Dhanteras Katha

Part 1: The Churning of the Ocean and Dhanvantari

According to the Puranas, the gods and the asuras churned the ocean to obtain amrita. Many jewels came out of the churning, among them Lakshmi Ji also appeared. In the end Lord Dhanvantari appeared holding a pot full of amrita. He is regarded as the god of Ayurveda. The day on which he appeared is celebrated as Dhanteras.

Part 2: The Son of King Hima

In an old katha it was written in the horoscope of the son of King Hima that he would die of a snakebite on the fourth day after his marriage. On the night of the fourth day after his wedding, his wife learned of this. She was very wise. She decided that she would save her husband.

Part 3: The Bride's Device

That night she did not let her husband sleep. At the door of the room she made a heap of all her jewellery, gold and silver coins and gems, and lit lamps everywhere. Then, to keep her husband awake, she went on telling beautiful stories and singing songs.

Part 4: Yamaraj Turns Back

At midnight Yamaraj arrived there in the form of a snake. His eyes were dazzled by the brilliance of the ornaments and lamps placed at the door, and he could not go in. He sat down right there on the heap and went on listening to the queen's songs and stories. As morning came, he quietly went back. In this way the prince was saved. From that time a lamp is lit on Dhanteras in the name of Yamaraj.

Thus ends the complete Dhanteras Katha