Beyond the Gold Coin: How to Attract True Wealth on Dhanteras
Beyond the Gold Coin: How to Attract True Wealth on Dhanteras
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| Beyond the Gold Coin: How to Attract True Wealth on Dhanteras |
Introduction
According to Hindu scriptures like Bhagavata Purana and Vishnu Purana, the Devas and Asuras churned the ocean of milk – Samudra Manthana – to obtain the elixir of immortality – Amrit. On the 13th lunar day (Trayodashi) of the Kartik month, Lord Dhanvantri, the divine physician and incarnation of Lord Vishnu, emerged from the ocean holding the Kalash (pot) of Amrit (nectar) and the sacred text of Ayurveda. Soon after, Goddess Lakshmi, the deity of wealth and prosperity, also appeared along with Dhanvantri. This emphasizes the importance of health as the greatest wealth, the foundation of true prosperity (Goddess Lakshmi).
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Lord Dhanvantri emerging from the ocean during Samudra
Manthan. |
The Significance of Yama Deepam on Dhanteras
A very old ritual on Dhanteras is lighting a lamp for Yamraj (God of Death) called Yama Deepam to seek protection from untimely death (Akaal Mrityu). The lamp, traditionally made of wheat flour and lit with sesame (Til) oil, is placed outside the main door facing the South direction (Yama’s direction) and kept burning all night.
This tradition is mentioned in Skanda Purana and is often linked to the story of legend King Hima’s son who was 16 years of age and was prophesied to die from a snake bite on the fourth day of his marriage. On the designated night the newly wed wife laid a heap of gold and silver ornaments and coins at the entrance of their sleeping chambers and lit hundreds of lamps all over the room and kept her husband awake by narrating stories and singing songs. Yama, disguised as a serpent, was momentarily blinded and mesmerized by the brilliant light from the lamps and dazzling shimmer of gold and silver. He sat on the heat listening to the queen’s stories until the time for the prince’s death had passed. He had to leave without taking the life of the prince.
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The traditional Yama Deepam lamp lit to seek protection from
untimely death. |
In essence the tradition of Dhanteras is a rich synthesis of these ancient stories celebrating the blessings of health (Dhanvantri), wealth (Lakshmi and Kuber) and protection from death (Yama’s).
How Dhanteras is Celebrated
Dhanteras is the first day of the
five-day Diwali festival, celebrating health, wealth, and prosperity
through several traditional rituals:
1. Cleaning and Decoration
It is believed that Goddess Lakshmi only resides in clean spaces. Therefore, homes and business places are thoroughly cleaned. Entrances are decorated with Rangoli designs, and small footprints of Goddess Lakshmi are often drawn at the footsteps symbolizing her arrival.
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Rangoli and Lakshmi footprints welcoming prosperity on
Dhanteras. |
2. Auspicious Purchases
Buying of gold or silver in form of jewellery, coins or idols is considered highly auspicious as signifies lasting prosperity. New kitchen utensils are bought symbolizing abundance and nourishment as utensils are filled with grains etc. Purchasing a new broom is considered lucky as it is believed to symbolically sweep away financially woes and poverty.
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Auspicious purchases of gold, silver, and utensils on
Dhanteras. |
The Interconnection Between Health, Wealth, and Death
According to Hindu philosophy, health is the most fundamental wealth. Lord Dhanvantri – The physician of God and deity of Ayurveda is worshiped for good health and longevity. The ancient wisdom is that without a healthy body, one cannot enjoy material prosperity or pursue the ultimate spiritual goals i.e. Moksha. Therefore, the pursuit of health precedes the pursuit of material wealth.
Sanskrit Quote: “शरीरमाद्यं खलु धर्मसाधनम् “ “SharIramAdyaM khalu dharmasAdhanam” – The body is primary for fulfilling dharma i.e. righteous duty.
Goddess Lakshmi is worshiped for material (Arth) and spiritual prosperity, which is necessary for a comfortable and productive life, enabling one to fulfil social and familiar duties. The philosophical balance is that wealth is meaningless if in lack health to enjoy it or if you die prematurely before using it righteously.
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The balance of health, wealth, and longevity — the true
essence of Dhanteras. |
Death underscores the fragility of life and the importance of longevity – it acknowledges that both health and wealth are finite and dependent on the continuous gift of life. A sudden or early death can nullify all accumulated wealth and halt once spiritual journey.
The underlying ancient wisdom is that you must first secure a long life by appeasing Yama and maintain good health by worshipping Lord Dhanvantri before you can accumulate, enjoy and use your wealth by worshipping Goddess Lakshmi for the ultimate Lakshya or goal of spiritual liberation.
Summary
Dhanteras is a festival that transcends material wealth. By
combining devotion to Lord Dhanvantri, Goddess Lakshmi, and the
ritual of Yama Deepam, it teaches the importance of health,
prosperity, and protection from untimely death. Through cleaning,
decoration, and auspicious purchases, one can attract true wealth that lasts a
lifetime.
Reference: Learn more about the significance of Dhanteras
About the Author
Adv. Mamta Singh Shukla is an Advocate at the Supreme Court of India and Founder of Vijay Foundations — an initiative dedicated to social justice, education, and empowerment. Through her writings, she advocates for human dignity, equality, and systemic change.
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