When the God of death (Yama) came to his husband in the appearance of a snake, his eyes got sightless by the dazzling light of the lamps, silver coins and gold ornaments. So the lord Yama could not get entered into his chamber. Then he tried to ascend on top of the heap and started to listen the harmonious songs of his wife. Early in the morning he had gone away without taking her husband. Therefore the very young and newly married wife had saved her husband life from the death. That's why, the Dhanteras is also known as the Yamadeepdaan. Diyas or candles are kept blazing during the whole night in respect to the God Yama.
Another myth is, a long ago Gods and demons stirred the ocean to get Amrita or nectar, after many days the Lord Vishnu had came out on the day of Dhanteras having a jar of the elixir.
Traditions and Customs of Dhanteras
It is a great festival for Hindus; they purchase gold or silver coins, jewelry, utensils and etc. It is considered that bringing new things to home is a sign of good luck. Lakshmi Puja is held in the evening of the day with the tiny Diyas of clay, Bhajan, devotional songs to respect Goddess Lakshmi. The light of tiny Diyas denotes that the shadow of evil spirits will drive away from home.
Significance of Dhanteras
People consider themselves so lucky by bringing new gifts, utensils, coins, jewellery and other things at home on the day of Dhanteras. It is considered that Goddess Lakshmi is coming home in the form of new things at this day. Puja of the Goddess Lakshmi and Ganesh is performed in the evening accordin to the timings of the shubh muhurta. The seven cereals are worshipped at this day including barely, wheat, Urad, gram, Moong and Masoor.
Lord Dhanwantri, known as the doctor of all the Gods, was born on the day of Dhanteras or Dhan Trayodashi. That's why any new discovery of medical science field starts at this day. People buy silver coins (having picture of Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Ganesh) at this day.
Story of Dhanteras
Once, there was a king who was ruling his kingdom very happily. After several years he was adorned with the birth of a baby boy in his house. He was said by the astrologer that his son will die 4 days after the marriage. Then the king had started preventing his son from the girls. He had hidden his son on the place where no lady was there. But once, prince met a princess while passing his way. They had decided for getting married.
According to the prediction, after 4 days of marriage the Yamdoot came there to take the life of prince. His wife started weeping for his husband then Yamdoot asked to the Yamraj that please tell her a way to save his husband life. Yamraj said that, the one who will worship him in the night of Trayodashi in the Kartik Krishna Paksha with the lamps facing to the south, has no fear of sudden death. That's why people lit lamps outside their houses facing towards south on the day of Dhanteras.
