Jaipur Nov 2026 : Dhanteras, also known as Dhanvantari Trayodashi, is an important Hindu festival celebrated on the thirteenth day (Trayodashi) of the Krishna Paksha in the month of Kartik. The festival is not merely associated with the worship of wealth but also holds deep significance as a celebration of good health, longevity and prosperity.
The day is dedicated to Lord Dhanvantari, who is regarded as the deity of Ayurveda and the father of traditional Indian medicine. According to Hindu scriptures, Lord Dhanvantari is an incarnation of Lord Vishnu and is worshipped for good health, healing and well-being.
Who is Lord Dhanvantari?
Lord Dhanvantari is depicted in a divine form, holding a pot filled with Amrit (nectar of immortality) in one hand, symbolising life, health and longevity. His other hands are traditionally shown holding a conch, a discus, medicinal herbs and sacred texts associated with Ayurveda.
Because of his association with medicine and healing, doctors, physicians, Ayurvedic practitioners and those connected with healthcare consider Lord Dhanvantari their revered deity. Worshipping him on Dhanteras is believed to bring good health and protect families from illnesses.
The Significance of Samudra Manthan
The origin of Dhanteras is associated with the Hindu legend of Samudra Manthan, or the churning of the cosmic ocean.
According to the legend, the gods (Devas) and demons (Asuras) joined forces to churn the ocean, from which fourteen divine treasures emerged one after another. On the Trayodashi of the Krishna Paksha in the month of Kartik, Lord Dhanvantari appeared from the ocean carrying a pot filled with Amrit.
His emergence is celebrated as the birth anniversary of Lord Dhanvantari. The combination of the words Dhanvantari and Trayodashi came to be known as Dhanvantari Trayodashi, which is popularly called Dhanteras.
Rituals and Traditions Associated with Dhanteras
Three important traditions are associated with the festival.
First, devotees worship Lord Dhanvantari and pray for good health, freedom from diseases and the well-being of their families.
Second, the day is associated with wealth and prosperity. Since Lord Dhanvantari emerged carrying a pot of Amrit, the occasion also became associated with abundance and good fortune. Devotees worship Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Kubera, the deity of wealth. Buying new utensils, gold and silver on this day is also a popular tradition, symbolising prosperity and good fortune.
Third, devotees observe the tradition of Yama Deepam or Yama Deepdaan. In the evening, a lamp is lit outside the house in honour of Lord Yama, the god of death. According to religious belief, this ritual helps protect family members from the fear of untimely death.
Health and Wealth: The Message of Dhanteras
Dhanteras conveys the message that health and wealth are closely connected. Good health enables individuals to work towards prosperity and enjoy a fulfilling life. The festival therefore reminds people to give equal importance to physical well-being, longevity and material prosperity.
On this auspicious occasion, may Lord Dhanvantari bless everyone with good health, happiness and prosperity. May everyone remain healthy and achieve success in their efforts towards a peaceful and prosperous life.
Greetings from Vidya Bhavan Astro Research Centre.
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