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Dhanteras

Dhanteras is celebrated on Aaso Vad 13, which marks the beginning of the five day long celebration of the Diwali festival. This day is also celebrated as Dhanvantari Triyodashi or Dhanvantari Jayanti. The word “Dhan” means wealth and “Teras” mean the 13th day.

Lord Dhanvantari is the 12th incarnation and one of the plenary portion of Purushottam Narayan (Ansh avatar). His advent is described within the 12th chapter of Vasudeva Mahatmya within the Vishnu Khanda of the Skanda Purana and also the 8th canto, 8th chapter, line(s) 31-34 of Shreemad Bhagwat Mahapurana. The events described in the scriptures above relate to the churning of the milky ocean (Samudra Manthan) for elixir sought by the demi-gods and demons after Sage Durvasa’s curse upon Indra bereft the three worlds of wealth. Various divine objects and beings emerged from the ocean during this process. Goddess Lakshmi was one of the divine beings making her appearance. Lord Dhanvantari appeared with a pot full of elixir. The purpose of His advent in the world was to teach men the science of Ayurveda.

In the Avatar Chintamani, composed by revered Nishkulanand Swami; he narrates as follows:

Vadi Dhanvantari tan dhaari, taadyo rog, aayushya vadhaari, dinbandhu e dindayalu, karyu sarva jagat ne sukhaadu.
He incarnated as Dhanvantari (Divine Doctor) and averted diseases thus increasing life span

Friendly and compassionate to the poor, He comforted the Universe with this benediction (Knowledge of the Ayurveda/Science of Medicine).

On this Day:

Lord Swaminarayan instructs His devotees to remember various pastimes of God/Lord in various incarnations as per the 3rd Vachanamrut of Gadhda Pratham Prakran.

Therefore, devotees remember the pastimes of Lord Dhanvantari - the One who is conversant with the science of medicine (Ayurveda) and the purpose of His advent.
Worship is also offered to Goddess Lakshmi as we express our gratitude for the wealth and prosperity she brings and also marking the day of her appearance as the daughter of the Ocean.

In previous era/ages one’s wealth was measured by the number of domesticated animals owned. Today, wealth is measured by money, cars and houses that one owns. Wealth that is earned through hard work and honesty abiding by the codes of conduct is blessed. Farmers and householders, who own cows and bullocks, decorate the horns of their animals with different colours and worship them.

She is also our 2nd Guru (Spiritual Master) within the Spiritual Masters successorship

An interesting story about Dhan Teras is the story of King Hima’s 16 year old son. As told in his horoscope, he was to die on the forth day of his marriage. On that specific fourth day of his marriage his wife did not permit him to sleep. She laid all the ornaments and lots of gold and silver coins in a big heap at the entrance of her husband’s bedroom and lighted numerous lamps all over the home. She went on throughout the night telling stories and singing songs. When Yam, the god of death arrived there in the appearance of a serpent, his eyes got blinded by the brightness of the lights around the home, he could not enter the prince’s chamber. He climbed on top of the heap of the ornaments and coins and sat there for the whole night listening to the melodious songs. In the morning he quietly went away.

As a result the Prince’s wife saved her husband from the clutches of death. Since then this day of Dhan Teras came to be known as the day of "Yamadeepdaan". Lamps are kept burning throughout the night in respectful adoration to Yam, the god of death.

Traditionally dhanteras is celebrated by the entrances of homes made colourful with vibrant traditional motifs of rangoli designs to welcome Lakshmi Dev and also to welcome Lord Dhanvantari who brings good health and happiness in life.. To indicate her long-awaited arrival, small footprints are drawn with rice flour and Kum-Kum all over the home. Lamps are kept burning all through the nights. It is said that the most cleanest homes will be the one that Lakshmi Dev will visit first. Believing this day to be auspicious, women purchase some gold or silver otherwise at least one or two new utensils. New Dhan or some form of precious metal is bought as a sign of good luck for the home.

On this day Lakshmi Devi “the God of wealth and beauty” is offered Puja to drive away the shadows of evil spirits and to shower prosperity along with wealth for the coming year. Also on this day cows in India are colored on the horns and are offered Puja as well because that specific animal in known to be very wealthy.

The ornaments that the Lord adorns and utensils used for the Lord’s worships should be properly washed and cleaned. The temple should be washed and cleaned, thereafter the Lord should be worshipped with a Tilak of Kumkum. The Lord should be dressed in red cotton velvet clothing adorned with a piece of cloth woven with golden threads round the head. Goddess Lakshmi should be adorned with a green saree and ornaments. Food items such as Jalebi, Khaja (wheat flour sweet) should be offered to the Lord. Devotees of the Lord should sing devotional songs (Kirtans) related to the occasion and light ghee lamps throughout the three days until Diwali.

Dhanteras Kirtan By Nand Santos

Sakhi Utsavno Din Aaj, Dhanya Dhanterasne , Brahmanand Swami composed 4 pad of this kirtan.

Aaj Mai Nandrani Dhan Dhoye, Aaso maas vadi Dhanteras, Premanand Swami Composed 2 pad of this Kirtan.

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