Why is Dhanteras Celebrated? Importance for Students to Know Indian Traditions

Dhanteras, in common terminology, is also referred to as Dhanatrayodashi. This is considered the first day of the five-day Diwali, which occurs on the thirteenth lunar day of the Hindu month, Ashvin or Kartika. Dhanteras is an extremely important Hindu festival, associated with prosperity, good health, and wealth.

Historical and Myths

According to some views, Dhanteras is the day on which the Goddess Lakshmi emerged from the ocean during Samudra Manthan. She is believed to be the goddess of wealth and prosperity. Worship on the day gets her blessings in the home.

It commemorates Lord Dhanvantari, the god of Ayurveda, believed to have emerged from the churning holding the pot of amrita, or nectar of immortality. It thus connects with the concept of health and well-being.

Importance of Goddess Lakshmi on Dhanteras

Goddess Lakshmi is one of the most important deities during the festival of Dhanteras, as it kick-starts the Diwali celebrations. It is observed as Dhanatrayodashi on this particular day, to seek blessings from her to gain materialistic wealth and prosperity for a healthy body.

Mythology

• Emergence from the Ocean: According to Hindu mythology, Dhanteras is a day of remembrance when Goddess Lakshmi emerged from the Kshira Sagar (ocean of milk) during the Samudra Manthan (churning of the ocean). She is shown carrying a vessel of gold, which stands for wealth and plenty. It is the time that brings prosperity into the world.
• Relation with Lord Dhanvantari: The celebration also respects Lord Dhanvantari, who is said to have come up with Lakshmi carrying the jar of amrita or the elixir of immortality. Here, this relation is made not only on material riches but also health and wellness since both deities are adored for their contribution towards quality of life.

Cultural Traditions

• Lakshmi Puja: On the first evening of Dhanteras, families conduct Lakshmi Puja during which sweets and flowers are offered to the goddess. Her house is welcomed with diyas. The rite invokes the goddess' blessing for a steady inflow of funds all over the year.
• Auspicious Acquisitions: The day marks a very auspicious buying of gold, silver and new utensils. Considered to bring good fortunes and multiply in value through the acquisition, Dhanteras is reinforcing yet another association of Lakshmi with wealth.
• Home Decoration: Homes are cleaned and rangoli designs and lights create a warm welcome for Goddess Lakshmi. Little flour paste footprints mark an arrival at the doorstep.

Symbolism of richness and prosperity

The importance of Goddess Lakshmi on Dhanteras transcends the simple rituals performed; she is the symbol of ideals of wealth and prosperity that form an integral part of Hindu culture. The festival reminds people of the need for financial well-being and all the blessings that go with it. In light of this, honouring Lakshmi, the devotees seek not only material riches but also spiritual abundance and harmony within their homes.

Lord Kubera is an important figure in the celebrations of Dhanteras, which is majorly related to richness and prosperity. Here's how Kubera is associated with this auspicious festival:

Role of Lord Kubera on Dhanteras

God of Wealth: Kubera is worshiped as a god of wealth and treasure of the gods. Being associated with Dhanteras, this festival, his association fits well into it because people traditionally buy gold, silver, and other precious things to invite prosperity into their house on this day.

Symbol of Prosperity: On Dhanteras, the devotees pray to Kubera along with Goddess Lakshmi. Lakshmi represents the spiritual and material riches, while Kubera is the epitome of wise spending of that wealth. So, this duality of values underlines not just amassing wealth but responsible use as well.

Rituals and Offerings: A family is seen indulging in rituals during Dhanteras. The lighting of diyas or oil lamps, making offerings to Kubera, and the belief are common rituals. This attracts all his blessings for financial stability throughout the year.

Relationship to Other Gods: The observance of Kubera worship on Dhanteras aligns well with rituals observed for the god of health, Lord Dhanvantari, and Goddess Lakshmi. These gods together epitomize an all-round concept of health that embodies health, prosperity, and wealth.

Cultural Significance: Behind the ritualistic tradition of buying some new items on Dhanteras lies the philosophy that those purchases will have good fortune. This indeed speaks to the cultural prominence accorded to wealth management, with Kubera often as a guiding figure behind such practices.

The importance of wealth in Hindu culture is indicated both with Lord Kubera on Dhanteras as well as through such ethical practices regarding the procurement and usage of it. His worship has been very essential to themes of the festival, that is, prosperity and abundance.