Why is Dhanteras celebrated? It is important for students to know Indian traditions

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

History and myths

According to some views, Dhanteras is the day when Goddess Lakshmi emerged from the sea during Samudra Manthan. She is considered the goddess of wealth and prosperity. The service on this day will be blessed at her home.

It commemorates Lord Dhanvantari, the god of Ayurveda, who is believed to have emerged from stirring and holds the pot of Amrita, the nectar of immortality. This connects it to the concept of health and well-being.

Importance of Goddess Lakshmi for Dhanteras

Goddess Lakshmi is one of the most important deities during the Dhanteras festival as she initiates the Diwali celebrations. On this special day, it is observed as Dhanatrayodashi to seek blessings from her to gain material wealth and prosperity for a healthy body.

mythology

• Emerging from the ocean: According to Hindu mythology, Dhanteras is a commemoration day when Goddess Lakshmi emerged from the Kshira Sagar (Sea of ​​Milk) during the Samudra Manthan (Churning of the Ocean). She carries a golden vessel that represents wealth and abundance. It is the time that brings prosperity to the world.
• Relationship with Lord Dhanvantari: The celebration also honors Lord Dhanvantari, who is said to have created Lakshmi with the glass of Amrita, the elixir of immortality. It is not just about material wealth, but also about health and well-being, as both deities are worshiped for their contribution to the quality of life.

Cultural traditions

• Lakshmi Puja: On the first evening of Dhanteras, families perform a Lakshmi puja where sweets and flowers are offered to the goddess. Your house will be greeted with diyas. The rite invokes the blessings of the goddess for a steady inflow of money throughout the year.
• Promising acquisitions: The day marks a very auspicious purchase of gold, silver and new utensils. Dhanteras is considered to bring good luck and increases its value through acquisition. Dhanteras thus highlights another association of Lakshmi with wealth.
• Home decoration: Houses are cleaned and rangoli designs and lights give a warm welcome to Goddess Lakshmi. Small footprints made of flour paste mark arrival at the front door.

Symbolism of wealth and prosperity

The importance of Goddess Lakshmi on Dhanteras goes beyond the simple rituals; It is the symbol of the 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 come with it. Against this background, in honor of Lakshmi, devotees strive not only for material wealth but also for spiritual abundance and harmony in their homes.

Lord Kubera is an important figure in the celebrations of Dhanteras, which is primarily associated with wealth and prosperity. Here is how Kubera is associated with this auspicious festival:

Role of Lord Kubera on Dhanteras

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

Symbol of Prosperity: On Dhanteras, devotees pray to Kubera along with Goddess Lakshmi. Lakshmi represents spiritual and material wealth while Kubera is the epitome of wise use of this wealth. This duality of values ​​emphasizes not only the accumulation of wealth, but also the responsible use of it.

Rituals and Offerings: A family is seen indulging during Dhantera rituals. Lighting diyas or oil lamps, making offerings to Kubera and believing are common rituals. This brings with it all its blessings for financial stability throughout the year.

Relationship with other gods: Observance of Kubera worship on Dhanteras fits well with the rituals observed for the god of health, Lord Dhanvantari, and Goddess Lakshmi. Together, these gods embody a comprehensive health concept that embodies health, prosperity and wealth.

Cultural significance: Behind the ritual tradition of purchasing some new items on Dhanteras is the philosophy that these purchases will bring good luck. This indeed speaks to the cultural importance placed on wealth management, with Kubera often acting as a guiding light behind such practices.

The importance of wealth in Hindu culture is evident both in Lord Kubera on Dhanteras and through ethical practices in obtaining and using it. His worship was crucial to the festival's themes of prosperity and abundance.