Dhan Teras

October-November; 13th day of waning half of Hindu month of Kartika

Dhan Teras or Dhanvantri Trayodashi is observed two days prior to Dewali, the Hindu Festival of Lights. It is held in honor of Dhanvantri, the physician of the gods and the father of Indian medicine, whom doctors in particular worship on this day. According to Hindu mythology, the gods and the demons tried to produce the elixir known as amrita by churning up the ocean. Dhanvantri rose up out of the water bearing a cup filled with it. He is also credited with inventing the traditional system of Indian medicine known as Ayurveda.
On this day Hindus rise at dawn and bathe, put on new robes, and fast. In the evening, they light an earthen lamp before the door of the house and break their fast. It is considered an auspicious day to purchase new utensils.

SOURCES:
RelHolCal-2004, p. 179
(c)

Mentioned in

Narak Chaturdashi

References in periodicals archive

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