Dhanteras: Significance and list of auspicious items to buy

Dhanteras marks the beginning of the Deepawali festival and it is considered the first day of the festival of lights. It is considered incredibly auspicious to buy gold, silver, and other precious metals on Dhanteras. Special puja and rituals are observed by various communities across the country on this day.

Dhanteras is known to bring wealth and prosperity to people’s life. It is one of the important days among various Indians because it is the first of the five days that mark the celebration of our most popular festival, Diwali. Also known as Dhanatrayodashi, it is followed by Chaturdashi, Diwali, and Govardhan Puja, and then ends with Bhai Dooj. The word Dhanteras is a combination of two words i.e., Dhan and Teras. Dhan means wealth and Teras refers to the thirteenth lunar day of Krishna Paksha or the dark fortnight in the month of Ashvini as per the Hindu calendar. On this thirteenth lunar day, Dhanteras is celebrated across the country.

On this day, Lord Dhanvantari who is an avatar of Lord Vishnu and the Hindu god of medicine is worshiped. He is also known for giving knowledge of Ayurveda to human beings. The Indian Ministry of Ayurveda, Yoga, Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, and Homeopathy celebrates Dhanteras as “National Ayurveda Day”. It is said that people who worship Lord Dhanvantari on this day would remain safe from any kind of illness and health concerns.

These are the three legends surrounding Dhanteras. According to one legend, Goddess Lakshmi came out from the ocean of milk during ‘Samudra Manthan’ on Dhanteras. So, many people worship Goddess Lakshmi on this day for the success, prosperity, wealth, and well-being of their loved ones.

According to another legend, the 16-year-old son of King Hima was destined to breathe his last from a snake bite on the fourth day of his marriage as per his horoscope. On that fateful day, his newlywed wife laid out all her ornaments and lots of gold and silver coins in a heap at the entrance of her bedroom. She also lit lamps all over the place. To keep her husband from falling asleep, she narrated stories and sang songs all through the night.

When Yama, the god of Death reached the prince’s doorstep in the disguise of a snake, his eyes were bedazzled and blinded by the luminance of the lamps and the luster of the jewelry. Yama could not enter the Prince’s bedroom; he climbed on top of the heap of gold and silver coins and sat there the whole night listening to the stories and songs. The next morning, he silently went away and the young prince did not die due to the intelligence of his new bride. The day came to be celebrated as Dhanteras.

According to another legend of Samudra Manthan, sage Durvasa cursed Lord Indra, as he was too proud of his power. Due to this, Goddess Lakshmi left heaven along with other gods. Demons took advantage of this opportunity and invaded heaven and defeated Indra. After many years, Brihaspati, Indra’s teacher, went to Lord Vishnu to find a solution to Indra’s problems. Lord Vishnu suggested Samudra Manthan which was carried out by Gods (Devas) and Demons (Asuras). During Samudra Manthan, Goddess Lakshmi appeared, and Lord Dhanavantri emerged carrying a jar of the Amrit (elixir/ ambrosia).

Both the devas and the asuras wanted the Amrit but lord Vishnu managed to trick the demons and give the nectar to the gods and make them immortal. The churning of the milk ocean resulted in the immortality of the Gods and the emergence of Goddess Lakshmi.

Below is the list of auspicious items that are usually purchased on Dhanteras: 

Gold or Silver items

During Dhanteras, gold or silver-based items are heavily sought after. It is believed that if you purchase gold, silver, and other precious metals on this day, it would protect you from bad omens and negative energies.

Things made of brass and copper

People can also buy brass and copper items to attract lots of luck and fortune their way and ward off evil.

Plates and other utensils

Utensils are an integral part of Dhanteras. During this festival, it is said that people should buy utensils and always fill them with food or water. This is done so that there is no shortage of food or water in the years to come. Also, there is no poverty or negative energy in the house, and contentment and prosperity remain intact. Before purchasing utensils, one should make sure they are made of gold, silver, brass, or copper. Utensils made from iron and steel should be avoided.

Brooms

Brooms are not only auspicious items to purchase on Dhanteras but also very affordable. Buying a broom on this day is considered to ward off poverty, malaise, and other difficulties from your home.

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