There is a popular Bengali story of King Hemnak’s bride regarding the significance of Dhanteras or Dhan Trayodashi. This story has similarities with the tale of Behula and Lakhindar from the Manasamangal.
Once there was a king named Hemnak. He was also known as 'Him'.
The king had one son. After the boy's birth, upon reading his horoscope, the
pandits (scholars) predicted that the prince would die from a snakebite on the
fourth night after his wedding.
The boy soon grew up to be marriageable. However, the
prospect of his impending death filled the king with fear whenever he
considered marriage. Finally, he arranged a bride for the prince.
However, before the wedding, the king informed the girl's
family about the royal astrologer's prediction before getting his son married.
On the fourth night of the wedding, the new bride stayed
awake all night. She also kept the prince from sleeping. Every time her husband
fell asleep, she woke him up!
How would she protect her husband from the clutches of
death?
The newly-wed bride placed a heap of all her ornaments,
riches, and gold coins outside the door of the room and lit lamps all around
it.
The light reflecting off the gems and jewels made the
surroundings glitter.
Late at night, Yama (the God of Death) arrived in the form
of a snake. But as soon as he reached the door, the light reflecting off the
heap of diamonds and jewels blinded his eyes. Yama could not enter the room. He
waited at the entrance. The prince and his wife were just beyond the heap of
gold.
Thus, the night passed. Time is not subject even to Yama! As
the hands of time moved past the fatal hour, Yama had to leave. The prince's
life was saved. The people of the kingdom praised the young queen for the
strength of her intellect.