Dhanteras also known as Dhanatrayodashi, is an auspicious day for Hindus which marks the beginning of Diwali festival. The term “Dhanteras” is derived from Sanskrit words: “Dhan,” meaning wealth, and “Teras,” meaning the thirteenth day. This day falls on the thirteenth lunar day of Krishna Paksha in the month of October/November according to the Hindu calendar. Dhanteras is an important occasion for Hindus as it brings wealth, and well-being.
The main part of Dhanteras is the Dhanteras Puja, a ritual dedicated to Lord Dhanvantari, the God of health and Ayurveda, and Goddess Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth and prosperity. It is believed that she visits the homes of her devotees and blesses them with prosperity and wealth. Therefore, it is auspicious to buy gold, silver, and other precious items on this day, which symbolizes the welcoming of wealth and prosperity into one’s home.
Preparations for Dhanteras Puja
Preparations of Dhanteras Puja begin by cleaning Homes and decorating it to welcome the Goddess. It is believed that a clean home & environment attracts positive energy and the blessings of Goddess Lakshmi. People therefore decorate their entrance with colorful rangoli designs and traditional diyas to light up the path for the deities.
After cleaning the home, Idols or Pictures of Lord Dhanvantari and Goddess Lakshmi are placed on a clean, decorated platform. Flowers and Garlands are used to adorn the idols.
Diyas made from Clay are filled with oil or ghee and lighted during the puja. Incense Sticks and Camphor are used for performing aarti.
Fruits and Sweets are offered to the deities and later distributed as prasad.
Devotees also keep Gold and silver coins along with the idols of Goddess in the puja and worship it during the puja.
The Rituals of Dhanteras Puja
The Dhanteras Puja is a significant ritual that involves the worship of Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Dhanvantari. The puja takes place in the evening, after the sunset, when it is believed that Goddess Lakshmi visits the homes of her devotees.
Lakshmi Puja:
The primary puja in the Dhanteras ritual involves the worship of Goddess Lakshmi. An idol or picture of the Goddess is placed on a clean, decorated altar. The pandit then begins the puja by chanting of mantras and the offering of flowers, sweets, and fruits to the Goddess. Special Laxmi mantras are often recited by pandits and devotees during the puja to seek the blessings of Goddess Lakshmi.
Dhanvantari Puja:
Pandits perform a special puja to honor Lord Dhanvantari. Under the pandit’s guidance, Devotees offer prayers for good health and well-being, seeking blessings to protect them from diseases and ailments.
Kuber Puja:
On Dhanteras, some people also worship Lord Kuber, the God of wealth and the treasurer of the Gods. It is believed that worshiping Lord Kuber on this day ensures the steady flow of wealth into the household.
Diya Decoration & lighting:
After the puja, diyas are lighted and placed in various parts of the home, starting from the entrance and in the prayer area. In some regions, 13 diyas are lit to honor the 13th day (Teras) of the lunar month.
Offering Prasad:
A variety of sweets and savories are prepared as an offering (naivedya) to the deities. After the completion of the puja, these are distributed as prasad among family members and guests.
Buying new items, particularly gold, silver, and utensils is an integral part of Dhanteras. This is done to welcome Goddess Lakshmi and attract prosperity. People believe that the items purchased on Dhanteras bring good luck and are used as a part of the worship on Diwali.
In modern times, Dhanteras has also become synonymous with shopping for precious items. It is considered highly auspicious to purchase gold, silver, utensils, or any other valuable item on this day. Many people also invest in new appliances, vehicles, and other significant purchases, believing that this brings good fortune and prosperity.
Don’t miss out the opportunity to seek blessings of deities on Dhanteras. Pre-book a professional pandit for dhanteras from pandits near me and perform rituals online with ease & convenience.
