Beauty of mind is more important than jewellery, poverty of mind is the biggest poverty.
Dhanteras means not only ‘wealth’ but also ‘meditation’—meditation on what makes our lives meaningful. This festival forces us to reflect on the true meaning of prosperity. If there is love in the home, unity in the family, peace in the mind, and compassion in society, that is the greatest wealth. So, this Dhanteras, increase the brightness of your mind, not just the shine of silver. Recognize the darkness within you and light the lamp of love, restraint, and service. This will be true worship—where Lakshmi resides not only in the safe but also in your actions.
The mere mention of Dhanteras conjures up images of the glow of lamps, the glimmer of gold and silver, the vibrant buzz of markets, and homes busy preparing for the puja. This day is not only a shopping festival but also a symbol of the deep philosophy of Indian culture. It is the day when people believe that Goddess Lakshmi will visit homes, bless them with prosperity, and dispel the darkness of misfortune. But if we delve deeper into the philosophy behind this festival, we find that Dhanteras is not just about buying gold and silver, but about understanding the true meaning of wealth.
The word ‘wealth’ is derived from the Sanskrit word ‘Dhana’, which means not just wealth or money but a confluence of prosperity, happiness and contentment. In ancient texts, Dhanteras is called ‘Dhantrayodashi’ – the day of wishing for both wealth and health. On this day, Lord Dhanvantari emerged from the churning of the ocean with the pot of nectar, bestowing the boon of health upon humanity. This is why this day is also celebrated as Ayurveda Day. While the world views wealth only as material possessions, Indian philosophy views it as the prosperity of the body, mind and soul.
Dhanteras has changed significantly these days. While it used to be a day of lighting lamps, cleaning the house, and worshipping gods and goddesses, it has now become a symbol of shopping malls and online sales. As Dhanteras approaches, people rush to buy everything—gold, silver, cars, bikes, refrigerators, TVs, and mobile phones. But is this real “wealth”? Do we truly become prosperous simply by purchasing expensive items? Perhaps not. True prosperity lies in a heart that knows contentment, in a home where the walls of love are strong, and in a society where everyone has food, clothing, and respect.
Dhanteras also teaches us how to use money. Since wealth is associated with Lord Dhanvantari, it also means that money should be used for health and preservation of life, not for show-off and unnecessary luxury. But today’s reality is that people even take out loans to buy new things on Dhanteras. A festival that should be a joyous occasion, it becomes a medium of stress and comparison. These comparisons on social media—who is buying how much, who bought which car—erode us from within. True worship is when we allow balance and restraint in our lives.
There was a time when people bought earthen lamps and copper or brass utensils on Dhanteras. This tradition wasn’t merely symbolic, but also held scientific and cultural significance. Earthen lamps symbolized the dispelling of darkness, and metal utensils symbolized health and positive energy. But now these utensils have been replaced by shiny Chinese lights and plastic decorative items. Where once the walls of homes were adorned with “Shubh Labh” (Good Luck) inscriptions, now boards advertising “Discount” and “Cashback” are glittering. This change isn’t just external, but also in our inner sense of values.
Dhanteras has another profound message—the balance between wealth and righteousness. Wealth earned through unrighteous means can never bring happiness. The Mahabharata says, “Dhanam Dharmaen Sanchayet,” meaning, “earn wealth through the path of righteousness.” Today, when corruption, greed, and immoral earnings are on the rise in society, Dhanteras reminds us that true worship is not done with a golden lamp, but with money earned through honesty and hard work. When we light lamps on this day, it not only dispels the darkness outside, but also sends a message of dispelling the darkness of greed, jealousy, and attachment within.
This festival also has an Ayurvedic and scientific aspect. On the thirteenth day of Kartik month, the weather changes, winter begins, and the body becomes more susceptible to illness. Worshipping Lord Dhanvantari at this time symbolizes the importance of taking care of our health. Dhanteras not only signifies the attainment of wealth, but also longevity, health, and mental balance. Only when the body is healthy can there be true happiness and prosperity in life.
If we consider the lifestyle of our ancestors, they considered festivals not just religious rituals, but also opportunities for social harmony and environmental balance. Cleaning homes on Dhanteras was not only a way to welcome Goddess Lakshmi, but also a symbol of cleanliness. Lighting lamps was not only a way to dispel darkness, but also a way to reduce pollution and purify the environment. But today, cleanliness has been replaced by decoration, and purity by ostentation.
Dhanteras has also been a symbol of equality in society. In ancient times, rich and poor alike would light lamps in their homes on this day. If someone lacked gold or silver, they would light an earthen lamp to express their devotion. Today, this sentiment is waning. The festival that once united everyone is now dividing people into classes. The dazzling glitz of malls overshadows the dark nights of slums. It’s worth pondering: if Lakshmi truly visits every home, why are so many people hungry? Why are so many farmers dying in debt? Have we made Lakshmi the goddess of the rich only?
The true message of Dhanteras is that we must learn to use money wisely. This day allows us to reflect on how much our wealth brings light into the lives of so many people. If we use our wealth to help the poor, support the treatment of a sick person, or contribute to the education of a needy child, that will be the true Dhanteras. Lakshmi is permanent only when she is used for the welfare of others. Otherwise, she remains only a temporary flicker.
In today’s age, when we celebrate Dhanteras amidst digital payments, online shopping, and artificial lighting, it’s even more important to recognize the spirit of this festival. This festival offers us the opportunity to celebrate “Cleaning Day” not only for our homes but also for our minds. If we can dust off greed, jealousy, selfishness, and pretense and light the lamps of compassion, honesty, and love within ourselves, that will be a true Dhanteras.
Dhanteras is not just a day, it is an approach—an approach to making life balanced, healthy, and meaningful. It teaches us that the value of wealth lies not in its quantity, but in its use. If we make wealth a means, not an end, it brings both beauty and satisfaction to life. But if that same wealth leads us into a race to appear superior to others, it becomes a curse, not a blessing.
Perhaps the greatest wealth in today’s times is preserving our mental peace. Being able to sit with family and smile, spend some time with loved ones, touch the feet of elders, and seek their blessings—this too is the spirit of Dhanteras. Because Lakshmi automatically comes to a home filled with love and respect.
The true brilliance of festivals lies not in gold or silver, but in the purity of the mind. The light of lamps will spread outward only when the inner lamps are lit. So, if you must buy something this Dhanteras, buy yourself restraint, compassion, and contentment. These are priceless things that never wear out, are never stolen, and bring a lifetime of prosperity.
The festival of Dhanteras reminds us every year that prosperity lies not just in becoming wealthy, but in becoming kind. When we spread light in the lives of others through our actions, when we dispel someone’s darkness with our earnings—that is when Dhanteras truly comes. So, light a lamp, but also light a lamp of hope in someone else’s life. This is the most beautiful message of this festival.
