Dhanteras 2024: Exploring the Relationship Between Dhanvantari Jayanti and Diwali Celebrations

Dhanteras marks the beginning of the vibrant five-day Diwali festival, celebrated with great fervor across India. This auspicious occasion, occurring on October 29 this year, is dedicated to the worship of Lord Dhanvantari , the God of health and Ayurveda, and Goddess Lakshmi , the Goddess of wealth. Let's delve into the significance of Dhanteras and its connection to Diwali's festivities.

The Essence of Dhanteras
The term "Dhanteras" combines “Dhan,” meaning wealth, and “Teras,” signifying the 13th day of the lunar month. On this day, devotees traditionally purchase precious metals like gold and silver or acquire new utensils, as these acts are believed to attract prosperity and good fortune. The festival also emphasizes the importance of lighting lamps , symbolizing the dispelling of darkness and evil, while praying for the well-being of families.

Dhanvantari Jayanti : A Celebration of Healing
Astrologer and Vastu expert Rakesh Chaturvedi from Pratap Vihar, Ghaziabad, highlights the festival's roots in the Dhanvantari Jayanti. Lord Dhanvantari, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu, is revered as the divine source of medical science. For the Vaidya community, practitioners of traditional medicine, this day holds special significance as they honor the contributions of Lord Dhanvantari to health and wellness.

Mythological Origins of Dhanteras
The origins of Dhanteras are steeped in mythology. According to ancient scriptures, during the Samudra Manthan (the churning of the ocean), Lord Dhanvantari emerged holding the Amrit Kalash, a vessel of elixir, on the Trayodashi Tithi in the Kartik month. Just two days later, Goddess Lakshmi also rose from the ocean's depths, marking the onset of Diwali, the festival of lights.

A Tale of Compassion
An interesting tale reveals the compassionate nature of Yamraj, the God of death. When questioned by his messengers about their feelings towards taking human lives, one messenger shared a poignant story. It was about a king named Hans who, while hunting, inadvertently entered the territory of another king, Hema. On that very day, King Hema’s wife gave birth to a son, who was destined to die shortly after marriage, as foretold by astrologers.

To avert this fate, King Hema isolated his son in a cave. However, fate intervened when King Hans’ daughter met the boy, and they fell in love, resulting in a Gandharva marriage. Tragically, the boy died within four days of their union. This heart-wrenching tale deeply affected the messenger, leading to a discussion with Yamraj about the inevitability of fate. Yamraj emphasized the importance of devotion and rituals on Dhanteras, stating that lighting lamps and worshiping Lord Dhanvantari and Goddess Lakshmi can help mitigate untimely deaths.

A Festival of Hope and Prosperity
Dhanteras is not just a day for material acquisition; it embodies the celebration of health, wealth, and the blessings of divine beings. As families come together to honor Lord Dhanvantari and Goddess Lakshmi, they also light lamps to invite prosperity and ward off evil. This Dhanteras, let us embrace the spirit of the festival by seeking health and happiness for ourselves and our loved ones.