On DhanTeras ! Do you also buy utensils, gold, or silver ?
Dhanteras (Dhana-Triyodashi)
occurs two days before Diwali. On this day, during the churning of the ocean (Samudra Manthan), Lord Dhanvantari appeared from the ocean on the Trayodashi tithi (the thirteenth lunar day). Hence, the day came to be known as “Dhan-Teras” — combining “Dhan” (from Dhanvantari, the lord of health and Ayurveda) and “Teras” (the thirteenth day).
The “Dhan” in Dhanteras has no connection with wealth, gold, silver, or utensils!
It is not related to buying material possessions. Therefore, according to the scriptures, purchasing gold, silver, or utensils on this day holds no real spiritual significance.
Lord Dhanvantari appeared from the ocean carrying three divine objects:
- Triphala medicine– the root of all healing herbs, composed of Harad, Baheda, and Amla.
- A pot of Amrit (nectar of immortality) and
- The sacred text of Ayurveda.
On Dhanteras, the incarnation day of Lord Dhanvantari, one should worship Him, pray for good health, and invoke divine vitality so that our lives become filled with health and longevity.
Becoming immortal means liberation from the cycle of birth and death — the attainment of Moksha and union with the Supreme Lord. Moksha signifies dwelling in the divine abode of God, from where one never returns to take birth again. Where there is no birth, there is no death — that state is true immortality.
Hence, Dhanteras should be celebrated by worshiping Lord Dhanvantari with this spiritual understanding and devotion.
Ref:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MUWmuy5vIco
Anupam Trivedi has spent over three decades studying and reflecting upon Sanatan scriptures, including the Vedas, Upanisads, Itihāsa, and Purāṇas. He writes on cultural philosophy and ancient literature to present traditional insights with accuracy and clarity. Read full bio →