According to the Hindu Panchang, the festival of Dhanteras is celebrated on the Trayodashi Tithi of Krishna Paksha in the month of Kartik. This festival is dedicated to Kubera and Lord Dhanvantari, the god of Ayurveda. Every festival has its own special identity. There is a tradition of buying certain things on specific days, which allows for good sales of particular items on that day and benefits both the buyers and the shopkeepers, helping them maintain balance in their business.
On this occasion, buying indigenous gold, silver, and brass is considered very beneficial. It is also auspicious to buy brooms and coriander on this occasion. Every person, according to their capacity, definitely buys something from the market on Dhanteras, which is worshiped on Diwali day. It is believed that shopping on this day removes various defects and solves financial problems.
On this festival, the goddess of wealth Lakshmi is worshiped, which maintains happiness and prosperity in the home. There is a tradition of buying new clothes and silver coins on this day. Homes are cleaned and decorated with colorful lights, diyas, and rangoli being the main elements. It is believed that Dhanvantari appeared during the Samudra Manthan (churning of the ocean) carrying a pot filled with nectar. Therefore, this date is celebrated as his birthday. Dhanvantari is considered an incarnation of Lord Vishnu. It was through him that medical science spread in the world.
Mantras of Lord Dhanvantari Om Namo Bhagavate Mahasudarshanaya Vasudevaya Dhanvantaraye: Amritakalash Hastaya Sarvabhaya Vinashaya Sarvaroga Nivaranaya, Trilokapathaya Trilokanathaya Shri Mahavishnuswaroop Shri Dhanvantari Swaroop Shri Shri Shri Ashtapa Narayanaya Namah.
Lord Dhanvantari
Lord Dhanvantari is a revered figure in Hindu tradition, considered the divine physician and the god of Ayurveda, the ancient Indian system of medicine. He is believed to have emerged during the Samudra Manthan (the churning of the cosmic ocean) holding the pot of Amrita, the nectar of immortality. While not a physical place, he is worshipped in temples and by practitioners of Ayurveda, who see him as the source of all healing knowledge.
Lakshmi
Lakshmi is not a physical place but the Hindu goddess of wealth, fortune, and prosperity. She is a central figure in Hindu mythology, often depicted with gold coins and lotus flowers, and is the consort of the god Vishnu. Her history is rooted in ancient Hindu scriptures like the Vedas, and she is prominently worshipped during the festival of Diwali.
Kubera
Kubera is not a physical place or cultural site but rather a deity in Hindu, Buddhist, and Jain mythology. He is revered as the god of wealth, treasure, and prosperity, often depicted as a dwarf with a potbelly and a money bag. In Hindu tradition, he is believed to be the guardian of the north and the king of the Yakshas, mythical nature spirits.
Ayurveda
Ayurveda is a traditional system of medicine that originated in India more than 3,000 years ago. It is based on a holistic philosophy that aims to balance the body, mind, and spirit through diet, herbal treatments, and yogic breathing. This “science of life” remains a widely practiced form of alternative medicine in India and has gained global popularity.
Diwali
Diwali, also known as the Festival of Lights, is a major religious and cultural celebration originating in the Indian subcontinent, primarily observed by Hindus, Sikhs, and Jains. Its history is rooted in ancient legends, such as the return of Lord Rama to his kingdom after 14 years of exile. The five-day festival, which symbolizes the spiritual victory of light over darkness and good over evil, is marked by the lighting of oil lamps, fireworks, family gatherings, and feasts.
Samudra Manthan
“Samudra Manthan,” or “The Churning of the Ocean of Milk,” is a significant episode from Hindu scriptures like the Puranas. It describes a cosmic event where gods (Devas) and demons (Asuras) cooperated to churn the cosmic ocean to obtain the nectar of immortality (Amrita). This mythological event is famously depicted in bas-relief at the Angkor Wat temple in Cambodia, symbolizing the eternal struggle between good and evil.
Lord Vishnu
Lord Vishnu is one of the principal deities of Hinduism, forming the holy trinity (Trimurti) alongside Brahma and Shiva. He is revered as the preserver and protector of the universe, who descends to Earth in various avatars, such as Rama and Krishna, to restore cosmic order (dharma). His iconography typically depicts him with dark or blue skin, holding a conch, discus, mace, and lotus.
Vasudevaya
“Vasudevaya” is a common name for temples dedicated to the Hindu deity Lord Krishna, who is also known as Vasudeva. These temples are found across India and Nepal, serving as important centers for Vaishnavism, a major tradition within Hinduism that worships Vishnu and his avatars. Their history is intrinsically linked to the spread of devotional worship of Krishna, which became prominent in the Indian subcontinent over two millennia ago.
