Dhanteras, also known as Dhantrayodashi, is a Hindu festival that occurs on the trayodashi of Krishna Paksha in the Hindu month of Ashwin (Karthik according to North Indian belief). Deepavali, also known as Diwali, is a five-day festival that begins on this day. It also involves honouring Dhanvantari, the founder of Ayurveda and a physician’s teacher.
The significance of Dhanteras has evolved. Maa Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth and prosperity, is also revered. Vagh Baras is the day before Dhanteras, and Kali Chaudas or Narak Chaturdashi is the day after Dhanteras. Dhanatrayodash is another name for this day when people buy new utensils and jewellery to bring good luck.
The phrase “Dhanteras” is self-explanatory, as Dhan means wealth & teras means the 13th day of the Hindu Lunar Calendar. Furthermore, the Puja is conducted not only for goddess Lakshmi but also for Kuber, the deity of riches. The shubh Puja for Goddess Lakshmi and God Kuber is frequently performed simultaneously since it is said to increase the effectiveness of prayers.
Preparation & Celebration
This occasion is marked by the purchase of gold or silver jewellery as well as various utensils by Hindus. On the evening of Dhanteras, Lord Ganesha, Lord Kuber, and Goddess Lakhsmi are worshipped. The following are the steps of performing Dhanteras Puja Vidhi:
Lord Ganesha should be bathed and anointed with sandalwood paste. The lord is then presented with a red robe and flowers. A Ganesha-worshiping mantra is also chanted which is as follows
वक्रतुण्ड महाकाय सूर्यकोटि समप्रभ ।
निर्विघ्नं कुरु मे देव सर्वकार्येषु सर्वदा ॥
Offer Lord Kuber fruits, flowers, sweets, and Diya. Chant the Mantra below to adore Lord Kuber.
ओम यक्षाय कुबेराय वैश्रवणाय धनधान्यपदये
धना-धनाय समुद्भूतं मे देहि दापय स्वाहा
Place a Kalash filled with water and gangajal, as well as betel nuts, flowers, money, and rice grains, on a cloth laid on a high stage. On the grains of rice, a Maa Lakshmi statue should be placed. Businessmen also keep their accounting books (Bahi Khata) beside the goddess Lakshmi’s idol. Turmeric, vermillion, flowers, and a diya are presented to the deity. You can worship Maa Lakshmi by chanting the following mantra.
ओम श्रीं ह्रीं श्रीं श्रीं कमले कमलालये प्रसीद प्रसीद ओम श्रीं ह्रीं श्रीं महालक्ष्म्यै नमः
Many individuals fast all day and only break their fast in the evening after doing Lakshmi puja. For individuals who do not have comprehensive knowledge of Pooja methods, performing Lakshmi Puja with all exact Vedic ceremonies may be inconvenient.
Dhanteras Puja Date in 2021 and Muhurat /Auspicious Time
Trayodashi Beginning Date and time: November 02nd, 2021, 11:31 AM
Trayodashi Ending Date and time: November 03rd, 2021, 09:02 AM
Auspicious time for Puja: 06:31 PM to 08:23 PM.
Dhanteras Gifts
The holiday is perfect for family get-togethers and gift-giving. Gifts are thought to come with good intentions for wealth and well-being, as well as positive energy and good luck. Brass pots, Lakshmi idols, Ganesha idols, sweet hampers, rangoli, Goddess Lakshmi’s footprints, Laxmi Yantra, Ganesha Yantra, ornamental door hangings, and other goods are popular Dhanteras gifts.