house and light a lamp for her on that day and perform Lakshmi Puja.
That was the day of Dhanteras. Lakshmi Puja should be done in Pardosh Kaal, which means 40 minutes after sunset.
8. The Reason behind buying utensils
Buying utensils is more than just a ritual on this day. It means that if you are buying a new utensil for your kitchen, you are inviting Maa Lakshmi, who is the Goddess of wealth.
In addition, new items in the houses symbolize fresh energy and readiness to seek abundance.
9. Silver is preferred over gold
While Gold invites abundance, silver is considered purer in traditional terms. We often see that the silver coins are engraved with the Maa Lakshmi and Lord Ganesha idols, which every household prefers to purchase on this day. Some also buy the Shri Lakshmi Kubera Yantra on this day to attract prosperity.
10. Dhanteras is also about health
While Dhan means wealth, one must not forget the real story and significance behind this festivity. When Lord Vishnu appeared as Dhanvantari at the churning of the oceans, he brought Amrita in an urn with him.
It was the pot of Amrita that was meant to achieve immortality, as well as sound well-being. So, performing puja and spending the day with utter devotion can also benefit physical and mental health.
Final Thoughts
Hence, we must consider that Dhanteras is not just the time for a shopping spree, but it’s a deep-rooted tradition for inviting divine energy, abundance, and prosperity into homes.
So, light a lamp of spiritual wisdom and enrichness in your home, with which you would be blessed with the eternal love of Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Vishnu.
May your Dhanteras be filled with love, light, and lots of happiness!
Happy Dhanteras!
For more such spiritual knowledge and wisdom, don’t hesitate to connect with our experts at pandit.com. Our each bit of fact and information is guided by our honorable and world’s most famous celebrity Astrologist, Pt. Rahul Kaushl. For expert consultation, give us a call!
