Diwali, the Festival of Lights, is a celebration that spans over five days, with each day holding its own significance. The first day of this festive period is known as Dhanteras, which marks the beginning of Diwali and is dedicated to the worship of Lord Dhanvantari, the god of health and Ayurveda, and Lord Kubera, the god of wealth. Dhanteras is a day filled with rituals, prayers, and traditions that aim to bring health, prosperity, and well-being into the home. In this blog, we will explore the significance, rituals, and steps involved in performing the Dhanteras Puja.

Significance of Dhanteras

Preparations for Dhanteras Puja

Before performing the Dhanteras Puja, certain preparations need to be made to ensure the ritual is conducted with devotion and reverence.

1. Cleaning the House: Start by thoroughly cleaning the house, as it is believed that Goddess Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth, visits clean and well-maintained homes on Dhanteras. This act of cleaning symbolizes the removal of negativity and making space for positive energy.
2. Setting Up the Puja Area: Create a clean and sacred space in the home for the Puja. Spread a clean cloth or Puja mat on the floor or on a table where the Puja items will be placed.
3. Puja Items: Gather all the necessary items for the Dhanteras Puja, which typically include:
   • A clean idol or picture of Lord Dhanvantari and Goddess Lakshmi.
   • A small Kalash (metal pot) filled with water, adorned with a coconut and mango leaves.
   • A lamp (diya) with oil or ghee and a cotton wick.
   • Incense sticks, sandalwood paste, and flowers (preferably marigold).
   • Offerings like fruits, sweets, and dry fruits.
   • Coins or gold/silver items to be worshiped.
   • Rice, turmeric, kumkum (vermilion), and betel leaves.
4. New Purchases: It is customary to purchase new items, especially gold, silver, or kitchen utensils, on Dhanteras. These items are considered to bring good luck and are often used during the Puja.

Steps to Perform Dhanteras Puja

6. Dhanvantari Mantra:

Om Shankham Chakram Jalaukam Dadhad-anrita-ghatam Charu Dorbhishcha Shubhram

Kshiyate Hema-shatro Hridaya Sita-yatash-chandranamam Sutangam.

Vidya-yushau Vidadhyad Vibudhasa-damanam Vyakta-bhootam Dayaryam

Dhanvantari mam Idyam Sura-gana Gadhir Asesha-roga Nivarinam.

Lakshmi Mantra:

Om Hreem Shreem Lakshmibhyo Namah

1. Offering to the Deities: Offer flowers, sandalwood paste, turmeric, kumkum, and rice to the idols or images of the deities. Place fruits, sweets, and dry fruits as offerings before them. You can also offer the newly purchased items like gold, silver, or utensils, symbolizing the welcoming of wealth into your home.
2. Worship of Wealth: Place the coins or other valuable items in front of the deities and perform their Puja by applying sandalwood paste, kumkum, and rice. These items represent wealth and prosperity.
3. Chanting Mantras and Prayers: Chant Dhanteras and Lakshmi mantras while making the offerings. Recite the prayers with full devotion, asking for the blessings of good health, wealth, and prosperity.
4. Aarti: Perform the Aarti by waving the diya in a circular motion in front of the deities. While performing the Aarti, sing the Aarti song dedicated to Goddess Lakshmi. This is followed by distributing the Aarti to all members present.
5. Distribution of Prasad: After the Puja is complete, offer the prasad (the food that was offered to the deities) to everyone in the family. It is considered highly auspicious to share this blessed food.

Lighting Diyas: After the Puja, light diyas and place them around your home, especially near the entrance, windows, and balconies. This is done to welcome prosperity and dispel any negativity or darkness.

Dhanteras Traditions and Beliefs

Dhanteras is steeped in tradition and cultural beliefs. Here are a few customs associated with the day:

• Buying New Items: It is believed that buying new gold, silver, or utensils on Dhanteras brings good fortune and prosperity into the home. Many people also purchase new clothes, jewelry, and home appliances on this day.
• Lighting Yamadeep: In the evening, a small diya called the Yamadeep is lit and placed outside the house, near the entrance. This diya is dedicated to Lord Yama, the god of death, and is believed to protect the household from untimely death and bring peace.
• Business Community Celebrations: For business communities, Dhanteras holds special significance as it marks the beginning of the new financial year. Businessmen and traders worship their accounts books and other financial records, seeking the blessings of Goddess Lakshmi for a prosperous year ahead.
• Health and Healing: Since Dhanteras is also associated with Lord Dhanvantari, the god of Ayurveda, many people pray for good health and the well-being of their loved ones. It’s also common to engage in charitable acts, such as donating food, clothes, or money to the needy, as a way of spreading blessings.

Dhanteras Puja is not just about worshiping wealth but also about honoring health, well-being, and prosperity. It sets the tone for the Diwali celebrations that follow, filling homes with positive energy, light, and joy. By following the traditional rituals and understanding their significance, you can perform the Dhanteras Puja with devotion and reverence, ensuring that the blessings of Lord Dhanvantari and Goddess Lakshmi bring health, wealth, and happiness to your home.

As you prepare for this auspicious day, remember that the true essence of Dhanteras lies in gratitude, generosity, and the well-being of your loved ones. May this Dhanteras bring you and your family abundant blessings and prosperity.