Annals and Antiquities of Rajasthan, or the Central and Western Rajput States of India v2.c27.s4.t2.41

v2.c27.s4.t2.41

Karttika.—This month is peculiarly sacred to Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth, the Juno Moneta of the Romans. The 13th is called the Dhanteras, or thirteenth [day] of wealth, when gold and silver coin are worshipped, as the representatives of the goddess, by her votaries of all classes, but especially by the mercantile [597]. On the 14th, all anoint with oil, and make libations thereof to Yama, the judge of departed spirits. Worship (puja) is performed to the lamp, which represents the god of hell, and is thence called Yamadiwa, ‘ the lamp of Pluto ’ ; and on this day partial illumination takes place throughout the city.