Diwali 2020: The Legend And Significance Of Dhanteras

Goddess Lakshmi Showers Her Blessings On Dhanteras

The festival of Diwali starts from this day. People start buying crackers, diyas, candles, clothes, jewellery, vehicles, etc. So, do you know why Dhanteras came to be celebrated and why is it an important Hindu festival? Read on to know the legend and significance of Dhanteras.

Dhanvantri Trayodashi

There are two popular legends associated with Dhanteras. Devotees believe that once Goddess Lakshmi was quite disappointed with Lord Vishnu and therefore, she left his abode and went away.

As a solution, all the Gods came together for Samundra Manthan ( to churn the waters of the ocean) which was considered to be very divine. As a result of this, various holy and spiritual things emerged from the water. It is believed that the divine Vaidya Dhanvantari (the Lord of Ayurveda) emerged from the ocean with a Kalash full of Amrit (elixir) and a book of Ayurveda in the other hand.

It was the day of Dhanteras. Hence, it is regarded as an important festival. That is why Dhanteras is also known as Dhanvantri Trayodashi.

The Legend Of Prince Hima

According to a mythological story, once there was a 16-year-old prince known as Hima. His horoscope predicted that he would die of snakebite on the fourth day of his marriage.

After attaining the age of marriage, the Prince got married. On the fourth day of his marriage, his newly wedded wife decided to play a trick. For that, she laid her down all her jewellery and coins in heaps near the door of their bedroom. She also lit lamps all over the palace. Then she started narrating stories to her husband to prevent him from falling asleep.

During mid-night Yama disguised as a serpent came into the palace and tried to slide under the door of the bedroom. But his eyes were blinded by the luster of the coins and jewellery. So, Yama could not enter the bedroom of the prince. Instead, he climbed the heap of jewellery and sat there for the entire night, listening to the stories and songs. In the morning, Yama went away.

Thus the prince was saved from the clutches of death. Hence, the day came to be celebrated as Dhanteras.

Significance Of Dhanteras

While offering prayers to Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Kubera is the primary event of the day, their blessings are considered necessary for the growth of business and success in one's life.

Dhanteras is an extremely significant day for the business community. New account books are bought on this day and placed before Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Kubera to get their blessings. People also start their new businesses on Dhanteras. It is believed that this day is auspicious to start a business and the business becomes more profitable.

Devotees believe that if a girl child is born on Dhanteras, then this can bring good fortune for the family. She is believed to be the incarnation or the representative of Goddess Lakshmi. It is said that she invites wealth and prosperity in the house.

Well, there are many folk stories related to Dhanteras. It is the faith and belief of people that make this festival quite popular.

We hope you have a great time celebrating this festival.

Happy Dhanteras!