The ‘Trayodashi’ of ‘Krishanpaksha’ in ‘Kartik’ month is known as Dhanteras and is related to Lord Yamaraj.

The ‘Trayodashi’ of ‘Krishanpaksha’ in ‘Kartik’ month is known as Dhanteras and is related to Lord Yamaraj. This day, according to Skanda Purana, is called the day of Yama Deepam. In the evening, the ceremony of Yama Deepa Daan is performed by lighting the earthen deep (lamp) outside the house which is kept burning throughout the night and adoration of lord Yama, the god of death, is performed to avoid untimely and immature death. In the evening, a lamp is kept on a dish with rice in it. It is placed at the main entrance of the house. The lamp is worshipped with fragrant flowers and offered to Lord Yamraj chanting the following mantra:

“Mrityuna Pashhastena Kaalen Bhayarya Sah
Trayodashya Deepdanatsuryajah Preeyataameeti”

As Yamuna is considered the sister of Yamaraj, so it is religiously significant to bathe in the holy waters of Yamuna on this auspicious day. Ideally, one should keep a fast the entire day but in case, it is not possible, a lamp should definitely be offered to Lord Yamraj.

“Kaartiksyasite Pakshe Trayodashya Nishamukhe
Yamdeepa Bahirdadyadapamrityuvirnashyati”

It is considered that, once upon a time, King Hima’s sixteen year old son was destined to pass away just by the snake-bite on the fourth day of his marriage. His wife was very clever and she did not allow her husband to sleep on 4th day of the marriage. She arranges some gold ornaments as well as a lot of silver coins and made a large heap at the doorway of her husband. ‪She also made light with the help of numerous lamps all around the place of his husband. When the God of death, Yama, came to his husband in the appearance of a snake, his eyes got sightless by the dazzling light of the lamps, silver coins and gold ornaments. So the lord Yama could not get enter into his chamber. Therefore the very young and newly married wife saved her husband from death. That’s why, the Dhanteras is also known as the Yamadeep daan.

Kartik Krishna Trayodashi or Dhanteras is also the day to pay our respects to Dhanwantari, the lord of Ayurveda, Aavatar of lord Vishnu. As per Bhagwat Purana, lord Dhanwantari, the divine physician, emerged with golden pitcher full of amrita or ambrosia in his hand from the sea when it was being churned by the gods and the demons. As lord Dhanwantari is the divine physician, the worship of the god Bighna Vinashak (Destroyer of obstacles), in the first hour of the day in order to acquire health and longevity is prescribed. During the evening, the white owl, the vehicles of goddess Lakshmi along with lord Kubera are worshipped to attain wealth and prosperity. One of the reasons why Dhanteras is special is that it includes worshipping Lord Kubera who is the treasurer of wealth and riches.
It is a great festival as people purchase gold or silver coins, jewellery, utensils and other new things which according to them brings good luck. Lakshmi and Ganesha Puja is held in the evening of the day with the tiny Diyas of clay, Bhajan, and devotional songs to respect Goddess Lakshmi. The light of tiny Diyas denotes that the shadow of evil spirits will stay away from home. The seven cereals are worshipped on this day including barely, wheat, Urad, gram, Moong and Masoor. Some keep fast on dhanteras. They break their fast after sunset with the puja of Goddess Lakshmi.
Jai Shri LakshmiNarayana ~ Jai Maa Lakshmi!
Love, Light & Peace ~ Happy Dhanteras Dear Alll!