- By Kashish Rai
- Tue, 07 Nov 2023 11:35 AM (IST)
- Source:JND
Dhanteras 2023: People celebrate Dhanteras on the first day of the five-day Diwali celebration. According to customs, worshipping Lord Kuber, Dhanwantri and Goddess Lakshmi on the day of Dhanteras will bring good fortune and prosperity. People perform puja and aarti among other rituals on the festival of Dhanteras. Many people also purchase gold and silver on this auspicious day as it is considered to be highly fortunate. Apart from these, one of the main celebration components is lighting an earthen lamp, or Diya, on Dhanteras evening. Another name for this custom is Yama Deepam, or Deepdan. Hindu texts state that the purpose of lighting diyas is to appease Lord Yama, the God of Death. It's a common belief that placing oil lamps outside the front door of homes will protect family members from potential dangers.
Dhanteras 2023: Yam Diya Or Yama Deepam Shubh Muhurat
- Yama Deepam 2023 Shubh Muhurat - 05:46 PM - 07:42 PM
- Yama Deepam 2023 Pradosh Kaal Muhurat - 05:29 PM - 08:07 PM
- Yama Deepam 2023 Vrishabh Kaal Muhurat - 05:46 PM - 07:42 PM
On the first day of the five-day Diwali celebration, people celebrate Dhanteras. (Image Source: Freepik)
Dhanteras 2023: Significance Of Lighting Yama Deepam
The task of taking away a person's life (praṇa) at the appointed time is assigned to Deity Yama (Yamaraj, Deity of Death). There is no escaping death. On the days of Dhantrayodashi, Narak Chaturdashi, and Yamadwitiya, people worship the Deity of Death, Yamadharma, for protection against premature death. An oil lamp (or thirteen oil lamps) made of wheat flour is lit in the evening. With the flame facing south, these lamps are kept outside the home. Except on this day, a lit lamp's flame should never be directed towards the south direction.
The premature death is prevented by lighting a lamp outside one's residence on the evening of Trayodashi in the dark fortnight of Kartik. Those who conduct deepadana on Dhanatrayodashi will be freed from the fear of untimely death due to the blessings of Yamadev. As a result, compared to other days, this day has a 30% higher chance of bearing fruit from all of the Yama Deity-related rites. This day is dedicated to offering lamps to Yamadeva and requesting his choicest blessings.
(Disclaimer: This is based on general public information. Jagran English does not confirm its veracity. Before adopting any measures, consult an expert from the relevant field.)
