Have you ever wondered why Dhanteras comes before Diwali? This special day is more than shopping or decorating. It is about health, prosperity, and protection. Dhanteras reminds us that true wealth lies in life, well-being, and virtue, not just gold or silver.
From the cosmic Samudra Manthan, where Lord Dhanvantari appeared with the nectar of life, to stories of devotion, cleverness, and humility, Dhanteras celebrates wisdom, care, and righteousness. The lamps we light invite blessings, love, and positive energy into our homes.
On Dhanteras, homes shine brighter not just with lights, but with faith, gratitude, and devotion. It is a day to honor health, prosperity, and kindness, which are the true treasures that make life rich and joyful but before celebrating Dhanteras 2025, let’s first explore the stories behind this festival and understand why Dhanteras is celebrated and what it truly signifies.
The Samudra Manthan – Birth of Health and Wealth
One of the most famous stories behind Dhanteras is the Samudra Manthan, or the churning of the cosmic ocean. Long ago, the Devas (gods) and Asuras (demons) worked together under Lord Vishnu’s guidance to churn the Kshira Sagar, the ocean of milk, to get Amrita, the nectar of immortality.
From this great churning, many divine treasures and beings appeared. On the thirteenth day of Kartik Krishna Paksha, Lord Dhanvantari, the divine doctor, rose from the ocean holding a pot of Amrita. He also carried the knowledge of Ayurveda, the science of life, health, and balance. This moment shows why Dhanteras is connected to health, reminding us that life and well-being are the first forms of true wealth.
At the same time, Goddess Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth, also appeared from the ocean carrying a vessel of gold. Her presence represents abundance and prosperity. Together, these events gave Dhanteras its special meaning — a day to honor both health and wealth, and to seek blessings for a life full of vitality, prosperity and balance.
According to the Skanda Purana, this divine emergence is the reason Dhanteras is celebrated with such devotion.
Also Read: How Nandi Saved Shiva from Halahala During Samudra Manthan?
The Story of King Hima’s Son
Another important story of Dhanteras is about a young prince, the son of King Hima, whose horoscope predicted that he would die from a snakebite on the fourth day of his marriage but his clever and devoted wife came up with a plan to save him.
She placed heaps of gold and silver coins, ornaments and treasures at the entrance of their room. She lit many lamps, filling the room with bright light, and kept her husband awake by telling stories and singing songs. When Yama, the god of death, came in the form of a snake, he was blinded by the shine of the lamps and treasure. He could not enter and perched on the heap, listening until dawn. Eventually, he left without harming the prince.
This story explains why Dhanteras is famous for lighting lamps, called Yamadeepam in some regions. It is a way to protect loved ones, invite safety, and celebrate the power of love, intelligence, and devotion alongside health and wealth.
The Vamana Avatar – The Victory of Good Over Evil
Dhanteras is also connected to Lord Vishnu’s Vamana avatar and the demon king Bali (Mahabali). Bali had become very powerful and had conquered the Earth and Heaven. He was proud of his strength, but he was also fair and kept his promises.
To teach him humility, Lord Vishnu appeared as a small Brahmin boy named Vamana. During a grand ceremony, Vamana asked King Bali for a gift. Bali, impressed by the boy’s innocence, promised to give him anything.
Vamana requested the land he could cover in three steps. Bali agreed, thinking it was a small request. In an instant, Vamana became Trivikrama Vishnu, a giant cosmic form. With his first step, he covered the Earth; with the second, the heavens. Then he asked where to place the third step.
Understanding the truth, Bali bowed and offered his head. Vishnu placed the third step there and blessed Bali for his humility, integrity, and devotion. This story shows that true wealth is in righteousness and that goodness and humility always triumph over pride and darkness.
Also Read: The Birth of Kalki: Secret Visit by Ram & Blessings from Shiva – Kalki Purana
Why Dhanteras Comes Before Diwali
Dhanteras is celebrated two days before Diwali, marking the start of the festival of lights. It is not just about shopping or decorating; the day has a deeper spiritual meaning. Just as the first light of sunrise prepares the world for the day, Dhanteras prepares our homes, hearts, and minds for the joy, devotion, and prosperity of Diwali. It is a day to cleanse both our surroundings and ourselves, creating space for health, positive energy, and abundance.
The legends of Dhanteras explain why the day is so special. Lord Dhanvantari emerged with the nectar of life, showing that health is the first wealth. King Hima’s clever wife lit lamps to protect her husband, teaching us the importance of love, wisdom, and devotion. The story of Vamana and King Bali reminds us that humility, integrity, and righteousness are treasures greater than gold. These stories connect Dhanteras to protection, vitality, and virtue, making it a meaningful start to the festival.
On Dhanteras, people light diyas to bring brightness into their homes and lives. The lamps symbolize the light of knowledge and goodness that guides us through darkness. Many also buy gold, silver, utensils, and other auspicious items to invite prosperity and blessings. By observing Dhanteras and performing the rituals, we purify our homes and hearts, set our intentions, and prepare to celebrate Diwali with joy, abundance, and gratitude. Dhanteras reminds us that true wealth comes from health, wisdom, virtue, and devotion, forming the foundation for a happy and prosperous life.
Why is Dhanteras Important?
Many people know Dhanteras as a day for buying gold or silver, but its meaning goes much deeper.
- Health is Wealth – Dhanteras centers around Lord Dhanvantari, the divine healer. The day teaches us that true prosperity begins with good health and well-being.
- Welcoming Lakshmi – Devotees pray to Maa Lakshmi and Lord Ganesha on this day, inviting abundance, peace, and wisdom into their homes.
- Protection from Negativity – The story of King Hima’s son shows why we light diyas. Diyas are believed to protect loved ones from harm and negative energies.
- New Beginnings – Buying new items or a Dhanteras Kalash symbolizes starting a year filled with prosperity and good fortune.
When is Dhanteras Celebrated in 2025?
In 2025, Dhanteras will be celebrated two days before Diwali, on the thirteenth day (Trayodashi) of Krishna Paksha in Kartik. It usually falls in late October or early November. To perform rituals at the right time, check your local panchang for the exact Dhanteras Puja time and shubh muhurat.
How is Dhanteras Celebrated
Dhanteras is celebrated across India with devotion and joy.
- Cleaning Homes: Families clean and decorate their homes with rangoli and flowers to welcome prosperity.
- Lighting Diyas: Thirteen diyas are lit, including one facing south for Lord Yama, known as Yamadeepam, to protect against untimely death.
- Shopping for Fortune: People buy gold, silver, utensils, or Dhanteras gift items, each symbolizing new beginnings.
- Dhanteras Puja: Devotees worship Lord Dhanvantari, Maa Lakshmi, and Kubera for health, wealth, and abundance.
How to Do Dhanteras Puja at Home
Performing Dhanteras Puja at home creates a peaceful and positive atmosphere.
- Cleanse and Decorate: Clean the puja area and decorate it with flowers and diyas.
- Set the Altar: Place idols or pictures of Lord Ganesha, Goddess Lakshmi, and Lord Dhanvantari.
- Prepare Puja Items: Keep a Kalash, diyas, sweets, rice, turmeric, kumkum, coins, and incense ready.
- Light the Diyas: Light thirteen diyas- one for Yama outside and the rest around the home.
- Chant Mantras:
For Dhanvantari: ‘Om Dhanvantaraye Namah’
For Lakshmi: ‘Om Shreem Hreem Shreem Mahalaxmiyai Namah’ - Offer Prayers: Offer flowers, sweets, and gratitude for health, wealth, and happiness.
What to Buy on Dhanteras
People often wonder what is the best thing to buy on Dhanteras.
- Gold and Silver: Represent wealth and purity. Buying them invites Maa Lakshmi’s blessings.
- New Utensils: Especially brass, copper, or steel, and a Dhanteras Kalash is considered very lucky.
- Broom (Jhadu): Symbolically sweeps away poverty and negativity.
- Idols of Lakshmi and Ganesha: Represent prosperity, wisdom, and protection.
Avoid buying sharp objects or glass items, as they are not considered auspicious on this day.
The True Message of Dhanteras
Beyond rituals and purchases, Dhanteras teaches that real wealth lies in health, kindness, gratitude, and peace of mind. The diyas, prayers, and mantras remind us to protect our loved ones, honor life, and invite positive energy into our homes. May this Dhanteras light up your home and heart, filling your life with faith, health, hope, and endless blessings.
