Dhanteras, the golden dawn of Diwali, is a day of renewal and aspiration. As the festival of lights approaches, Hindus embrace the auspicious occasion to usher in prosperity by purchasing new possessions. From the simple broom, symbolizing cleanliness and purity, to the gleaming gold and silver, and even grand investments like vehicles and property, every purchase on this day is believed to bring blessings and good fortune.
As per the Hindu calendar, Dhanteras will be celebrated on October 29th this year. Devotees pay homage to Lord Dhanvantari, the revered deity of Ayurveda, seeking blessings for health and well-being. A significant ritual associated with Dhanteras is the purchase of new utensils, believed to bring prosperity and good fortune to the household.
In India, Dhanteras is a particularly auspicious day to invest in gold and silver. Hindus believe that purchasing gold or silver ornaments on this day not only adds to one’s wealth but also brings good luck and prosperity to the family.
The dazzling festival of Diwali, or Deepavali, is ushered in by Dhanteras, a day of wealth and splendor. “Dhanteras,” or “Dhanatrayodashi,” marks the thirteenth lunar day of the dark fortnight, a time when the universe is believed to bestow its blessings. This auspicious day sets the stage for five days of joy, light, and prosperity.
The divine energy of Pradosh Kaal, the auspicious time after sunset, is the perfect moment to perform Dhanteras Puja. When this celestial window aligns with Vrishabha Lagna, a fixed and stable ascendant, it is believed to invite Goddess Lakshmi, the embodiment of wealth and prosperity, into the home.
How to Perform Dhanteras Puja?
Creating a Sacred Space:
To invoke divine blessings, start by cleansing your home. Clean the main entrance and your puja room to create a pure and positive environment. Decorate the doorstep with beautiful rangoli designs to symbolize welcome. Light a diya filled with oil or ghee at the entrance to illuminate the path for prosperity and ward off negative energies.
A Sacred Ritual of Devotion:
Invoke the blessings of Lord Ganesha, the remover of obstacles, to begin the sacred ritual. Offer pure and fragrant flowers, grains of prosperity, and sweet offerings to Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Kubera. Chant a sacred mantra or a prayer, filling the air with devotion. Conclude the puja by performing aarti, waving a flame of purity around the divine forms.
Performing the Yamadeepdan Ritual:
Light an oil lamp and place it near the main entrance of your home. This ritual, known as Yamadeepdan, is believed to appease Yama, the god of death. By performing this ritual, you seek blessings for a long and healthy life for your family.
Inviting Prosperity:
Dhanteras is an auspicious day to make purchases, especially gold, silver, or household items. These purchases are believed to attract good fortune and prosperity.
Dhanteras, a day of divine grace, is also celebrated as Dhanvantari Jayanti, honoring the divine physician, Dhanvantari. Devotees offer prayers to him, seeking his blessings for a life filled with health and vitality. Dhanteras is a tapestry of sacred rituals, from the purifying Abhyang Snan to the protective Yamadeepdan. As you embrace the auspicious energy of Dhanteras 2024, may your home be filled with the radiance of prosperity and the warmth of joy.
