"Dhanteras" comes from the Sanskrit words "dhan" (meaning wealth) and "teras" (meaning thirteenth), as the festival is celebrated on the 13th day of the Hindu lunar month of Ashwin. Also known as Dhanatrayodashi or Dhanvantari Trayodashi.
Originating from ancient Hindu scripts, the first day of the
5 day Diwali festiva, marks the start of the festivities, with rituals
dedicated to wealth and health. People often purchase new utensils, gold, or
silver on this day. The occasion is observed on the 13th day of Karthik month,
symbolizing health and prosperity. It commemorates the emergence of Lord
Dhanvantari ( the god of Ayurveda and health) from the Samudra Manthan
(churning of the cosmic ocean) with the Amrit (nectar of immortality), and the
arrival of Goddess Lakshmi. Another legend tells of a king Hima's son saved
from a prophesied (destined on the 4th day after his marriage) death by his
clever wife who used gold and lamps along with and piling gold and silver coins
at the entrance, whose blinding brilliance and distracting stories (along wtih
singing melodious songs for her husband to keep him awake.) to ward off Yama,
the god of death. Later at night, when Yama arrived in the form of a serpent to
claim Hima's son's life. However, he was mesmerized by the brilliance of the
lamps and the gold. He also felt captivated by the melodious voice of Hima's
daughter-in-law and sat there listening to her songs the whole night. Thus, he
missed the time to take the life of Hima's son, and the young prince was
spared. That is why in many parts of India people refer to Dhanteras
celebrations as "Yamadeepam" even to this day. The festival is marked
by purchasing new items, especially gold and silver, and is the first day of
the Diwali celebrations.
The Legend of Goddess Lakshmi and the Farmer: Goddess
Lakshmi convinced Lord Vishnu to take her along on his visit to the earth.
Although Lord Vishnu agreed, he placed the condition that venturing into the
southern region was forbidden. However, on reaching the earth, Goddess Lakshmi
was captivated by the beauty and aroma of the fields of sugarcane and mustard
flowers growing in the southern region. So, she broke her promise and moved in
the southern direction where she plucked the flowers and even drank the juice
of sugarcane. Angered by this, Lord Vishnu cursed the goddess to spend the next
12 years on earth serving the farmer whose fields she had ventured into.
Goddess Lakshmi accepted her punishment and over the next 12 years, she served
the farmer and helped him prosper. When Lord Vishnu came to take the goddess
back after 12 years, the farmer refused to let her go. This forced Goddess
Lakshmi to reveal her true identity to the farmer. She also promised him that
she would visit him every year on the night of Dhanteras. So, every year the
farmer cleaned his house to welcome Goddess Lakshmi, and soon other people also
started celebrating the festival.
(For legends refer to:
https://www.exoticindiaart.com/article/story-of-dhanteras/?srsltid=AfmBOoowXa1xLrendS-PGoJarHbpwgmdjCtscSMRkGddbf0tOjHmNwJ4)
Significance: The emergence of Lord Dhanvantari is a
testament to the importance of health and well-being, and people pray for good
health and longevity on this day. The arrival of Goddess Lakshmi is a blessing
of wealth and prosperity, and buying new items is seen as inviting her into the
home. Dhanteras is considered a highly auspicious day to buy gold, silver, and
household items, which are believed to bring good fortune.
Rituals and Traditions include: Purchase of Gold and Silver,
Lighting of Lamps (Diyas) to symbolize the triumph of light over darkness and
to welcome prosperity, Elaborate rangoli (floor designs) are made to bring good
luck and prosperity into the home, worship to invoke blessings of Lord
Dhanvantari and Goddess Lakshmi, and marks the beginning of 5 day Diwali
festival. Many people also buy a new broom on this day. It is a common belief
that doing so will erase all their financial difficulties and worries.
According to @Our
Iconography (https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1ZSToFC7sb/)
Iconographically, as per Viṣṇudharmottara Purāṇa,
Dhanvantari is depicted in a stark resemblance to Vishnu with 4 hands holding a
Shanka (1) Chakra (2), Jalauka (3-Herb) & a pot containing amrita (4).
Sometimes, instead of Jalauka he is shown with
Scripture or a Leech in his hand- symbolism for the historical practice of
bloodletting.
The Ayurvedic Lexicon- Dravyāvalī Samucchaya which
completely elucidates medicinal plants & their usefulness for various
diseases is attributed to Dhanvantari (500 AD).
Later in 10th CE, Dravyāvalī Samucchaya is rewritten
as Dhanvantari Nighaṇṭu by Mahendra Bhogika, son of Krishna Bhogika of
Sthaneshwara, modern #thane,
#maharashtra.
Iconography image courtesy our iconography