Dhanteras marks the first day of the five-day Diwali festival in India. In the Hindu month of Ashwin, on the thirteenth lunar day of the dark fortnight, there is a holy day called Dhantrayodashi. “Teras” alludes to the thirteenth day, which is a sign of health and prosperity, while “Dhan” symbolizes wealth.
This year, Dhantrayodashi will be celebrated on October 29. It is considered auspicious to buy new utensils, and gold or silver jewelry on Dhanteras. Worship of Lord Kuber (the god of wealth), Lord Dhanvantari (the god of medicine), and Goddess Lakshmi (the goddess of wealth) is performed on this day.
One of the most important Hindu holidays, Dhanteras is observed nationwide with great fervor and happiness. People light candles and lights outside their homes and engage in other religious rituals on this auspicious day. Also called Dhan Trayodashi, it is thought that Lord Dhanvantari, the gods’ physician, was born on this day. On Dhanteras, purchasing gold, silver, jewelry, and cutlery is seen as extremely auspicious.
Dhanteras Puja Essentials
For the 2024 Dhanteras Puja, here’s what you’ll need:
A new idol or picture of Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Kuber, fresh clothes, lotus seeds, lotus flowers, red roses, flower garlands, whole coriander, sacred grass (Durva), holy grass (Kusha), a mix of five dried fruits, seven types of earth, seven types of grains, a wooden platform, rice grains, turmeric, sacred red powder (Roli), vermilion, yogurt, milk, fruits, honey, Ganga water, sugar, pure ghee, betel nut, betel leaves, five sacred leaves (Panch Pallav), offering sweets, colored powder, camphor, cotton wicks, oil lamps, incense, sacred thread, vermillion, cardamom, clove, silver or gold coins, coconut, ledger book, protective thread, perfume, and a Kusha mat.
Dhanteras Puja Method
Wear clean clothes and take an early bath on the morning of this festival . The idols of Goddess Lakshmi, Lord Dhanvantari, and Lord Kuber should be placed on a pedestal after your worship space has been cleaned and water offered to the Sun God. Apply sandalwood paste, light a lamp, and do an aarti. Recite the Dhanvantari Stotra and the mantra for Kuber, “Om Hreem Kuberaya Namah,” 108 times. Serve fruits, candies, and other foods. Last but not least, give what you believe will bring wealth and prosperity.
Why Light Yama Lamps(Deepak)on Dhanteras?
On this festival , a lamp is lit outside the house for Yama, the god of death, known as the Yama Deepam. This is done to avoid untimely death.
How Many Lamps to Light on Dhanteras?
Traditionally, 13 lamps are lit on Dhanteras. One of these lamps is specifically dedicated to Yama.
Dhanteras 2024 Temples of Lord Kuber in India
For those who wish to seek blessings of Lord Kuber on Dhanteras or Diwali, here are some famous ancient temples dedicated to him.
Madhya Pradesh’s Kuber Temples: There are three prominent Kuber temples in Madhya Pradesh. These temples each have unique beliefs associated with them. The main Kuber temple in Khandwa is about 257 kilometers from Bhopal and 78 kilometers from Indore. It is accessible by bus, taxi, or private vehicle.
Kuber Temple in Gujarat: Another well-known Kuber temple, the Kuber Bhandari Temple, is situated in Vadodara, Gujarat. This ancient temple, over 2,500 years old, is located on the banks of the Narmada River. From Vadodara, a 60-kilometer cab ride will take you to this temple.
Items Not to Gift on Dhanteras
On This Festival, avoid giving certain items as gifts:
1. Iron objects: Buying or gifting iron is considered inauspicious on this day.
2. Glass items: Glass is linked to the planet Rahu, which is believed to bring misfortune, so avoid giving glass items.
3. Black-colored items: Donating black items on Dhanteras may displease Goddess Lakshmi.
Lakshmi-Narayan Yoga: On Dhanteras, Venus and Mercury will align in Scorpio, creating this yoga.
Shash Mahapurush Raj Yoga: Saturn in Aquarius will create Shash Mahapurush Raj Yoga, bringing blessings of Saturn.
A Rare Trigrahi Yoga After 100 Years
This Dhanteras will witness a rare Trigrahi Yoga after 100 years, along with Tripushkar Yoga, Indra Yoga, Lakshmi-Narayan Yoga, and Shash Mahapurush Raj Yoga, making it exceptionally beneficial for worship and purchases.
Shopping List: Essential Items to Buy
On this festival , it’s considered lucky to buy a broom, idols of Lakshmi and Ganesh for Diwali, utensils, coriander seeds, and offerings for Diwali Puja. If possible, you may also buy gold or silver jewelry according to your budget.
For More Info:This festival
Auspicious Timings to Purchase Gold and Silver on Dhanteras for Prosperity and Good Fortune
There are three good times to buy gold, silver, and other items on Dhanteras:
1. October 29, from 10:31 AM to October 30, 6:32 AM
2. October 29, 6:31 PM to 8:13 PM
3. October 29, 5:38 PM to 6:55 PM