Dhanteras also known as Dhantrayodashi is the first day of Diwali and this year it’s on 2 November 2021.

According to Puranas, wealth Goddess Lakshmi came out of the ocean with a pot of gold during the churning of the sea and the day is celebrated as Dhanteras. Lord Dhanvantari the physician of the Gods and an incarnation of Lord Vishnu also emerged carrying a jar of elixir.

Basically Dhanteras has more emphasis for offering prayers to lord Dhanvantari who is also the physician of the Gods and founder of the Ayurveda.

Goddess Laxmi along with Lord Kuber and Lord Dhanvantari all are worshipped on Dhanteras for good health, wealth and prosperity.

Lord Dhanvantari, the founder of Ayurveda who emerged on this day with a jar in his hand, it’s believed if one prays for health on this day, no health problems arise for next 12months upto next Dhanteras. Good health is the greatest wealth.

On this day Goddess Laxmi is prayed in a standing form and on Diwali she’s prayed as MahaLaxmi in a seated form. On Diwali Goddess Maha Laxmi is worshipped for wealth in particular, when she emerged on the day of Dhanteras she was standing and she was offered prayers and respect and is seated as Maha Laxmi and offered prayers on Diwali.

The first day of the festival is known as Naraka Chaturdasi, celebrating the vanquishing of Naraka, the demon by Lord Krishna. The second day of Diwali is Amavasya and Goddess Laxmi is worshiped. The third day of Diwali is Karika Shudda Padyami, when Bali steps out of hell and rules the earth. The fourth day is Yama Dvitiya also known as Bhai Dooj when sisters invite brothers to their homes.

Diwali is Amavasya (No Moons day). Moon controls your thoughts and emotions so on a no moons day your mind is free from all sorts of thoughts and you can concentrate while offering prayers. Even meditation can be done more properly on this day as it’s no moon and hence you can easily connect your soul with the super soul.

Mantras to be chanted – Om Dhan Dhanvantarey Namah for Lord Dhanvantari and Om Shreem Hreem Shreem Hreem Shreem Kamle Kamlaalaye, Praseed Praseed, Shreem Hreem Shreem Om Maha Laxmyaye Namah.

Diwali is on 4 November 2021. Wishing you all a very happy Dhanteras and Diwali. Enjoy these days full on. It’s a wonderful feeling.

Bharat B Bajaj