Dhanteras 19/10/2025

Dhanteras

Dhanteras is celebrated on Ashvin/Aaso Vad 13, which marks the beginning of the five day long celebration of the Diwali festival. This day is also celebrated as Dhanvantari Triyodashi/Dhanvantari Jayanti.

Lord Dhanvantari is the 12th incarnation and one of the plenary portion of Purushottam Narayan (Amsh avatar). His advent is described within the 12th chapter of Vasudeva Mahatmya within the Vishnu Khanda of the Skanda Purana and also the 8th canto, 8th chapter, line(s) 31-34 of Shreemad Bhagwat Mahapurana.

The events described in the scriptures above relate to the churning of the milky ocean (Samudra Manthan) for elixir sought by the demi-gods and demons after Sage Durvasa’s curse upon Indra bereft the three worlds of wealth.

Various divine objects and beings emerged from the ocean during this process. Goddess Lakshmi was one of the divine beings making her appearance. Lord Dhanvantari appeared with a pot full of elixir. The purpose of His advent in the world was to teach men the science of Ayurveda.