Today is Dhanteras or Dhantrayodashi / Dhanwantari Trayodashi. During the churning of the ocean, Lord Dhanwantari appeared on this day, carrying a pot of nectar in his hands. Dhanwantari ji is the father of Ayurveda and the world's first physician. On this very day, Goddess Mahalakshmi also appeared and hence it is Jayanti of both. Also, Lord Kubera who is Dhanadhyaksha (treasurer) of gods, is worshiped on this day. Lord of Death, Yama is also worshiped on this night and Deep Daan is done. And Gau (cows) are worshiped on this day because cows are considered as a form of Lakshmi (go-dhan).
If we connect the dots, I see that on a single day we are dealing with wealth (Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Kubera), health (Lord Dhanwantari), remembering the other aspects of life (Yama Raaj) and symbolically lighting Diyas of hope, and doing something for world's prosperity and honoring mother nature (Gau Puja). This is why Diwali is not only a religious festival. It is celebration of life in all its aspects and in best of the spirits!
Wish all friends and family, very happy Dhanteras and upcoming Diwali... May you are always blessed with prosperity and happiness...
- Rahul
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