Major Rituals Performed During Dhanteras Puja
India is a land where people strongly believe in tradition and value their culture. Every religion in India is followed with huge faith and respect by people. Among other religions Hindu religion takes the oldest position and is the popular religion followed by the majority of Hindus.
There are many festivals that are an eternal part of this religion that emerge on special days. These days depend on the celestial movement of stars, planets and other heavenly bodies. The festivals falling on these special days are crucial due to the position of celestial bodies. One such occasion is the festival of Dhanteras which falls on the 13th day of the Krishna Paksha in the month of Kartik as per Hindu lunar calendar.
It is believed that on such days there are some special vibrations created around the surface of earth and also a shower of positivity from heaven which makes the day auspicious.
About Dhanteras
Dhanteras is the Hindu festival which is also referred to as Dhanvantari Trayodashi marking the beginning of Diwali festival. The word ‘Dhan’ means wealth and ‘Theras’ means 13th lunar day of the Krishna Paksha in the Hindu calendar. Dhanteras is the first day of Diwali celebration which continues for five cheerful days including Dhanteras, Choti Diwali, Badi Diwali, Goverdhan Pooja and Bhai Dooj.
Importance of Dhanteras
As per Hindu calendar, Dhanteras become important due to traditional as well as scientific reasons. Dhanteras is celebrated as the Dhanvantari Jayanti, the birth anniversary of Lord Dhanvantari who is the God of Ayurveda. Lord Dhanvantari spread the knowledge of Ayurveda amongst mankind and helped them to get rid of their diseases.
This day is also declared as the "National Ayurveda Day" that was first observed in the month of October in 2016.
As per the Hindu texts, it is believed that Dhanteras is the opportunity to bring home good fortune, positive vibes and blessings of Goddess Lakshmi in the form of wealth.
It is an important day for every Hindu family and traders who follow religious values.
Rituals to be performed
Dhanteras is the pious part of Diwali celebrations which is considered the gateway for good health, wealth and prosperity. To grab the best from the occasion of Dhanteras families must perform certain rituals for the well being and growth of every family member in terms of wealth, health and career.
As part of the common ritual the worship of Lord Dhanvantari is done on the evening of Dhanteras with fresh flowers, Tilak, Aarti and bhog prasadam (like wheat and pulses). Secondly, Lakshmi puja is also done on this day according to the traditional timings of Dhanteras Puja Muhurat which is Pradosh Kaal two hours after sunset.
It is a common tradition amongst people to purchase new property, utensils, clothes and other things on Dhanteras. It is the best time for traders and every individual Hindu to purchase gold, silver, utensils, brooms and other essentials.
Along with this, 13 diyas are considered sacred to be lit on this day. Significance of putting each diya is mentioned in the Hindi texts.
- The first Diya is lit to protect the family from unexpected death.
- The second Diya is lit with ghee and placed in front of the temple.
- The third Diya is lit in front of Lakshmi for her blessings of prosperity, good luck and abundance.
- Fourth Diya is placed in front of Tulsi for peace and happiness.
- Fifth Diya should be placed outside the entrance for love, joy and luck.
- Sixth Diya should be with mustard oil and placed under the peepal tree.
- The Seventh Diya should be lit inside the temple of the house.
- Eighth Diya should be placed near the garbage.
- Ninth diya should be outside the washroom for the flow of positive energy.
- Place the Tenth Diya on the roof for protection of the entire house.
- The Eleventh Diya should be placed on the window.
- Twelfth Diya should be placed on a terrace or rooftop for celebration.
- Thirteenth Diya must be placed at the intersection point of the house.
Things to be done on Dhanteras
Dhanteras is not only the day of celebration but it is also the best opportunity to grow by investing in many things.
- You can buy property or pay a token money for a new property.
- You can start a new business or a new project.
- Construction and renovation can also be good for this day.
- Bring home new brooms, utensils in brass and steel.
- Purchase of some amount of gold and silver is lucky on this day.
Things not to be done on Dhanteras
- Griha Pravesh ceremony is not advisable on this day
- Giving money to others.
- Payment of bills should be avoided.
- Avoid borrowing money from others.