The festival of lights begins today with Dhanteras, marking the start of the five-day Diwali celebrations. Shopping will continue throughout the day, with six auspicious muhurats (times) for purchasing gold, silver, utensils, and other festive essentials.
In the evening, devotees will worship Lord Dhanvantari, the divine physician and god of Ayurveda, along with Kubera (the god of wealth) and Goddess Lakshmi. Afterwards, a lamp (Yam Deepak) will be lit outside the house in the southern direction to honor Yamraj, the god of death. According to the Skanda Purana, lighting this lamp is believed to protect one from premature death.
Health Is the True Wealth — The Worship of Dhanvantari
Though Dhanteras is popularly associated with wealth and prosperity, its deeper meaning celebrates health as the greatest form of wealth. According to the Vishnu Purana, a healthy body is considered the truest form of prosperity, for material riches hold little joy without good health.
Lord Dhanvantari, regarded as the god of Ayurveda, emerged from the churning of the ocean (Samudra Manthan) on the day of Trayodashi—carrying a pot of nectar (amrit) and divine medicines. Hence, he is worshipped on Dhanteras for health, healing, and longevity.
In the Puranas, Dhanvantari is also revered as an incarnation of Lord Vishnu, who bestowed the knowledge of Ayurveda and the nectar of immortality upon the world.
Why Buying Gold and Utensils Became a Tradition
Gold holds a sacred place in Indian culture and spirituality. The Hiranyagarbha Sukta of the Rigveda mentions that creation began from the womb of Hiranyagarbha, meaning “golden womb.” Gold, therefore, is seen as a symbol of the Sun, the source of energy and life in the universe.
A popular legend also connects gold with protection from death. It is said that when a prince named Hem was fated to die four days after his marriage, his devoted wife created a wall of gold ornaments and lamps to block Yamraj’s path. Moved by her devotion, Yama spared the prince’s life. Since then, buying gold on Dhanteras is considered auspicious and protective.
Dhanteras in Jain Tradition
In Jainism, Dhanteras is observed as Dhanya Teras or Dhyan Teras. On this day, Lord Mahavira began deep meditation (sadhana) leading to his attainment of nirvana on Diwali. Hence, the day is celebrated as one of introspection, meditation, and spiritual wealth in Jain tradition.
Dhanteras, therefore, is not only about glittering gold and festive shopping — it is a celebration of health, prosperity, and spiritual well-being, reminding everyone that true wealth lies in both the body and the soul.