Dhanteras
Dhan teras - Asho vad 13
Did you know that Diwali – the king of festivals – is actually a long celebration for almost a week, and not just one big day? As the festive season begins, we take a break from tradition and instead bring our focus on to the first day of Diwali – also called Dhan Teras.
According to mythology, Sage Durvasa felt ignored by Indra, the king of gods, and cursed him that Lakshmi the goddess of wealth will leave him. Due to this, Indra became weak, lost his kingdom to the demons in a war and fled into hiding.
Years later, Indra’s Guru ( teacher ) Sage Brihaspati went to Vishnu and sought his help to get Indra back from hiding. Vishnu then said that the demigods must churn the sea of milk using Mandara Mountain as a rod and Vasuki, the king of serpents as a churning rope. Being a tough task, the demigods must also obtain the help of the demons in this effort. If this is done, the nectar of immortality will be generated, which the demigods must drink to defeat the demons. Also, Lakshmi would reappear and bestow her goodness on Indra.
Brihaspati managed to convince the demons to join the demigods in this venture (the demons of course saw an opportunity here to grab the immortality nectar!). As the huge task commenced, the first thing that came out from the sea of milk was poison. Fortunately, Shiva drank the poison and allowed the churning to continue. The poison was followed by the emergence of other celestial figures including Kamadhenu and the Apsaras.
Finally, there appeared through the waves of milk, Goddess Lakshmi standing on a fully blossomed lotus. One look from her and Indra was fully transformed to his old self.
The nectar, which Indra now grabbed, followed Lakshmi, and owing to the strength of the nectar, the gods fought and defeated the demons and peace reigned once again. Due to appearance of Laxmiji we celebrate this day to appreciate her reappearance and is called Dhan Teras.
People believe that on this day Lakshmi makes her appearance on earth and as she moves around, she will enter only clean and bright homes. This is why people paint their houses before Diwali and starting on Dhan Teras, divas or lamps are lit to welcome Lakshmi. Many families also buy gold jewellery on this specific day to signify the entry of Lakshmi into their homes.
On this day cows and calf are offered poojan, their horns are pasted with colours.