Dhanteras — When Health Becomes the First Wealth
Once, long ago, a young prince was told he would die from a snake bite on the thirteenth night. His wife would not accept that fate. She piled their room high with lamps and gold and silver coins, lighting every corner until no shadow could hide. She sat with him all night — telling stories, singing songs, keeping him awake.
When Yama, the god of death, came like a snake, the light and the warmth and the music surprised him. He could not find his way in. By morning, the danger had passed. Love and light had protected the prince — and so the lamps of that night became a way to remember life itself.
Far above, in the same great story, the oceans were being churned — the Samudra Manthan. Gods and demons pulled and turned the sea to find what the deep kept hidden. Out of that churning came many things: treasures, music, and miracles. From the waves rose Goddess Lakshmi, who brings prosperity, and Lord Dhanvantari, the divine physician, holding a pot of Amrit — the nectar of life — and the book of Ayurveda. He carried the wisdom of healing and long life.
Isn’t it telling that before gold appeared, Amrit appeared first? The story seems to say: health is the original treasure. Before we seek things that shine, we must honour the life that allows us to see, love and celebrate.
So when we step out to buy something precious on Dhanteras, let the lamps remind us why they were lit in the first place—not merely to buy luck but to protect and cherish the life we have.
No comments:
Post a Comment