What & When is Dhanteras?
Dhantrayodashi or simply Dhanteras is the first significant day of Diwali festival falling on Tuesday, November 2nd, 2021. ‘Dhana’ means wealth and ‘Teras’ means the thirteenth day in the Hindu moon cycle. This important day falls in the month of Kartika on the thirteenth day of Kartika Krishna Paksha. It usually occurs one or two days before the main Diwali Puja day, also known as Lakshmi Puja.
Dhanteras: Day of Wealth
As indicated by the name, Dhanteras meaning is the celebration of wealth and prosperity. It is believed that on Dhantrayodashi day, Devi Lakshmi emerged with other treasures during the Churning of the Ocean (Samudra Manthan). Thus, this is why Dhantrayodashi is dedicated to the worship of Goddess Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth and prosperity, and Lord Kuber, treasurer of the world. People pray to Goddess Lakshmi for a prosperous life, fulfillment of desires and wellbeing of their families. It is also customary to purchase new things and bringing valuables home on this day suggests that Goddess Lakshmi Herself has arrived into the house, bringing wealth and prosperity for the whole year. Precious metals bought on the day is seen as a sign of good luck. In addition, Lord Kuber is also worshipped this day. The best place to Dhanteras Diya direction should be on South West, Flame of Dhanteras diya is for God Yama.
Dhanteras is not just about financial riches; it's also about spiritual richness and family connection. On that day, everyone in the family arrives to the ancestral house. Grandparents and parents await the arrival of their sons, daughters, and grandchildren from faraway locations. On this day, the first Diwali lamps are lighted. People put up paper lanterns with festoons to announce the advent of Diwali. On this evening, clay diyas are lighted to ward off bad spirits.
Accordingly, for people less inclined to material advantages on this day, they can instead turn inwards and enrich their spiritual wealth by immersing themselves in meditation, practice of yoga and other religious sadhanas as this is an equally auspicious day for the practice of any of these. It should be remembered that Goddess Laskhmi blesses with abundant inner wealth too and actually She holds the key to open our Sacred Hrit Padma Chakra at the very core of our Selves. As you turn out to be more aware, you begin to manifest more of your real nature, and abundance is part of it. As a result, being enlightened also means becoming more settled in the material world and ultimately, wealthier.
National Ayurveda Day
The Indian Ministry of Ayurveda, Yoga, Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, and Homeopathy declared Dhanteras as the "National Ayurveda Day," which was first celebrated on October 28, 2016. According to Hindu Mythology, Lord Dhanvantari appeared at Samudra Manthan, carrying a Kalasha full of Amrit (the Ayurvedic herbal mix granting immortality) in one hand and also the holy Ayurvedic scripture in the other. He is regarded as the Vaidya (Physician) of the gods, and as the God of the Health and the God of Ayurveda too. Devotees who remember Lord Dhanvantari on Dhanteras are said to be free of all illness.
On this day, Brahmin women in South India (particularly Tamil Nadu) prepare 'Marundhu,' which translates as 'medicine.' The Marundhu is presented during the prayer and consumed before dawn on Narak Chaturdasi. In fact, many families pass along Marundhu recipes to their daughters and daughters-in-law. The Marundhu is used to correct tridosha imbalances in the body.
What to Do on Dhanteras?
Dhanteras is a favorable day to invest in precious metals such as gold, platinum, and silver. Henceforth this day holds a special importance for traders and businessmen who purchase gold, silver or other precious metals on this day. Generally, people prefer Dhanteras day to invest or buy gold bars, jewellery. They also shop for new clothes in this day as any purchases made on this day symbolise prosperity and good luck. Traditionally, women buy gold, platinum or silver jewellery on this day. At the very least, home makers purchase new metal utensils of steel, brass and copper for their kitchen. Donating metals on this day is also considered auspicious. The day also sees weighty purchases of appliances and even automobiles. By all means, the spirit of the day is aimed at increasing wealth and prosperity, which is deemed favorable not matter what the investments are. Most people complete all purchases for Diwali on this day.
In the morning women make rangolis on the entrance of their homes to welcome Goddess Lakshmi. Businessmen and traders renovate and decorate their shops and offices on this day too. Sometimes, tiny footprints are etched with rice flour and gulal powder to symbolize the arrival of the Goddess. Sweets are offered to the Goddess during the day. Sweets are made from Suji like Sheera or halwa and offered as Prasad. Almonds, other seeds, milk and sugar are also offered as Prasad. Sweet banana or carrot preparations are also prepared in certain regions. Panchamrit is prepared on the spot in certain areas. It's made using honey, sugar, ghee, yogurt, and milk in equal proportions. It is eaten and shared after being offered to the Gods.
Prasad of lightly pounded dry coriander seeds with jaggery is also given to the gods during the day. It is then given to family members, neighbors, and friends. This brew is mostly made in Maharashtra. On this day, cows are worshiped too in various parts of the country. They are washed properly and fresh food is given to them. Cows bring good fortune and usher prosperity.
On Dhanteras day, the primary water containers in houses are cleaned and polished to a gleaming and tidy appearance. They are then embellished with marigold flowers or garland, and vermilion paste is put to them. The water in the jar symbolizes Holy Ganga water metaphorically. This water is utilized to take a bath the next morning on a bathing referred to as Abhyanga Snan.
Many communities do Lakshmi Puja on Dhanteras. It must be mentioned that the majority of people do Lakshmi Puja on Diwali. In Gujarat, Lakshmi Puja on Dhanteras is highly popular. Because the day is also devoted to Dhanvantri, the divine physician, certain groups do special Dhanvantari Pujas on this day. From dawn until dusk, certain regions observe a rare fasting for ancestors. People in these get up early in the morning, bathe, and put on fresh clothing. After nightfall, fasting is interrupted by lighting an earthen lamp in front of the house's door.
And, in other regions Lakshmi Puja it is held during the first three days of Diwali, but this is even more uncommon. Nevertheless, Deep daan is a significant ceremony performed on Dhanteras day in various parts of the country. Lamps are lighted and floated in a river or pond in the names of all family members and even ancestors.
After sunset, women of the house light earthen lamps for Lord Yama, the God of Death and keep it burning throughout the night in the tradition of Deep daan to honour Yama. This is known as Yamadeepdaan, and consists in the lighting of 13 lamps dedicated to Lord Yama. See more about this procedure below.
Diyas are kept lit through the night to honour the Goddess of wealth too. In this evening Lakshmi Puja is performed by many as mentioned, and in some houses, devotional songs in praise of Goddess Lakshmi are also sung.Nonetheless, on Dhanteras evening Dhanvantari Puja is performed.
Significance & Story behind Dhanteras
There are several legends prevailing about Dhanteras. In many parts of India, Dhanteras puja date is celebrated as Yama Triyadoshi or Yama deep daan. According to a legend, King Hima was worried because his sixteen-year-old son was predicted to die of snake-bite four days after his wedding. Then the young prince's bride came up with a clever idea to stall Yama, the God of death.
On the third night, she had her attendants light up earthern diyas inside her palace, bathing it in light. She also laid out all her jewellery, gems and silver coins outside her husband's sleeping chamber. The young princess kept her husband awake by telling him stories, singing to him and involving him in a game of cards. When Lord Yama came at midnight in the form of a snake, he was so spell bound by the lights and the dazzling jewels that he could not go into the prince's sleeping chamber. He stretched out on top of gold coins and listened to the princess's stories and songs. In the morning, Yama the snake, quietly slithered away, impressed with the commitment of the princess. The young prince's life was extended owing to his bride and the day was celebrated as Yama Triyadoshi and Dhanteras in the kingdom. After this legend, there evolved a tradition purchasing gold and silver coins stamped with images of Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Ganesha on Dhanteras.
According to the Bhagavata Purana, on this day, Lord Dhanvantari emerged from the sea with a pot of nectar or Amrit during the churning of the ocean. Lord Dhanvantari is the originator of the science of Ayurveda and the physician of the Gods. An avatar of Lord Vishnu, Lord Dhanvantari is worshipped on Dhanteras for good health and wellbeing. More significantly, another legend states that on this day Goddess Lakshmi came out of the ocean during the Samudra Manthan and therefore, she is invoked on this day for attaining her blessings.
Spiritual Significance
On this day, people believe bringing new items into the home to be auspicious. As a result, we may all bring Bhakti into our homes and brighten our lives and souls. Its attainment of everlasting pleasure is unparalleled. On this day, the homes are cleaned in preparation for the arrival of new items. Because new things cannot be accommodated until the old ones are replaced. Similarly, we should clear our minds to create room for Bhakti, Guru Prem, Seva, and Naam Jap, and replace old, redundant, and unnecessary ideas with Krishna Prem's new concepts. The houses and commercial premises are adorned and refurbished to welcome success and riches into our lives. Lakshmi and Dhanvantari Puja is performed in the evening by lighting small clay diyas. The light of diyas indicates that the bad spirit's shadow will drive away from home. Similarly, let us burn a diya in our hearts to drive away the badness of our thoughts and keep evil spirits at bay.
Buying Gold on Dhanteras
It is a common practice to buy gold coins, jewellery, silver bowls, spoons and glasses as well as Lakshmi & Ganesh idols in silver on Dhanteras.
Why do we buy gold on Dhanteras?
For most activities, Hindus prefer to be guided by a mahurat, the auspicious time to make purchases. Pushya Nakshatra and Dhanteras are the two most auspicious occasions when people can buy gold and precious metals. Pushya Nakshatra is ruled by Jupiter and is also the birth star of Goddess Lakshmi. Therefore, it becomes the most auspicious time to bring home the Goddess of Wealth. Because of its association with Lakshmi, Pushya is the most appropriate for buying gold and jewellery. When Pushya Nakshatra rises on a Thursday, it is called Guru Pushya Yoga and when it rises on Sunday, it creates the Ravi Pushya Yoga. As per Vedic astrology, both are auspicious days for buying gold.
Dhanteras Special Products
Dhanteras Puja Vidhi
Dhantrayodashi puja (Dhanteras pooja) is significant in its invocation of Goddess Lakshmi, Lord Ganesha as well as the God of wealth Kuber who are all worshipped in order to invite abundance and blessings. Lord Dhanvantari is very especially worshipped on this day. Below is explained how to do Dhanteras puja at home.
Ganesh Puja Vidhi
On Dhanteras evening, Lord Ganesh is worshipped first. His idol is bathed and then anointed with sandal paste. He is placed on a red cloth and sweet offerings are served to Ganpati. Light incense and diya and offer it to the Idol. Chant the mantra for Ganesha and invoke his blessings to begin the Dhanteras Puja Vidhi.
Vakra-Tunnda Maha-Kaaya Suurya-Kotti Samaprabha
Nirvighnam Kuru Me Deva Sarva-Kaaryessu Sarvadaa ||
Meaning: O Sri Ganesha, of Curved Trunk, Large Body, and with the Brilliance of a Million Suns, Please Make All my Works Free of Obstacles, Always.
Kuber Puja Vidhi
On this evening, Lord Kubera is worshipped ritualistically and offered flowers. After you have offered him incense, diya, fruits and sweets, chant the following mantra to invoke Lord Kuber's blessings.
Om Yakshaya Kuberaya Vaishravanaya Dhanadhanyadhipataye
Dhanadhanyasamriddhim Me Dehi Dapaya Swaha ||
Meaning: Kubera, the lord of yakshas, bless us with wealth and prosperity.
Lakshmi Puja Vidhi
The best time for Lakshmi Puja on Dhanteras or Dhantrayodashi is during the Pradosh Kaal which falls after sunset and lasts for about two and half hours. In addition to worshipping the Idol of Goddess Lakshmi, you can also worship and energise the Mahalakshmi Yantra, which has powerful vibrations of Devi Lakshmi.
Before you begin, spread a new cloth on a raised platform. Place a handful of grains in the centre and on this base, place a kalash (pitcher) made of gold, silver, copper or terracotta. Fill three-fourth of the kalash with water mixed with ganga jal and place a betel nut, a flower, a coin and some rice grains in it. Arrange five kinds of leaves or mango leaves in the kalash. Place a metal dish on the kalash and fill it with rice grains. Draw a lotus with turmeric powder (haldi) over the rice grains and place the Idol of goddess Lakshmi over it, along with the coins.
Place the idol of Ganesha in front of the kalash, on the right (South-West) direction. Also place ink and books related to your business or occupation on the platform. Light a lamp and begin the puja by offering haldi, kumkum and flowers to the platform on which the kalash is placed.
Then offer haldi, kumkum and flowers to the water to be used for the puja. Then recite the following mantra of Mahalakshmi.
Om Shreem Hreem Shreem Kamale Kamalaleye Praseed Praseed
Om Shreem Hreem Shreem Mahalaxmiyei Namah ||
Meaning: Underlying Vibration of all creation, the Goddess of abundance, cherishing your lotus feet, be pleased Great Laxmi Goddess, I bow to You.
Take some flowers in your hands, close your eyes and think of Goddess Lakshmi being showered with gold coins by two elephants standing on Her either side and chant Her name.Then offer the flowers to the idol. Place the idol of Lakshmi in a plate and bathe it with water, panchamrit (a mixture of milk, curd, ghee or clarified butter, honey and sugar) and then with water containing some gold ornament or a pearl. Wipe the idol clean and place it back on the kalash. Alternately, you can just sprinkle water and panchamrit on the idol with a flower.
Now offer the Goddess sandal paste, saffron paste, perfume (ittar), haldi, kumkum, abeer and gulal. Offer a garland of cotton beads to the Goddess. Offer flowers, especially marigold and leaves of Bel (wood apple tree). Light an incense stick. Make an offering of sweets, coconut and fruits. Offer puffed rice and batasha. Pour some puffed rice, batasha, coriander seeds and cumin seeds over the idol. Worship the safe where you keep money and jewellery as a symbol of Lord Kuber. Finally, perform the Aarti for goddess Lakshmi.
Dhanvantari Puja Vidhi
Lord Dhanvantari is regarded as the founder of Ayurveda. People pray to Dhanvantari seeking cure of diseases and good health for their family. After the ritual of bathing Lord Dhanvantari and anointing his idol with vermillion, he is offered nine varieties of grains (Navadhanya). Now chant the mantra below.
Om Namo Bhagavate Maha SudharshanacVasudevaya Dhanvantaraye;
Amrutha Kalasa Hasthaaya Sarva Bhaya Vinasaya Sarva Roka Nivaranaya
Thri Lokya Pathaye Thri Lokya Nithaye Sri Maha Vishnu Swarupa Sri
Dhanvantri Swarupa Sri Sri Sri Aoushata Chakra Narayana Swaha ||
Meaning: We pray to the God, who is known as Sudarshana Vasudev Dhanvantari. He holds the Kalasha full of nectar of immortality. Lord Dhanvantri removes all fears and removes all diseases. He is the well-wisher and preserver of the three worlds. Like Lord Vishnu, Dhanvantari is empowered to heal the Jiva souls. We bow to the Lord of Ayurveda.
Dhanteras Yama Deepam Daan
Dhanteras puja also involves the worship of Lord Yama, the God of death. Lord Yama is honoured with Deep daan on this day for protection of one’s family and loved ones. After worshipping Yam Deva, 13 lamps should be lit.
Yama Deepam Daan is celebrated in the evening on Tuesday, November 2, 2021.
Yama Deepam Pradosh Kaal – 06:01 PM to 07:17 PM
The following is the procedure for Yama Deepaam Daan:
Thirteen earthern lamps filled with sesame oil (til ka tale) should be placed outside the house, facing southwards (direction of Lord Yama), in the evening. A lamp is usually never kept facing southwards except on this day. Then, reciting the following mantra, a person should offer obeisance to Yama, the Lord of Death:
त्युना दण्डपाशाभयाां कालेन श्यामया सह।
त्रयोदश्याां दीपदाना सूययजः प्रीयताां मम॥
Meaning: I offer these thirteen lamps to the son (Lord Yama) of the Sun deity (Surya), so that He liberates me from the clutches of death and bestows His blessings.
Dhanteras Interesting Facts
- Dhanteras is also celebrated as Lord Dhanvantri Jayanti. He is the God of Ayurveda and known to bless the devotees with good health and protection from diseases. It is said that Lord Dhanvantri emerged out of the Ocean of Milk (Kshirsagar) during Samudra Manthan on Dhanteras. He held a pot of elixir (Amrit) in His hand and was called the Lord of medicine. It is thought to be one of the stories of how Dhanteras is named after Lord Dhanvantri.
- The Goddess of wealth, prosperity, good luck, love and new opportunities, Maha Lakhsmi is worshipped in Dhanteras. This puja is done during Pradosh Kaal (the duration of 2 hours after sunset). She bestows to her devotees with abundance and fill the home with prosperity. It is one of the prominent days as per Hindu calendar to worship Goddess Maha Lakshmi. However, it is on the 3rd day of Diwali at the peak of the 5-days festival when it is believed that Goddess Maha Lakshmi emerged from the Ocean of Milk (Samudra Manthan) which is celebrated with a big Lakshmi Puja.
- If you are looking for an auspicious day or Muhurta to purchase any new appliance in house or to make a new addition like a piece of furniture to house then Dhanteras is the perfect day.
- It is a tradition in numerous Hindu families to buy Gold coins, bars or jewellery on Dhanteras. Gold is a symbol of opulence and highly valued which is why it grows 13 times more when purchased on Dhanatrayodashi. The Lord of wealth Kubera blesses the home and makes the worshipper prosper.
- Diyas (oil lamps) have to be lit everywhere in the house to brighten up the space. This draws the sacred energies in home and creates a spiritual environment. Lighting clay oil lamps is an important part of Dhanteras and the Diwali festival altogether.
- One can start a new venture or new business on the auspicious day of Dhanteras. It brings good luck and makes new beginnings successful. Those who are waiting for a favorable Muhurta can commence their new businesses from Dhanteras.
Booking Dhanteras Pujas
We at Rudra Centre are performing the above-mentioned pujas since 1997. Our erudite team of Karmakandi priests from Varanasi (Kashi) Gurukul System have a long experience on carrying out these following Vedic rituals based on the birth details and Nakshatras of the devotees.
The Puja Prasad along with energized Yantra, Rudraksha and photographs is couriered to the clients within 5 to 7 days after the completion of the Puja. The birth details (name, date, time and place) are required while ordering the Puja.
Rudra Centre Puja Services will provide the contact number of the Head priest, to facilitate calling during the Sankalpa and yagna.
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