Dhanteras, the first day of Diwali festivities, holds a special significance in Hindu culture as it is believed to bring prosperity, health, and wealth. This auspicious day is celebrated with rituals that honor Lord Dhanvantari, Goddess Lakshmi, and other deities. If you’re looking for a complete guide to Dhanteras Puja Vidhi 2024, this article will walk you through each step in detail.
What is Dhanteras and Why is it Celebrated?
Dhanteras, also known as Dhantrayodashi, is observed on the thirteenth lunar day of Krishna Paksha in the Hindu month of Kartik. It is dedicated to Lord Dhanvantari, the divine physician, and is also considered an auspicious day to worship Goddess Lakshmi for wealth and prosperity. The word ‘Dhanteras’ itself means ‘wealth,’ symbolizing the blessings of financial security, health, and good fortune.
Preparing for Dhanteras Puja
1. Setting Up the Puja Area
- Clean the area designated for worship. Use a chowki (platform) and drape it with a clean, auspicious cloth.
- Place images or idols of Goddess Lakshmi, Lord Ganesha, and Lord Dhanvantari on the chowki. You can also include an image or idol of Lord Vishnu and Kuber (God of Wealth) if available.
- Draw a Swastik symbol using rice grains on the chowki to invite positive energies.
2. Kalash Sthapana (Establishing the Pot of Prosperity)
- In some households, a Kalash (pot) is placed on Dhanteras. Fill a pot with water, mango leaves, and a coconut, symbolizing health and prosperity. This can be done either on Dhanteras or skipped if preferred.
- Decorate the Kalash with turmeric, kumkum, and flowers. This pot represents the prosperity and wellness that devotees wish to bring into their homes.
Detailed Dhanteras Puja Vidhi
1. Starting with Lighting Diyas
- Begin by lighting a diya (lamp) in front of each deity, signifying the start of the ritual. Lighting a Kubera Diya is particularly auspicious, symbolizing wealth and abundance. This diya should remain undisturbed.
2. Offering a Sacred Bath (Abhishek)
- Offer water to the deities to purify and honor them. Chant mantras for each deity:
- For Lord Ganesha: “Om Gan Ganapataye Namah.”
- For Goddess Lakshmi: “Om Shri Mahalakshmyai Namah.”
- For Lord Dhanvantari: “Om Dhanvantari Namah.”
- Use water and a few Ayurvedic items, such as tulsi leaves or neem leaves, to honor Lord Dhanvantari’s connection to health and Ayurveda.
3. Offering Attire (Vastra) and Applying Tilak
- Adorn the idols or images with new cloth pieces (kalawa), symbolizing respect and care. You can use simple red threads as substitutes if cloth pieces aren’t available.
- Apply tilak (sandalwood or kumkum) to the idols, representing blessings and good fortune. For Goddess Lakshmi, use kumkum or roli for her tilak, avoiding sandalwood.
Offering Bhog and Ayurvedic Items
1. Traditional Bhog Offerings
- Present khil (puffed rice), batasha (sugar candy), and seasonal fruits to the deities. These offerings are believed to bring wealth and prosperity.
- Coriander seeds are essential for Dhanteras offerings as they symbolize abundance and good fortune.
2. Ayurvedic Offerings to Lord Dhanvantari
- Dhanteras puja includes offerings of Ayurvedic herbs like neem, basil, amla, and turmeric to seek health and longevity.
- Offering these items pays tribute to Lord Dhanvantari as the origin of Ayurveda, emphasizing the blessings of health.
Additional Dhanteras Rituals and Traditions
1. Placing Wealth Symbols on the Chowki
- Place newly purchased gold, silver, or any form of wealth on the chowki to invite prosperity for the coming year. Mark it with turmeric and kumkum as a form of respect.
2. Performing Kuber Deep Daan
- On Dhanteras, many devotees perform Kuber Deep Daan by lighting lamps in multiple places around their homes, including the entrance, the home temple, and near holy trees, to drive away negativity and welcome wealth.
3. Yam Deep Daan – Lighting Lamps for Protection
- Lighting 13 diyas, known as Yam Deep Daan, in honor of Lord Yama (the god of death) is a key ritual on Dhanteras night. Place these lamps at the entrance and around the house to protect against negativity and misfortunes.
Concluding the Dhanteras Puja
- Aarti and Concluding Mantras: Conclude the puja by performing aarti with camphor or a ghee lamp for each deity. Offer flowers while reading the Dhanteras Katha or a related scripture, involving family members in the ritual.
- Ganga Jal Purification: Sprinkle Ganga Jal (holy water) around the puja area to purify the environment and bring positive energy.
- Final Offerings and Storage of Wealth Symbols: Place the wealth symbols like coins or new items safely after the rituals and distribute prasadam (sacred offerings) among the family members.
FAQs About Dhanteras Puja Vidhi
1. What should I buy on Dhanteras to attract prosperity?
- Purchasing gold, silver, utensils, or any household item is considered auspicious. It is believed that buying metal items on Dhanteras attracts prosperity and brings good fortune.
2. Can I perform Dhanteras puja at home without an elaborate setup?
- Yes, the rituals can be simplified. A small diya, a few flowers, and simple prayers with devotion are enough to celebrate Dhanteras.
3. Why is Lord Dhanvantari worshiped on Dhanteras?
- Lord Dhanvantari, the god of Ayurveda, represents health and longevity. Honoring him on Dhanteras is believed to protect devotees from illness and bring holistic wellness.
4. What is the significance of Yam Deep Daan?
- Yam Deep Daan involves lighting 13 lamps to pay homage to Lord Yama, seeking protection from untimely death and negative energies.
5. Is there any specific time for performing the Dhanteras Puja?
- The best time to perform Dhanteras Puja is during the Pradosh Kaal, which falls in the evening. However, consult a local panchang (Hindu calendar) for exact timings.
Dhanteras is a wonderful occasion to invite health, wealth, and happiness into one’s life. Performing these rituals with devotion, simplicity, and mindfulness can transform this festival into a truly fulfilling experience. Celebrate Dhanteras 2024 with dedication, and may your home be blessed with abundance, prosperity, and joy.
Wishing you a joyful Dhanteras and a prosperous Diwali!