History and Significance of Dhanteras in Hindu Culture

Dhanteras are also called Dhanatrayodashi. It marks the first day of Diwali, which is the thirteenth day of Krishna Paksha on the lunar calendar in the Hindu month of Ashwin. The word “Dhanteras” is derived from two Sanskrit words: “Dhan” meaning wealth and “Teras” meaning the thirteenth day. Hinduism represents wealth, health and well-being and has deep cultural and religious importance.

historical and mythological background

Dhanteras are steeped in mythology and are primarily associated with Samudra Manthan or the churning of the ocean. This is considered one of the most important events in Hindu cosmology. According to accounts of cosmic events, Goddess Lakshmi emerged from the ocean with a pot of gold symbolizing wealth and prosperity.

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She is accompanied by Lord Kuber, the god of wealth, and Lord Dhanvantali, considered the god of Ayurveda and health. Dhanvantari is said to have appeared with a bottle of nectar and spread the knowledge of Ayurveda throughout the world.

Another well-known myth about Dantras revolves around the theme of the prince being killed by a snake on the fourth day after his marriage. He was saved by his clever wife, who filled her room with gold and silver coins and hundreds of lamps to confuse King Yama, the god of death.

This clever move prevented Yama from reaching their room and the prince survived. This story deals with love, cleverness and protection.

cultural relevance

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On the day of Dhanteras, besides worship services, people take part in other cultural activities:

Worship Rituals: According to tradition, on this day in the evening, families begin performing Lakshmi Puja by lighting diya lamps to invite Goddess Lakshmi into the home. The puja requires the following offerings; sweets and flowers.

Auspicious Purchases: Purchasing new items in Dhanteras, especially gold, silver, jewelery and utensils is considered very auspicious. This act is believed to bring prosperity to the family.

Home Decor: The house is thoroughly cleaned and decorated with colorful rangoli patterns to create an ambience that welcomes divine blessings. Lighting the dias symbolizes the victory of light over darkness.

celebration

There are several traditional ways to celebrate Dhanteras:

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Home Cleaning and Decoration: The day before, families clean their homes to ward off evil spirits. The entrance is decorated with brightly colored rangoli.

Light up Dias: Lighting up Dias represents hope. They light wicks throughout the night and pray to Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth, and Yama, the god of death.

Family Gathering: All family members gather together during Dhanteras to share gifts and food and pray together for good luck.

Dhanteras is a very important festival in Hindu culture as it is associated with wishes for wealth, health and happiness. This festival not only marks the beginning of Diwali but also strengthens the bond between families through shared rituals and festivals.

Worship of deities believed to be associated with prosperity and health will require blessings that will reverberate throughout their lives. Therefore, cultural practices and mythological stories make Dhanteras a very meaningful festival in the Hindu tradition.

Also Read | Dhanteras: First Day of Diwali Celebrations Also Read | Five Days of Diwali: What Each Day Means, Check Here!

Source: https://dinhtienhoang.edu.vn
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