Dhanteras, also known as Dhanatrayodashi or Dhanvantari Trayodashi, marks the beginning of the five-day Diwali festival. Celebrated on the thirteenth lunar day (Trayodashi) of Krishna Paksha in the Hindu month of Kartik, the festival is widely associated with prosperity, wealth and new beginnings. While buying gold, silver and utensils has become a prominent part of its celebrations, Dhanteras carries a deeper significance rooted in Hindu mythology, particularly its association with Lord Dhanvantari, the divine physician and the revered deity of Ayurveda.
The word Dhanteras is derived from two Sanskrit terms: ‘Dhan’, meaning wealth, and ‘Teras’, referring to the thirteenth day. Although the name is closely associated with material prosperity, the festival also draws attention to a form of wealth that is often overlooked: good health. Its connection with Lord Dhanvantari reminds devotees that prosperity is incomplete without physical well-being and a healthy life.
According to Hindu mythology, the story of Dhanteras is closely linked to Samudra Manthan, the cosmic churning of the ocean of milk by the Devas and Asuras. As described in the Shrimad Bhagavata Mahapurana, the two groups joined forces in their quest for Amrita, the nectar of immortality. They used Mount Mandara as the churning rod and Vasuki, the serpent king, as the rope. The churning of the ocean brought forth several divine treasures and celestial beings, culminating in the emergence of Lord Dhanvantari.
Lord Dhanvantari appeared carrying a vessel filled with Amrita. Regarded as an incarnation of Lord Vishnu and the divine physician of the gods, he is revered as the source of Ayurvedic knowledge and the science of healing. The Shrimad Bhagavata Mahapurana, in Canto 8, Chapter 8, particularly verses 31–35, describes his emergence and identifies him as a knower of Ayurveda. His appearance is central to the religious significance of Dhanteras and its association with health, healing and longevity.
Lord Dhanvantari is worshipped as the presiding deity of Ayurveda, India’s traditional system of medicine, which emphasises the balance of the body, mind and overall well-being. His emergence with the nectar of immortality symbolises the importance of health and the pursuit of a long and healthy life. Dhanteras is also observed as Dhanvantari Jayanti, honouring his contribution to the tradition of Ayurveda and the knowledge of healing.
Alongside Lord Dhanvantari, devotees worship Goddess Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth and prosperity, and Lord Kubera, the treasurer of the gods. Special prayers are offered in the evening to seek financial stability, abundance and good fortune. The lighting of diyas, decoration of homes with rangoli and the placement of lamps at entrances are among the customary practices associated with the occasion. In several Hindu traditions, an oil lamp is also lit outside the home as Yama Deepdan, a ritual dedicated to Yama, the god of death, seeking protection from untimely death.
Another widely followed tradition is purchasing gold, silver, new utensils and other valuable items on Dhanteras. These purchases are considered auspicious and are believed to symbolise good fortune, growth and prosperity. Homes are cleaned and decorated to welcome Goddess Lakshmi, while families prepare for the celebrations of Diwali. Although material prosperity remains an important part of the festival, the worship of Lord Dhanvantari adds a significant dimension to its observance.
In contemporary times, Dhanteras is often recognised through the purchase of precious metals and the celebration of material wealth. However, its association with Lord Dhanvantari offers a reminder that wealth extends beyond possessions and financial achievements. Good health enables individuals to enjoy their accomplishments, nurture relationships and experience life fully.
As families celebrate Dhanteras and pray for prosperity, the festival also invites reflection on the importance of health and well-being. The story of Lord Dhanvantari emerging from the cosmic ocean is a reminder that health is among life’s most valuable blessings.
Ultimately, Dhanteras is not only about welcoming wealth into our homes but also about acknowledging the importance of a healthy and fulfilling life. It reminds us that while material riches can bring comfort and security, good health is what allows us to truly enjoy them.