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The Tale of King Hima and the Power of Light
In ancient India, a young prince named Hima lived there. According to the prophecy spoken at his birth, he was destined to die by snake bite on the fourth day of his marriage. This prophecy cast a dark shadow over the otherwise joyous occasion of his wedding.
However, his new bride was both clever and determined. She refused to accept her husband's fate passively. On the fateful fourth night after their wedding, she devised an ingenious plan to save her beloved husband's life.
The young princess laid out all her gold and silver ornaments, along with numerous coins and precious objects, at the entrance of their sleeping chamber. She lit countless lamps (diyas) and kept them burning throughout the night. Then, she began telling stories and singing songs to keep her husband awake through the darkness.
When Yama, the God of Death, arrived as a serpent, he was dazzled by the brilliant light reflecting off the gold and silver. The serpent climbed atop the pile of jewelry, mesmerized by the glow of the diyas and the sound of the princess's voice. Unable to enter the chamber, he listened to her melodic songs and captivating stories the entire night.
As dawn approached, the serpent quietly slithered away without harming the prince. The princess successfully thwarted death through her wisdom and devotion, saving her husband from his predicted fate.
This is why Dhanteras is celebrated by lighting lamps throughout the night and purchasing gold or silver items. "Dhan" means wealth, and "Teras" refers to the 13th day of the lunar fortnight. The day is also known as "Dhanvantari Trayodashi," marking the emergence of Dhanvantari, the divine physician of the gods and the father of Ayurveda, from the cosmic ocean during the great churning (Samudra Manthan).
Today, purchasing precious metals, particularly gold and silver, is considered highly auspicious. Homes and businesses are decorated with rangoli patterns and lit with diyas. People also worship Lord Kubera (the god of wealth) and Goddess Lakshmi (the goddess of prosperity), seeking their blessings for health, wealth, and protection.
The deeper significance of this tale lies in its symbolism:
- The light of the lamps represents knowledge dispelling ignorance
- The gold and silver symbolize prosperity and purity
- The princess's devotion demonstrates the power of love and wisdom over destiny
- The night-long vigil represents eternal vigilance against misfortune
This story inspires millions to celebrate Dhanteras as a festival of light, wealth, and protection, marking the beginning of the five-day Diwali festivities. People send Dhanteras greetings, wishes, and messages to their friends and relatives.