DHAN TRAYODASHI
Tuesday 29 October 2024
Dr Roshan Singh – Jyotishacharya Shastri Pundit
According to the religious scriptures, during the Samudra Manthan, Lord Dhanvantari appeared with Amrit Kalash in his hands. This miraculous event took place on the Trayodashi Tithi of the Krishna Paksha in the Kartik month. Two days after the appearance of Lord Dhanvanatari, Goddess Laxmi also emerged in the ocean.
Dhanteras marks the first day of five-days-long Diwali Festival. Dhanteras Festival, also known as Dhantrayodashi or Dhanwantari Triodasi, falls on the auspicious thirteenth lunar day of Krishna Paksha in the Hindu month of Kartik (October/November). In the word Dhanteras, “Dhan” stands for wealth. On Dhanteras Mother Laxmi is worshiped to provide prosperity and well being. Hence Dhan Teras holds a lot more significance for the business community.
Dhanteras Legends
A very interesting story about Dhanteras Festival says that once the sixteen year old son of King Hima. was doomed to die by a snake-bite on the fourth day of his marriage as per his horoscope. On that particular fourth day of his marriage his young wife did not allow him to sleep. She laid all the ornaments and lots of gold and silver coins in a big heap at the entrance of her husband’s boudoir and lighted innumerable lamps all over the place. And she went on telling stories and singing songs.
When Yama, the god of Death arrived there in the guise of a Serpent his eyes got blinded by that dazzle of those brilliant lights and he could not enter the Prince’s chamber. So he climbed on top of the heap of the ornaments and coins and sat there whole night listening to the melodious songs. In the morning he quietly went away. Thus the young wife saved her husband from the clutches of death. Since then this day of Dhanteras came to be known as the day of “Yamadeepdaan” and lamps are kept burning throughout the night in reverential adoration to Yam, the god of Death.
According to another popular legend, when the gods and demons churned the ocean for Amrit or nectar, Dhanavantri (the physician of the gods and an incarnation of Lord Vishnu) emerged carrying a jar of the elixir on the day of Dhanteras. This is the primary and most important reason by Dhan Trayodashi is observed when one prays to Bhagavan Dhanvantari for healing and good health.
Dhanteras Preparations
To mark the auspicious day, houses and business premises are renovated and decorated. Entrances are made colorful with lovely traditional motifs of Rangoli designs to welcome the Goddess of Wealth and Prosperity. To indicate her long-awaited arrival, small footprints are drawn with rice flour and vermilion powder all over the houses. Lamps are kept burning all through the nights.
Dhanteras Traditions
Laxmi-Puja is performed in the evenings when tiny Diyas of clay are light to drive away the shadows of evil spirits. “Bhajans”-devotional songs- in praise of Laxmi Devi are also sung.
Dhan Trayodashi and Healing
Dhanteras or Dhantrayodashi is observed two days before Diwali. The day is dedicated to Bhagavan Sri Dhanvantari, the Lord of Ayurveda, the physician who can heal one of any ailment. It is on this day that one consults with or makes contact with his Vaidh or Jyotish Astrologer to assist one with astromedical healing and cures. The term Vaidh comes from two words namely Vai = Vedic or that which comes from the holy Vedas and Dh = referring to Bhagavan Sri Dhanvantari.
Some persons on this planet are blessed from birth through past karma to be born as Vaidh or healers. They are able to practise the 3 divine sciences namely, Astrology, Vaastu and Ayurveda with such perfection and precision that they are able to change the lives of everyone that associates with them. A Vaidh possesses indept knowledge of these sciences, is able to practise them and heal society at large. One such person in our country is Pundit Roshan Singh.
Lakshmi Puja
Lakshmi Puja in the evening is an important ritual on the day. There is no straightforward answer to what to do on Dhan Teras or how to observe Dhanteras, as the rituals and celebrations vary from region to region. Here is a general idea of what people do on Dhanteras.
Diwali Shopping is Completed
Dhanteras is observed differently by different communities. It is considered to be highly auspicious day to do new purchases and investment. Most people complete the Diwali shopping on the day. The first lamps of Diwali are lit on this day. People hang up paper lanterns with festoons and sends out the message of the arrival of Diwali.
Get-Together of All Family Members
Dhanteras is not all about material wealth it is also a time to develop spiritual wealth and family bonding. All family members arrive at ancestral home on the day. Grand Parents and Parents wait for the day as sons, daughters and grand children arrive from distant places. Just see how glorious the ancient Sanathan Vedic Dharma culture is, as every fast, feast and festival stands for the unity of bonding children with their elders, respect shown towards aunts and uncles creating a family unit that loves, cares and supports one another. This love and care is extended to those of the extended family, friends and neighbours. It is with this in mind that festivals are celebrated in villages and towns when Love of God is put into focus. This mood should be once again kindled in order to make our festivals meaningful so as to create a better place for everyone to live together in harmony and cordiality. It is only then that we will be able to make every country of the world a better place for all to live together in love and harmony. Without this in mind one will never find happiness in this troubled world where each person is for himself.
Water in Copper Kalash with Tulsi Leaves
People fill a copper kalash, or small pot, with water. Tulsi leaves are immersed in it. The water is given to family members and those present in the morning and evening puja. This not only purifies them but they are able to obtain the mercy and blessings of Tulsi Maharani the pure devotee of Krsna.
Welcoming Goddess Lakshmi
Maha Lakshmi Devi is welcomed into the house on Dhanteras in the evening. Rangoli is drawn on doorways and tiny footprints of Sri Lakshmi Devi are drawn in vermilion to symbolize her arrival. Devotional songs dedicated to Sri Maha Lakshmi Devi are sung in the evening. Sweets are offered to the Divine Mother. The prashad that pleases her most is Halwa sweetened with Jul or Kheer.
Sri Lakshmi Puja for Three Days
Sri Lakshmi Puja is performed for three days – Dhanteras, Choti Diwali and Diwali. On the first day, Dhanteras day, all family members especially men and women bathe after applying fragrance, medicinal herbs or preparation and fragrant oils. The Murti or painting or picture of Sri Lakshmi Devi is washed with water or wiped if not possible and worshipped for three days commencing from Dhanteras. The pooja room is cleaned and well decorated with festoons and or coloured lights. One should do ones best to welcome and celebrate the arrival of Ma Lakshmi in one’s home.
Earthern Diyas in the Evening
Earthern diyas are lit on Dhanteras day in the evening to banish the evil spirits.
Coriander seeds and Jaggery
Lightly pounded dry coriander seeds with jaggery is offered as Prasad to Lakshmi Narayana Bhagavan during puja on the day. It is then distributed to family members, neighbours and friends. This practise ensures that whatever is offered to Bhagavan Sri Lakshmi Narayan becomes Maha Prashad (mercy) and if taken by anybody they can be assured of having peace, happiness and prosperity in their homes.
Worship of Domestic Animals
Cows are worshipped on this day. They are given a bathe. Fresh food items are provided. It is believed that cows usher in prosperity as they are very dear to Lord Krsna. It is for this reason that the Lord is called Gopal. One who cares for and loves the cows.
A Rare Fasting For Ancestors
Some people wake up early in the morning, take bathe, and wear new clothes. Fasting is observed from sunrise to sunset and is broken after lighting an earthen-lamp in front of the door of the house. They pray for the souls of their ancestors to be delivered back home, back to Godhead.
Floating of Lamps
Deepdaan is an important ritual observed on Dhanteras day in many regions in India but not practised by the people of South Africa. Lamps are lit in the name of all family members and ancestors and they are floated in a river or pond. A great festival is held at the holy Ganga at the main ghat on this day. This is attended by thousands of people from all over the world.
Yamdeepdan
Dhanteras is also observed as Yamadeepdaan by many communities. It is lighting of 13 lamps dedicated to Lord Yama – the Lord of death.
Dhanvantri Puja
The day is also dedicated to Dhanavantri, the divine physician, and therefore special Dhanvantari Puja is held on this day. A special pooja will be conducted by Jyotishacharya Shastri Pundit Roshan Singh (Jyotish Astrologer / Ayurvedic Health Care Practitioner / Vaastu Practitioner) on this day.
Preparation of Panchamrit
It is a mixture of honey, sugar, ghee, yogurt and milk. These items are used to bathe the deity of Lakshmi Narayana and is consumed and shared after offering to their Lordships. After it touches the feet of the Lord it becomes Charanamit. Charan = feet Amrit = necture. One who partakes of Charanamit is assured to pave his way back home, back to Godhead.
Sweets
Sweets made from suji like sheera or halwa are offered to the Lord with almonds and other nuts. One may also make sweet preparation of banana or carrots for example gajar halwa.
