Dhanteras is celebrated on the 13th lunar day of Krishna Paksha in the Hindu month of Ashwin (October/November). It marks the beginning of the five-day Diwali festival and holds immense significance for Hindus. Dhanteras, also known as Dhantrayodashi, is a day when people worship Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Kubera, the deities of wealth, prosperity, and abundance.
Muhurat and Rituals:
On Dhanteras, it is believed that purchasing gold, silver, or new utensils brings good luck and prosperity. The auspicious timing to perform Dhanteras Puja is during the Pradosh Kaal, which is the two hours window post-sunset. It is believed that performing Lakshmi Puja during this time enhances its benefits. People clean their homes, decorate entrances with colorful rangolis, and light diyas to invite good luck and prosperity into their lives.
Significance of Dhanteras:
1. Wealth and Prosperity: Dhanteras signifies the importance of wealth and prosperity in one’s life. It is believed that buying new items on this day brings prosperity and good fortune.
2. Removal of Obstacles: It is believed that worshipping Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Kubera on Dhanteras helps remove financial obstacles and ensures a prosperous future.
3. Customs and Traditions: The tradition of buying utensils, gold, or silver on Dhanteras dates back to ancient times and symbolizes a form of investment for the future.
4. Spiritual Significance: Dhanteras marks the victory of good over evil and the celebration of light over darkness, setting the tone for the Diwali festivities.
How to Celebrate Dhanteras:
– Cleaning and Decorating: Homes are cleaned and decorated with lights and rangolis to welcome Goddess Lakshmi.
– Shopping: People buy gold, silver, utensils, or other items symbolizing prosperity.
– Puja: Lakshmi Puja is performed in the evening, followed by lighting diyas and incense sticks.
– Offerings: Sweets, fruits, and flowers are offered to the deities as part of the puja ritual.
– Mantras: Chanting of Lakshmi Mantra and Kubera Mantra is considered auspicious on this day.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions):
1. What is the history behind Dhanteras?
Dhanteras has its roots in the ancient legend of King Hima’s son, whose life was saved by his wife through the clever act of laying out gold and silver coins along with lamps on Diwali night.
2. Can Dhanteras be celebrated at any time during the day?
It is advised to perform the Dhanteras Puja during the Pradosh Kaal, which usually falls in the evening post-sunset for maximum benefits.
3. What are the traditional items bought on Dhanteras?
Gold, silver, utensils, and other items symbolizing wealth and prosperity are traditionally purchased on Dhanteras.
4. Are there any specific rituals associated with Dhanteras apart from Puja?
Apart from the Puja, lighting diyas, creating rangolis, and buying new items for the household are common rituals associated with Dhanteras.
5. Is Dhanteras only celebrated in India?
Dhanteras is primarily celebrated in India, but Indians residing across the world also observe this auspicious day with great enthusiasm and fervor.
6. Can Dhanteras be celebrated by people of all religions?
While Dhanteras is a Hindu festival, people from different religious backgrounds often participate in the celebrations to embrace the spirit of prosperity and happiness.
7. What is the connection between Dhanteras and Diwali?
Dhanteras marks the beginning of the Diwali festival, which is celebrated over five days and symbolizes the victory of light over darkness.
8. Are there any specific foods prepared on Dhanteras?
Special sweets and delicacies are prepared on Dhanteras as offerings to the deities during the Puja ceremony.
9. How do people seek blessings for prosperity on Dhanteras?
By performing Lakshmi Puja, chanting mantras, offering prayers and offerings, people seek the blessings of Goddess Lakshmi for wealth and prosperity on Dhanteras.
10. Can Dhanteras be celebrated without performing Puja?
While the Puja holds significant importance, for those unable to perform elaborate rituals, simply lighting diyas, offering prayers, and expressing gratitude for blessings received is also considered auspicious on Dhanteras.
Dhanteras, with its rich cultural heritage and deep spiritual significance, serves as a reminder to embrace prosperity, goodness, and light in our lives. By observing traditional rituals and celebrating with fervor, people seek blessings for a prosperous and harmonious future ahead.
