Author: Sathya Shivakumar, Global Member, Himalayan School of Traditional Dance
Photo: Radha Subramanian, Artistic Director, and Students of the Himalayan School of Traditional Dance at the World Ayurveda Conference
“Welcoming prosperity, health, and the light of divine consciousness – may this Dhanteras and Diwali illuminate our lives from within.”
Diwali, the Festival of Lights, is among the most cherished celebrations in Hindu culture, symbolizing the triumph of light over darkness. This joyful season begins with Dhanteras, celebrated on the 13th day of the lunar fortnight in the Hindu month of Kartika, a day devoted to invoking prosperity and well-being.
Dhanteras and the Call for Abundance
Dhanteras is a day to honor Goddess Lakshmi, the deity of wealth, representing “Dhan” (wealth) and welcoming abundance into our lives. It is also deeply connected to Lord Dhanvantari, the divine physician. The legend of Dhanvantari stems from the Samudra Manthan—the great churning of the ocean by the asuras (demons) and devas (gods) to obtain Amrit, the celestial nectar of immortality.
During this cosmic event, poison first emerged, which Lord Shiva graciously consumed to save the universe. As the churning continued, other treasures surfaced, including a divine elephant, a celestial horse, and precious gems. Goddess Lakshmi also emerged from the ocean, reuniting with Lord Vishnu. Finally, Dhanvantari appeared, bearing a pot of the elixir of immortality. Thus, Dhanteras is a day to honor both Lakshmi and Dhanvantari, recognizing abundance in all its forms: wealth, health, and prosperity.
In India, on the eve of Dhanteras, homes are cleansed and decorated with earthen lamps to welcome abundance. In South India, a traditional herbal preparation called Marundu (medicine) is made from ground herbs. This is offered as Prasad (sacred offering) early the following morning, symbolizing health and well-being as a foundation for the Diwali festivities. Today, Dhanteras is also celebrated as Ayurveda Day, marking the arrival of Dhanvantari and underscoring the truth that while material riches are valuable, good health is essential for a fulfilling life.
Diwali: The Return of Light and the Dispelling of Darkness
Diwali also commemorates the return of Lord Rama to Ayodhya after his victory over Ravana. To welcome him, the people of Ayodhya illuminated the entire city with oil lamps, signifying the dispelling of darkness and the arrival of light. This story reminds us of the victory of inner light over ignorance, fear, and negativity.
As Mohanji often says, Supreme Consciousness shines with the brilliance of a thousand suns: “Divi surya sahasrasya”
“If the radiance of a thousand suns were to burst forth at once in the sky, that would be like the splendor of the Mighty One.”
—Bhagavad Gita
This supreme brightness is the true power of consciousness, the ultimate light residing within us all.
May we remember this divine light within ourselves as we celebrate Dhanteras and Diwali, welcoming the supreme consciousness into our lives and hearts.
