Dhanteras: The Beginning of Diwali and Its Significance
Why New Utensils Are Bought On Dhanteras, Know Its Religious Significance: The festival of Dhanteras holds special significance in Hinduism. It is the first day of the five-day Diwali festival. Lord Dhanvantari, Goddess Lakshmi, and Lord Yamaraj, the god of death, are worshipped on this day. People purchase new items for their homes on this day. It is believed that purchases made on this day increase wealth 13-fold. Purchasing utensils on Dhanteras is considered especially important. Most people purchase brass, copper, and bronze utensils on this day. Let’s explore the religious significance behind purchasing utensils on Dhanteras.
1. Dhanteras – The First Day of Diwali
Dhanteras marks the beginning of the five-day Diwali festival and holds great religious significance in Hinduism. It is celebrated on the thirteenth day (Trayodashi) of the dark fortnight of the Kartik month. On this day, people worship Lord Dhanvantari, Goddess Lakshmi, and Lord Yamaraj, the god of death. The day is associated with wealth, health, and well-being, and people believe that making new purchases on Dhanteras brings prosperity and happiness into their homes.
Religious Belief Behind Buying Utensils on Dhanteras
2. The Legend of Lord Dhanvantari
According to Hindu mythology, during the Samudra Manthan (churning of the ocean), Lord Dhanvantari emerged on this very day holding a brass pot filled with nectar (amrit). This divine appearance is believed to symbolize health, healing, and prosperity. As a result, buying utensils made of auspicious metals on this day is considered a way to invite good fortune, well-being, and divine blessings into one’s home.
Which Utensils Are Considered Auspicious to Buy?
3. Preferred Utensils: Copper, Brass, and Bronze
Utensils made of copper (tamba), brass (peetal), and bronze (kansa) are considered highly auspicious and spiritually purifying. These metals are traditionally linked with positivity, health, and purity in Hindu culture. Buying such items on Dhanteras is believed to bring spiritual harmony and financial growth.
What Not to Buy on Dhanteras
4. Avoid Inauspicious Materials
While shopping on Dhanteras, one should avoid buying utensils made of iron, steel, plastic, or black clay. These materials are regarded as inauspicious and are believed to attract negative energies. Purchasing such items on Dhanteras is thought to negate the auspiciousness of the day.
Meaning and Significance of the Word ‘Dhanteras’
5. The Power of ‘Dhan’ and ‘Teras’
The word ‘Dhanteras’ comes from two Sanskrit words:
- ‘Dhan’ means wealth, prosperity, well-being, and glory
- ‘Teras’ means thirteen
Together, the name signifies the belief that any shopping, charity, or good deed performed on this day yields thirteen times the benefit. Hence, the day is seen as an opportunity to multiply wealth and blessings by engaging in auspicious actions.
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