Dhanteras, also known as Dhantrayodashi, marks the first day of the five-day Diwali festival celebrated across India with devotion and prosperity rituals. The word ‘Dhanteras’ originates from ‘Dhan’, meaning wealth, and ‘Teras’, referring to the thirteenth lunar day of the Krishna Paksha (waning phase of the Moon) in the Hindu month of Kartik.
This auspicious day is considered one of the most favorable times to invite Goddess Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth, and Lord Dhanvantari, the divine physician, into our lives. It symbolizes the beginning of prosperity, good health, and abundance. According to Vedic and traditional beliefs, Dhanteras is the perfect occasion to purchase new valuables and perform rituals that attract fortune and well-being.
Spiritual Significance of Dhanteras
1. The Legend of Lord Dhanvantari
According to ancient scriptures, during the Samudra Manthan (churning of the cosmic ocean), Lord Dhanvantari emerged carrying a pot of Amrit (nectar of immortality) and the sacred Ayurveda texts. Hence, Dhanteras also marks the birth anniversary of Lord Dhanvantari, the divine healer and father of Ayurveda.
Worshipping him on this day is believed to bring good health, long life, and immunity from ailments.
2. Connection with Goddess Lakshmi
Dhanteras is also associated with Goddess Lakshmi’s descent from the ocean of milk (Kshir Sagar) during the churning process. Devotees light lamps, draw Lakshmi footprints at the entrance, and decorate homes to welcome her divine energy.
It is believed that lighting diyas and performing Lakshmi Puja on Dhanteras ensures prosperity throughout the year.
3. The King Hima Legend
Another legend says that the 16-year-old son of King Hima was destined to die by snakebite on this day. However, his clever wife saved him by placing gold ornaments and lamps at the door, illuminating the house so brightly that Yamraj, the god of death, was dazzled and turned away.
Since then, lighting diyas and buying gold on Dhanteras has been considered auspicious to ward off negative energy and premature death.
Astrological and Energetic Importance
Dhanteras occurs under strong planetary vibrations of Venus (Shukra) and Jupiter (Guru) — both significators of wealth, prosperity, and expansion.
When you make purchases on this day with pure intent and devotion, you align yourself with positive cosmic energy, amplifying abundance.
The Moon’s position also supports financial and emotional balance, making Dhanteras ideal for starting new investments or business ventures.
What to Buy on Dhanteras: Auspicious Items for Wealth and Prosperity
Purchasing symbolic items on Dhanteras is a long-standing tradition believed to invite wealth and blessings. Here are some things considered highly auspicious to buy on this divine day:
1. Gold and Silver Items
Buying gold or silver coins, jewelry, or utensils is one of the most traditional practices. These metals are symbols of Lakshmi’s energy and eternal wealth.
If possible, buy coins engraved with Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Ganesha — they attract long-term prosperity and spiritual protection.
2. Utensils (Bartan)
It is considered auspicious to purchase new utensils made of brass, copper, or silver.
Before bringing them home, fill them with rice, pulses, or clean water — representing abundance and nourishment.
3. Electronic Gadgets and Home Appliances
In modern times, buying new electronic items, home appliances, or vehicles on Dhanteras is seen as a sign of growth and progress.
As long as the purchase is made with gratitude and positive intention, it aligns with the energy of prosperity.
4. Brooms (Jhadu)
According to Vastu Shastra, a broom represents Goddess Lakshmi, as it removes negativity and poverty from home.
Buying a new broom symbolizes cleansing of financial obstacles and is highly recommended.
5. Idol or Picture of Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Ganesha
Placing new idols of Lakshmi and Ganesha for Diwali Puja is auspicious.
It signifies renewal of spiritual energy and brings peace and wealth to the household.
6. Precious Stones or Crystals
For those following astrological remedies, Dhanteras is an ideal day to buy gemstones or crystals for wealth and luck — like Yellow Sapphire (for Jupiter), Emerald (for Mercury), or Citrine for prosperity energy.
What NOT to Buy on Dhanteras: Inauspicious Purchases to Avoid
Just as there are auspicious purchases, there are also things one should avoid buying on Dhanteras, as they may invite bad luck or block positive energy.
1. Iron and Steel Items
Iron and steel are ruled by Saturn (Shani), which represents karmic burdens and delays. Buying these metals on Dhanteras can disturb financial energy, so avoid purchasing sharp tools, knives, or nails.
2. Black-Colored Items
Black is considered inauspicious during Lakshmi Puja as it represents darkness and negative vibrations. Avoid black clothes, accessories, or home items.
3. Empty Containers
Never buy or bring empty vessels into your home on Dhanteras. Always fill them with grains, sugar, or water to symbolize fullness and abundance.
4. Oil and Leather Products
Items like oil or leather are not recommended as they carry tamasic energy. These are associated with stagnation and should be avoided during auspicious days.
5. Sharp Objects
Avoid buying knives, scissors, or other cutting items as they symbolize severing of relationships and prosperity lines.
Do’s During Dhanteras
1. Clean and Decorate Your Home
Before the auspicious evening, clean and declutter your home thoroughly. Lighting lamps in every corner is believed to invite Goddess Lakshmi’s presence.
2. Perform Lakshmi and Dhanvantari Puja
Offer prayers to Goddess Lakshmi, Lord Kubera, and Lord Dhanvantari for wealth and good health. Use lotus flowers, incense, cow ghee lamps, and sweets as offerings.
3. Light Diyas (Earthen Lamps)
Lighting 13 diyas at the entrance of your home symbolizes the 13th lunar day and helps remove darkness, bringing divine blessings.
4. Chant Lakshmi Mantras
Chanting mantras like
“Om Shreem Mahalakshmyai Namah”
or
“Om Dhanvantarye Namah”
creates positive vibrations and enhances your spiritual magnetism.
5. Make Charity and Donations
Donating to the needy or feeding cows, dogs, or birds on this day is one of the best karmic remedies to multiply your wealth with blessings.
Don’ts During Dhanteras
1. Avoid Arguments and Negative Talk
Maintain a peaceful, harmonious mindset. Anger or conflict on this day can block the flow of positive energy.
2. Don’t Lend or Borrow Money
Avoid lending or borrowing money on Dhanteras, as it may symbolize wealth flowing out of your life.
3. Do Not Keep Broken Items
Replace broken idols, utensils, or mirrors before Dhanteras. Broken items attract Vastu dosha and stagnation.
4. Avoid Sleeping During Puja Hours
The evening hours are spiritually charged. Participate in Lakshmi Aarti instead of resting — staying awake during Dhanteras night is considered auspicious.
5. Do Not Ignore Health
As Dhanteras also honors Lord Dhanvantari, prioritize your well-being — avoid overeating, intoxication, or laziness. A balanced body invites divine grace.
Conclusion
Dhanteras is not just about shopping; it is about inviting divine abundance with awareness, gratitude, and purity of intent. Every diya you light, every coin you buy, and every mantra you chant aligns your personal energy with the cosmic rhythm of prosperity.
By following the do’s and don’ts of Dhanteras, you not only enhance your financial luck but also purify your home and soul. Whether you buy gold, a new broom, or even a single diya — remember, what truly matters is the devotion behind the act.
As you prepare for Dhanteras this year, may your life be filled with light, health, and boundless prosperity.