Dhanteras

(धनतेरस)

Literal Meaning

Thirteenth of wealth

Etymology & Sanskrit Root

From 'dhana' (wealth) + 'teras' (thirteenth day of the fortnight), the first day of Diwali.

Spiritual Insight & Context

The first day of Diwali, on the thirteenth of the dark fortnight of Kartika. A lamp is set outside the house for Yama, and many homes buy a new metal vessel.

Where Dhanteras Comes Up

Diwali: Light, Lakshmi and the Five Days

Diwali is a five-day season at the Kartika new moon (October-November). This sets out the days, the Padma Purana and al-Biruni, and which stories are later.

Topics

Kanakadhara Stotram: Shankara and the Golden Amla

How young Adi Shankara, moved by a poor woman's gift of a single gooseberry, sang the Kanakadhara Stotram and golden amlas filled her home.

Katha