Dhanteras is celebrated on Trayodashi of Krishna Paksha of Kartik month and marks the beginning of Diwali festivities. According to mythology, on this day Lord Dhanvantari appeared with the Amrit Kalash and buying gold, silver, metals and new utensils on this day is considered extremely auspicious.
Dhanteras Mythological Story: Marking the beginning of the festival of lights, the festival of Dhanteras is celebrated every year on the Trayodashi tithi of Krishna Paksha of Kartik month. Buying gold, silver and new utensils on this day is considered very auspicious. There is a religious belief that shopping on Dhanteras increases the wealth and good fortune in the house thirteen times. According to the calendar, this year the holy festival of Dhanteras will be celebrated on Saturday, October 18. But do you know why shopping on this day is considered so auspicious? There are two major mythological stories behind it, which further increase the importance of this festival.
Importance of shopping on Dhanteras, story of Lord Dhanvantari
Samudra Manthan and Amrit Kalash
According to mythology, once upon a time gods and demons churned the Kshir Sagar to obtain nectar. On Trayodashi of Krishna Paksha of Kartik month, during the churning of the ocean, Lord Dhanvantari appeared. When he appeared, he had a golden/brass pot filled with nectar in his hand. This Kalash was a symbol of wealth and health. Since Lord Dhanvantari appeared with the nectar pot, this date was called “Dhan Trayodashi”.
Buying any metal or new item (especially utensils and metals) on this day is considered very auspicious. It is believed that this brings wealth and health to the house and removes financial difficulties. Buying brass utensils is considered especially auspicious as Lord Dhanvantari used to hold a brass Kalash in his hand.
Another mythological story behind buying gold and silver on Dhanteras
According to another legend, when Lord Vishnu took Vamana avatar to break the ego of King Bali, he asked for three steps of land as donation from King Bali. King Bali promised to donate. Lord Vaman measured the entire earth with his first step. With the second step he measured heaven. When there was no room left for even the third step, King Bali placed his head at the feet of Lord Vamana. In this way King Bali donated everything he owned. It is believed that the gods got back the wealth snatched from them manifold. On this occasion, the festival of Dhanteras is also celebrated, which gives the message of increase in wealth.
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