The five days long Diwali Celebration starts from Dhanteras. This festival is also called Dhantrayodashi, Dhanwantri Triodashi or Dahnwantri Jayanti.
It is a long time historical belief that on the day of Dhanteras, Mata Lakshmi and Lord Kuber appeared after the Churning of Ksheer Sagar. Lord Dhanwantari, the god of Ayurveda was born on this day, that is the reason there is a provision to worship Goddess Lakshmi, Lord Kubera and Lord Dhanwantari.
The birth anniversary of Lord Dhanvantari is celebrated by the Ministry of Ayurveda in the name of ‘National Ayurveda Day’. Apart from this, on the day of Dhanteras, Yama Puja, the god of death is also done. People buy Gold and Silver jewellery and utensils as an auspicious sign. Dhanteras also symbolizes the beginning of Deepawali festival.
When is Dhanteras?
According to the Hindu calendar, the festival of Dhanteras is celebrated every year two days before Deepawali, and that is the 13th day of Kartik month. As per the Gregorian calendar, the festival falls in the month of October or November every year.
Dhanteras date and auspicious time
Start of Trayodashi date: November 12, 2020, 09:30 PM
End of Thrayodashi date: November 13, 2020, 05:59 PM
Dhanteras ritual moment: November 13, 2020, 05:59 PM
Total duration: 30 minutes
Pradosh time: November 13, 2020, 05:28 PM to 08:07 PM
Taurus Period: November 13, 2020, 05: 32 PM to 07: 28 PM
Method of Worship
On the day of Dhanteras, the father of Ayurveda Dhanventari is worshipped. The method of worshipping on Dhanteras is the rule of worshipping Lord Dhanvantari, Lord Kubera, Maa Lakshmi and Yamraj.
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People believe that worshiping Dhanvantari on this day brings healing and longevity.
People also worship Lord Yama by burning a big earthen lamp on the pile of grains on the main doors of the house.
Lord Kubera, the god of wealth is also worshipped with a belief to get all the material pleasures of life.
Also read this: What Jewellery items should you buy this Dhanteras?