Introduction
Dhanteras Puja Vidhi : Dhanteras, also known as Dhantrayodashi, marks the beginning of the grand Indian festival of Diwali. It is an auspicious day that holds great significance, especially for those seeking prosperity, wealth, and good health. The term “Dhanteras” is derived from two words: “Dhan” meaning wealth and “Teras” meaning the thirteenth day of the lunar calendar (Trayodashi). On this day, devotees worship Lord Dhanvantari (the god of health and Ayurveda) and Goddess Lakshmi (the goddess of wealth), seeking their blessings for prosperity and well-being.
Performing the Dhanteras Puja with proper rituals (vidhi) is believed to bring prosperity, fortune, and happiness into your home. In this blog, we will provide a step-by-step guide to performing Dhanteras Puja Vidhi, along with important tips to ensure that you follow the right procedures for this auspicious occasion.
Importance of Dhanteras : Dhanteras Puja Vidhi
Dhanteras is considered a highly auspicious day for making new purchases, especially gold, silver, utensils, or any item of value. According to Hindu mythology, it is believed that buying these items on Dhanteras brings good fortune and prosperity into one’s life. Additionally, the day is also dedicated to the worship of Lord Dhanvantari, the god of Ayurveda, who emerged during the Samudra Manthan (churning of the ocean) with a pot of Amrit (nectar) that grants eternal health. Hence, this day also symbolizes health and longevity.
Dhanteras Puja Vidhi (Step-by-Step Guide) :
The Dhanteras Puja is a beautiful and serene ritual that fills the home with positivity and good energy. Here’s a detailed step-by-step guide on how to perform the Dhanteras Puja at home:
1. Purify the Home
Before beginning the puja, it’s essential to cleanse and purify your home. This symbolizes the removal of negative energies and the welcoming of positive vibes.
- Clean every room of your house, especially the areas where the puja will be performed.
- Sprinkle Ganga jal (holy water) in every corner of the house to purify the space.
- Light an incense stick or dhoop to invite positivity and fragrance into the atmosphere.
2. Set Up the Puja Altar : Dhanteras Puja Vidhi
- Choose a clean, quiet place for the puja, preferably the puja room or a dedicated space in your home.
- Place a clean white or red cloth on the altar or table where the idols and offerings will be placed.
- Place idols or pictures of Goddess Lakshmi, Lord Ganesha, and Lord Dhanvantari on the altar.
- Arrange kumkum (vermilion), haldi (turmeric), and chandan (sandalwood) for the tilak. Keep rice, flowers, and coins near the idols.
3. Decorate the Altar : Dhanteras Puja Vidhi
- Decorate the puja area with marigold flowers and colorful rangoli. Use diyas (lamps) and candles to brighten the surroundings.
- Place a silver or copper Kalash (pot) filled with water on the altar, symbolizing purity.
- Arrange 13 small diyas made of clay around the house and on the puja altar.
4. Place New Items for Blessings : Dhanteras Puja Vidhi
- Traditionally, people purchase gold, silver, or new utensils on Dhanteras. If you have bought new items like jewelry, coins, or utensils, place them on the puja altar to seek blessings from Goddess Lakshmi.
- You can also place any business-related items like account books or money chests for blessings.
5. Puja Begins with Lord Ganesha’s Worship : Dhanteras Puja Vidhi
Every auspicious ritual in Hinduism begins with the worship of Lord Ganesha, the remover of obstacles.
- Light a lamp in front of Lord Ganesha.
- Offer fresh flowers, fruits, and sweets like modak to Lord Ganesha.
- Chant the Ganesha mantra or recite Ganapati Aarti to invoke his blessings.
6. Worship Lord Dhanvantari : Dhanteras Puja Vidhi
Since Dhanteras is dedicated to Lord Dhanvantari, the divine healer, it’s important to offer prayers to him for good health and longevity.
- Offer flowers, fruits, and sweets to Lord Dhanvantari’s idol or picture.
- Chant the Dhanvantari Mantra:
“Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya Dhanvantaraye Amrita Kalasha Hastaya Sarva Bhaya Vinashaya Trailokya Nathaya Sri Maha Vishnave Namah.”
7. Perform Goddess Lakshmi Puja
The main ritual of Dhanteras is to worship Goddess Lakshmi, as she symbolizes wealth and prosperity.
- Light a lamp in front of Goddess Lakshmi’s idol or picture.
- Offer kumkum, haldi, chandan, and rice (akshat) to the goddess.
- Offer flowers, sweets (especially kheer or ladoo), and coins as symbols of wealth.
- Chant the Lakshmi Mantra or recite the Lakshmi Aarti to seek her divine blessings for wealth, prosperity, and abundance.
8. Invoke Kubera, the God of Wealth
Along with Goddess Lakshmi, worshiping Lord Kubera, the god of wealth, is considered auspicious on Dhanteras.
- Offer coins, flowers, and sweets to Lord Kubera.
- Recite the Kubera Mantra:
“Om Yakshaya Kuberaya Vaishravanaaya Dhanadhanyadhipataye Dhanadhanyasamriddhim Me Dehi Dapaya Swaha.”
9. Perform Aarti and Offer Prasad
- Light camphor or ghee in a small diya and perform the Aarti of Goddess Lakshmi, Lord Ganesha, and Lord Dhanvantari.
- After the aarti, distribute the prasad (offered sweets) among family members.
- Make sure to light diyas (lamps) and place them at the entrance of your house to welcome the goddess of wealth and good fortune into your home.
10. Dhanteras Deepdan
In many parts of India, Deepdan (offering of lamps) is an important ritual of Dhanteras. Light 13 diyas in memory of Yamraj, the god of death, to seek protection from untimely death and ensure long life.
- Place these diyas at the entrance of your home and in every room to ward off evil spirits and bring in prosperity.
Important Tips for Dhanteras Puja
- Right Time for Dhanteras Puja: The best time to perform Dhanteras Puja is during the Pradosh Kaal, which is approximately 1.5 hours after sunset.
- Maintain Purity: Wear clean clothes, preferably traditional attire, and ensure that you are mentally and spiritually calm before starting the puja.
- Avoid Inauspicious Acts: Avoid consuming non-vegetarian food, alcohol, or indulging in any negative behavior on this auspicious day.
- Lighting Lamps: After the puja, place the lit diyas outside your house, near the main entrance, as a symbol of welcoming Goddess Lakshmi into your home.
Conclusion
Dhanteras is a beautiful and meaningful festival that brings together rituals for health, wealth, and happiness. By following the proper Dhanteras Puja Vidhi, you invite prosperity, well-being, and positivity into your home. Whether you’re worshiping for material wealth or seeking good health, the blessings of Lord Dhanvantari, Goddess Lakshmi, and Lord Ganesha ensure a fulfilling life.
May this Dhanteras bring you and your family joy, success, and prosperity!