Dhanteras / Dhanatrayodashi.

Wishing All My Frds. Here A Very Benevolent And Prosperous Dhanteras / Dhanatrayodashi …Dhanteras is a Hindu festival that is celebrated all over the country a day or two before the auspicious day of Diwali. This festival is also known as Dhantrayodashi, a day that holds great significance for hindus as it marks the beginning of Diwali the festival of lights. On this auspicious day Goddess Laxmi the Goddess of Wealth along with Lord Kuber the God of wealth are worshiped along with Lord Dhanwantari, the Lord of Ayurvedic Medicine. 

The festival, known as “Dhanteras”. "Dhanatrayodashi" or "Dhanvantari Trayodashi" means “Dhana’ that is wealth and “Teras” refers to Trayodashi meaning the 13th day in the moon cycle as per Hindu calendar. The day falls on 13th day of Ashwini Masa, Krishna Paksha of Hindu Calender and that is how the name is derived. 

It is believed that on this day Goddess Lakshmi emerged from the ocean bringing along with her all the treasures of the world along with Lord Kuber during the churning of the ocean known in the puranas as “Samudra Mantan”. During the same churning even Lord Dhanavantri is believed to have emerged bringing along with him the Ayurveda formulas of medical care. On this day Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Kuber, who according to Hindus are the treasurer of the world, are worshiped by the devotees. They pray for prosperity, success, wealth and well being of their loved ones. On the auspicious day of “Dhanteras”, Hindus consider it auspicious to purchase gold or silver articles, or at least one or two utensils. It is believed that new “Dhan” or some form of precious metal is a sign of good luck. “Laxmi Pooja” is performed in the evenings when tiny diya’s of clay are lit to drive away the shadows of evil spirits. 

Lord Dhanwantari is regarded as the Lord of Ayurvedic medicine (Ayurveda), since he was the first divine incarnation of Lord Vishnu to impart its wisdom amongst humans, so he is also known as the father of Ayurveda. Dhanvantari is an avatar of Lord Vishnu in Hinduism. He first appeared during the great churning of the cosmic ocean of milk (Samudra manthan) to deliver Amrit (ambrosia, or Divine nectar) to the demigods. The churning of the ocean of milk is a famous episode in the Puranas that represents the spiritual endeavor of a person to achieve Self-realization through concentration of mind, withdrawal of the senses, control of all desires, austerities, and asceticism. It is celebrated in India every twelve years in the holy festival known as Kumbha Mela.

Lord Dhanwantari appears in the Vedas and Puranas as the physician of the gods (devas), and the god of Ayurveda. Even today, two days before Diwali, the Festival of Lights, the day of his appearance is celebrated by worshiping him. At dusk, a lamp pointing toward North by North-East is lit at the doorstep of the house to welcome Lord Dhanvantari for health and happiness in life. This day is known as Dhanteras. Lord Dhanvantari destroys negativity and blesses his devotees with good health.

Once again Wishing all my friends “A Very Happy and Prosperous Dhanteras" … May Goddess Mahalakshmi, Lord Kuber and Lord Dhanawantari Bless all of us with Good Health, Wealth and Prosperity … Happy Deepavali, Enjoy with family and friends and Stay Blessed. Also Remember to a help the environment by celebrating a pollution free Diwali …..

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** Disclaimer : Pictures and Story : Just a short story Compiled by me from various net sources and friends to the best of my knowledge. May differ from actual facts which is not intentional.