The Legends of Dhanteras celebrated in honour of Dhanvantari God

October 26, 2008

The Legends of Dhanteras

Accoring to the myth Dhanteras is celebrated in honour of Dhanvantari,

the physician of the gods. He is believed to have emerged with a pot

of amrita during the samudra manthan .The buying of utensils,

according to one theory, relates to the myth of Dhanvantari emerging

from the ocean with a pot in his hand. Since he is also the physician

of the gods, cleanliness and hygiene are essential to this festival.

There is another very interesting story about this day. As per the

horoscope of the sixteen-year-old son of King Hima, he was doomed to

die by snakebite on the fourth day of his marriage. To save his life

his wife laid all the ornaments and lots of gold and silver coins in a

big heap at the entrance lighted innumerable lamps all over the place.

She kept him awake throughout the night.

But Yam, the god of Death arrived there in the guise of a Serpent .His

eyes got blinded by that dazzle of those brilliant lights and he could

not enter the Prince's chamber.

Thus the young wife saved her husband from the clutches of death.

Since then this day of Dhanteras came to be known as the day of

" YAMADEEPDAAN " and lamps are kept burning throughout the night in

reverential adoration to Yam, the god of Death.

Dhanteras Festival

Dhanteras festival also known as 'Dhantrayodashi' or 'Dhanvantari

Triodasi' is one of the most significant festivals of India. On this

festival Goddess Laxmi is worshiped to bestow her devotees with good

fortune and success in life. On the special event of Dhanteras,

articles made of Gold or Silver or even a new utensil are purchased as

a sign of good luck .

divyang

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