The legend of Dhanteras, also known as the legend of Dhantrayodashi, is a traditional story that provides the background of why Dhanteras is celebrated during Diwali, the festival of lights. Passed down through generations and mentioned in Hindu religious texts, this story is an integral part of the grand Diwali celebrations. Dhanteras marks the first day of the five-day Diwali festival and is revered across India, alongside other famous festivals like Chhath Pooja, Bhai Dooj, and Deepavali.
On Dhanteras, many devotees observe a day-long fast known as the Dhantrayodashi Vrat, which is broken in the evening after performing the Lakshmi-Kubera Puja. This significant ritual is believed to bring wealth and prosperity into the home. The following is the Dhanteras Vrat Katha, or the story behind Dhanteras, which celebrates the blessings of Goddess Lakshmi.
Dhanteras Katha: The Story of Goddess Lakshmi and the Farmer
Once, Goddess Lakshmi expressed her desire to accompany Lord Vishnu on one of His visits to the earth. Lord Vishnu agreed, but only on the condition that she would resist any earthly temptations and would not look in the southern direction. Goddess Lakshmi agreed to His terms.
However, during their journey, the Goddess, known for her Chanchal (fickle) nature, found herself unable to resist the temptation of looking south. Yielding to her curiosity, she gazed in that direction and was immediately captivated by the sight of yellow mustard flowers and lush sugarcane fields. Giving in to her earthly desires, Goddess Lakshmi adorned herself with mustard flowers and began enjoying the sugarcane juice.
Seeing this, Lord Vishnu became upset with her for breaking her promise. As a consequence, He asked her to serve a penance by spending the next twelve years on earth, working in the field of a poor farmer who grew mustard and sugarcane. With the presence of Goddess Lakshmi, the poor farmer's fortunes changed overnight—his crops flourished, and he became prosperous and wealthy.
As the twelve years came to an end, Lord Vishnu returned in disguise to bring Goddess Lakshmi back to Vaikuntha. However, the farmer, not knowing her true identity, refused to let her leave, as her presence had brought him immense prosperity. After many failed attempts to persuade him, Goddess Lakshmi revealed her divine identity and explained that she had to return to her heavenly abode.
Before leaving, Goddess Lakshmi promised the farmer that she would visit him every year on the night of Krishna Trayodashi before Diwali. To welcome her, the farmer cleaned his home and lit an earthen lamp filled with ghee, ensuring the Goddess’s blessings year after year. Over time, this tradition spread, and others began to worship Goddess Lakshmi on Dhanteras night, just before Diwali. Today, Goddess Lakshmi is worshipped along with Lord Kubera, the God of wealth, on this auspicious day.
Dhanteras: A Festival of Prosperity
This ancient story has become the foundation of the Dhanteras celebrations, which are a part of the larger Diwali festival of lights. Devotees light lamps, clean their homes, and worship Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Kubera, hoping to invoke prosperity and good fortune. This festival, celebrated across India along with other vibrant festivals like Deepavali, Bhai Dooj, and Chhath Pooja, is one of the many festivals that highlight India's rich cultural and religious heritage.
From lighting diyas to performing Lakshmi-Kubera Puja, Dhanteras has become an essential part of the broader Diwali celebrations. As one of the most famous festivals in India, Dhanteras continues to be a symbol of wealth, good fortune, and the triumph of light over darkness, themes that resonate throughout the Deepawali season. It is a festival that unites people across the country, making it one of the many different festivals celebrated in India, each bringing its unique charm and significance.
In conclusion, the story of Dhanteras is more than just a myth—it's a celebration of the blessings that come with devotion and the willingness to honor tradition. As we prepare for Diwali and light our homes with the radiance of Deepavali, the story of Goddess Lakshmi reminds us of the power of faith and the promise of prosperity.
[The images used in this blog post are not owned by Aavyaa, they are just for entertainment purposes]
| DHANTERAS | DEEPAWALI | DIWALI | FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS | CHHATH POOJA | BHAI DOOJ | DEEPAVALI | GODDESS LAKSHMI | LORD VISHNU|
~Mimansa Sharma
