The sacred festival of Dhanteras marks the auspicious beginning of the five-day Diwali celebration in Hinduism. It is observed on the thirteenth day (Trayodashi Tithi) of the Krishna Paksha in the month of Kartik. The festival is considered a symbol of wealth, prosperity, health, and good fortune. In 2025, Dhanteras will be celebrated on Saturday, October 18. Let’s explore in detail why Dhanteras is celebrated and the mythological stories behind it.
Meaning and Significance of Dhanteras
The word Dhanteras is derived from two Sanskrit words — ‘Dhan’ meaning wealth and prosperity, and ‘Teras’ referring to the thirteenth day. This festival is not merely a celebration of material wealth, but also of health, happiness, and spiritual prosperity. On this day, devotees worship Goddess Lakshmi, Lord Dhanvantari, Lord Kubera, and Lord Yama.
Purchases made on Dhanteras are considered highly auspicious. It is believed that wealth acquired on this day increases 13 times. Hence, people buy gold, silver, utensils, vehicles, and other valuable items.
Mythological Stories Associated with Dhanteras
The Story of Samudra Manthan and Lord Dhanvantari’s Emergence
The most well-known legend of Dhanteras is linked to the Samudra Manthan (churning of the ocean). According to Hindu scriptures, the gods and demons together churned the ocean in search of the divine nectar of immortality (amrit). During this process, many celestial treasures surfaced from the ocean.
On the Trayodashi Tithi of the Kartik Krishna Paksha, Lord Dhanvantari emerged from the ocean carrying a pot of nectar (Amrit Kalash). Lord Dhanvantari is regarded as the God of Ayurveda and symbolizes health and longevity. Hence, Dhanteras is also observed as Dhanvantari Jayanti.
During the same churning, Goddess Lakshmi also emerged from the ocean, bringing divine wealth and prosperity to the universe. This is why her worship holds special importance on Dhanteras.
Story of King Hima’s Son
Another popular legend is about King Hima and his 16-year-old son. Astrologers predicted that the prince would die of a snake bite on the fourth day after his marriage. To protect him, his newlywed wife came up with a clever plan. She piled up gold, silver jewelry, and coins at the entrance of the bedroom and lit numerous lamps (diyas) all around.
She kept her husband awake through the night by singing songs. When Lord Yama, in the form of a serpent, came to take the prince’s life, he was dazzled by the brightness of the lamps and jewels. Unable to enter, he returned the next morning. Thus, the Yama Deepdaan tradition began, where lamps are lit for Lord Yama to protect against untimely death.
Story of Goddess Lakshmi and the Poor Farmer
Another story tells that one day Goddess Lakshmi wished to visit Earth with Lord Vishnu. Vishnu agreed but cautioned her not to look toward the south direction. However, she became fascinated by mustard flowers and sugarcane fields and moved southward. Angered by her disobedience, Lord Vishnu ordered her to serve a poor farmer for 12 years.
Because of her presence, the farmer became prosperous overnight. When Vishnu came to take her back, the farmer refused to let her go. Laxmi then revealed her true form and promised to visit his house every year on Kartik Krishna Trayodashi. Since then, people clean and decorate their homes and light lamps on Dhanteras to welcome her.
Dhanteras 2025 Date and Shubh Muhurat
- Date: Saturday, October 18, 2025
- Trayodashi Tithi: Begins on October 18, 12:18 PM and ends on October 19, 1:51 PM
Dhanteras Puja Muhurat 2025:
- Puja Time: 7:16 PM to 8:20 PM (Duration: 1 hour 4 minutes)
- Pradosh Kaal: 5:48 PM to 8:19 PM
- Vrishabha Kaal: 7:16 PM to 9:11 PM
Since Dhanteras falls on a Saturday in 2025, the combination of Shani Pradosh Vrat makes the day even more auspicious.
Dhanteras Puja Vidhi (Method of Worship)
Morning Preparations:
- Take a bath and clean the house thoroughly.
- Decorate the entrance and altar with rangoli and flowers.
- Hang decorative torans at the door.
Puja Arrangements:
- Place a red or yellow cloth on a wooden stool.
- Install a Kalash filled with Gangajal.
- Place idols or pictures of Maa Lakshmi, Lord Ganesha, Lord Kubera, and Lord Dhanvantari.
Evening Puja:
- Light a ghee lamp during Pradosh Kaal.
- Light 13 earthen diyas representing the Trayodashi Tithi.
- Offer kumkum, rice, sandalwood, and flowers to the deities.
- Offer incense, sweets, fruits, and prasadam.
- Chant "Om Shreem Mahalakshmyai Namah".
- Perform Aarti and distribute prasad.
Yama Deepdaan:
- Light a special lamp in the south direction for Lord Yama in the evening.
- It dispels the fear of untimely death.
Dhanteras Puja Materials
- Idols/pictures of Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Ganesha
- Wooden stool and red cloth
- 13 earthen lamps and cotton wicks
- Gangajal and Kalash
- Ghee and mustard oil
- Roli, kumkum, turmeric, sandalwood
- Rice, betel nuts, threads
- Flowers and garlands
- Incense, camphor
- Puffed rice, sweets
- New utensils, broom, coriander seeds
- Coins and offerings
- Fruits and Panchamrit
What to Buy on Dhanteras
- Gold and Silver: Jewelry, coins, and bars are the most auspicious.
- Utensils: Copper, brass, silver, and steel utensils bring prosperity.
- Idols of Lakshmi and Ganesha: Best bought in metal or clay.
- Broom: Symbol of Goddess Lakshmi, believed to remove poverty and negativity.
- Gomati Chakra: A sacred shell that brings success and protection.
- Electronics and Vehicles: Modern additions to Dhanteras purchases.
- Coriander Seeds: Represent growth in business and wealth.
What Not to Buy on Dhanteras
- Glassware (symbolizes fragility)
- Sharp objects like knives and scissors
- Black-colored items
- Plastic goods
- Iron or aluminum items
Things to Remember on Dhanteras
Do’s:
- Clean and decorate your home.
- Make purchases during the auspicious period.
- Eat pure and vegetarian food.
- Donate to the needy.
- Light diyas at home.
Don’ts:
- Avoid lending or borrowing money.
- Do not give out sugar, milk, ghee, or oil in the evening.
- Avoid meat and alcohol.
- Do not give gifts in the evening (considered inauspicious).
- Avoid keeping trash or shoes outside the entrance.
Dhanteras and Its Connection to Health and Prosperity
Dhanteras teaches that true wealth lies in good health. Lord Dhanvantari, the divine physician and founder of Ayurveda, blesses devotees with long life and wellness.
Buying Ayurvedic medicines, herbal oils, and health-related items on Dhanteras is considered auspicious, symbolizing holistic prosperity — physical, mental, and spiritual.
Benefits of Celebrating Dhanteras
- Wealth and Prosperity: Buying gold and silver invites Goddess Lakshmi’s blessings.
- Good Fortune and Happiness: Ritual worship enhances positivity in the home.
- Protection from Untimely Death: Yama Deepdaan ensures safety and longevity.
- Business and Career Growth: Keeping coriander seeds promotes financial stability.
- Health and Peace: Worship of Lord Dhanvantari cures ailments and relieves stress.
Special Dhanteras Mantras
Lord Dhanvantari Mantra:
"Om Dhanvantarye Namah" — For health, healing, and peace.
Goddess Lakshmi Mantra:
"Om Shreem Mahalakshmyai Namah" — For wealth and abundance.
Lord Kubera Mantra:
"Om Shreem Hreem Kleem Shreem Kleem Vitteshwaraya Namah" — For success and financial prosperity.
Conclusion
Dhanteras is a sacred festival symbolizing wealth, health, and prosperity. It reminds us that true wealth lies beyond material possessions — in good health, peace of mind, and spiritual strength.
On October 18, 2025, celebrate Dhanteras with devotion, follow the rituals sincerely, and welcome divine blessings into your home. Illuminate lamps, decorate your space, and celebrate the festival of abundance with joy and togetherness.
Dhanteras 2025 – Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Question 1: When is Dhanteras in 2025?
Answer: Dhanteras will be observed on Saturday, October 18, 2025. The Trayodashi Tithi will begin at 12:18 PM on October 18 and end at 1:51 PM on October 19.
Question 2: What is the puja muhurat (auspicious time) for Dhanteras?
Answer: The Dhanteras puja muhurat in 2025 is from 7:16 PM to 8:20 PM, lasting about 1 hour and 4 minutes. This period covers the auspicious Pradosh Kaal and Vrishabha Kaal, regarded as the best time for worship.
Question 3: Which deities are worshipped on Dhanteras?
Answer: On Dhanteras, devotees primarily worship Goddess Lakshmi (Goddess of Wealth), Lord Dhanvantari (God of Ayurveda), Lord Kubera (God of Wealth), Lord Ganesha, and Lord Yama.
Question 4: What is considered auspicious to buy on Dhanteras?
Answer: Purchases considered auspicious on Dhanteras include gold, silver, utensils (especially copper and brass), idols of Lakshmi and Ganesha, brooms, Gomati Chakra, electronics, vehicles, and coriander seeds.
Question 5: What should not be bought on Dhanteras?
Answer: It is considered inauspicious to buy glass items, sharp objects like knives and scissors, black-colored objects, plastic goods, and items made of iron or aluminum on Dhanteras.
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