Dhanteras is one of the most auspicious days of the year that marks the inauguration of the five-day Diwali festival. The word Dhanteras has been derived from two words: ‘Dhan’ signifying wealth and ‘Teras’ signifying the 13th day of Krishna Paksha of the lunar month Kartik as per Hindu calendar.

Dhanteras is the day when Lord Dhanvantri is worshipped. He was the founder of Ayurvedic medicines. In contemporary times, the meaning of Dhanteras has been modified to signify wealth and prosperity.

The story behind Dhanteras

In Hindu mythology, there is the story of the popular sage Durvasa, who cursed and cautioned Lord Indra, ‘The wealth has made you so proud that Goddess Lakshmi will leave you.’ The curse took its effect and Goddess Lakshmi left him, upon which he lost his wealth and prosperity. Lord Indra also faced defeat at the hands of demons as he had become weak.

In desperation, he visited Lord Vishnu and Lord Brahma for help. The gods suggested that a churning of the sea should take place, an act known as ‘Samundra Manthan’. The churning of the sea would bring out ‘Amrit’ (auspicious nectar) that would make the gods immortal.

Both gods and demons had the desire to become immortal and they eagerly waited for this ‘Samundra Manthan’ to obtain the ‘Amrit’ or the holy nectar. It is depicted in the scriptures that Mandara Mountain became the churning rod, Vasuki (the king serpent) was made the divine rope and Lord Vishnu assumed the form of a tortoise to lift the mountain on his back.

The churning of the sea by both the gods and the demons paved the way for the appearance of Goddess Lakshmi, followed by Lord Dhanvantri - a physician of the gods.

Lord Dhanvantri is also considered the incarnation of Lord Vishnu who appeared from the sea carrying the vessel of nectar which could make the gods immortal. Lord Vishnu defeated the demons and gave the ‘Amrit’ to the gods.

On the auspicious day of Dhanteras, we perform Lakshmi Puja for wealth and Lord Dhanvantri Puja for good health. Worshipping Tulsi (Basil plant) and Akashdeep (lighting of lamps) on this day indicate gratitude towards nature, which is the source of health and wealth on earth.

Rituals to be performed

• All sections of the house to be cleaned thoroughly beforehand.
• On this day, homes are decorated with diyas (lamps), candles, flowers and many other decorative accessories.
• The doorway is decorated with Rangoli.
• Stickers of small feet of Goddess Lakshmi are pasted or made outside every household with the belief that the footsteps of the Goddess of wealth will bring prosperity as she would walk into their homes.

Method for conducting puja on Dhanteras

Everyone celebrates this festival by purchasing gold or silver ornaments, including steel utensils. Lord Ganesha, Lord Kuber along with Goddess Lakshmi are worshipped on the evening of Dhanteras.

Puja method: The entire family should collect and sit together for the puja.

Ingredients for puja: A raised platform covered with a cloth should be set up. Kalash or a vessel filled with water or Gangajal with some betel nuts, flowers, coins, and grains of rice is set up for the puja.

• One must light a diya (lamp) to start the puja, which should be kept lit overnight.
• Traditions suggest that devotees should worship clay or metal idols of Goddess Lakshmi, Lord Ganesha and Lord Kuber for wealth and prosperity.

Dhanteras 2024: Puja date & auspicious time

• Dhanteras or Trayodashi is on on 22 Oct 2022.
• Auspicious time for puja: 7.01 pm to 8:17 pm, 22 Oct 2022.
• Decorate the temple or prayer room with flowers, light camphor and incense sticks. Offer fruits, sweets, dry fruits to the divine lord, sing devotional songs, ring bells and chant mantras for wealth and prosperity.

What should YOU purchase for Dhanteras?

Aries

Purchase any item related to water decoration. On the day of Dhanteras, you must buy clay idols of Lord Ganesha and Goddess Lakshmi along with coins. You should also purchase any item related to water decoration which will be auspicious for you. A water fountain or a painting with water body will increase your mental and spiritual strength.

Taurus

Purchase a silver item, any silver item will do. The day of Dhanteras is very auspicious for you. You should buy a silver item that will raise the bar of auspiciousness for you and your spouse. You can buy any hanging accessory for your house like a chandelier or a wind chime to increase your wealth and prosperity quotient.

Gemini

You must buy gold or silver coins as Dhanteras is a very auspicious occasion for you to buy these coins as this act will increase your chances of witnessing progress in your profession. You can also buy fresh flowers and make a garland out of it to decorate your home. This will bring you prosperity. If fresh flowers are not available, you can use artificial flowers.

Cancer

Cancer is the most nurturing sign of the zodiac and to gain blessings on this auspicious day, you should purchase an earthen water vessel of any shape, which you can even use in your daily routine. Buy earthen idols of Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Ganesha which will bring progressive trends in your life, good luck and prosperity. This will be beneficial especially for your children in their overall progress.

Leo

The auspicious day of Dhanteras will bring you good fortune and prosperity if you make efforts to buy any item made of silver. It may be a silver coin or a silver idol of Goddess Lakshmi. Your financial condition can be enhanced if you are able to include anything which is made of wood for your home, even if it is a simple kitchen item.

Virgo

The auspicious day of Dhanteras offers you the golden chance to purchase any item which is made of gold. This will be extremely beneficial and lucky for you; will bring you monetary gains and financial assets. The other asset besides gold which can bring you the same fortune is items of fragrance, like incense sticks or perfume.

Libra

The auspicious day of Dhanteras will enhance your luck, prosperity and wealth if you are able to buy silver in the form of an idol of Goddess Lakshmi or Lord Ganesha or any jewelry. You can also purchase steel utensils to enhance your wealth and prosperity, besides gaining blessings for good health.

Scorpio

The auspicious day of Dhanteras will bless you with personal and professional prosperity. You will benefit immensely if you include copper or bronze statue of Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Ganesha in your puja ceremony. You should also purchase all puja materials for Diwali on this day to enhance your luck.

Sagittarius

On Dhanteras, you can enhance your luck and fortune by keeping gold in your shopping cart. You must buy the crown of Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Ganesha for your overall prosperity. You can also buy clothes which are golden in colour to increase your name and fame in your social circle.

Capricorn

You can seek the blessings of Dhanteras by buying a silver item - you can buy silver idols of Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Ganesha. Buying silver on this day will enhance your name and fame and increase your popularity.

Aquarius

On Dhanteras, you can seek blessings for positive trends in your personal and professional life by buying brass or copper in the form of idols of Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Ganesha. This will increase your resistance and ability to fight any hurdle or contradictory situation.

Pisces

Seek blessings of Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Ganesha on the day of Dhanteras with idols in silver colour with any base material except metal. You can buy any synthetic decorative item for your home or office in silver colour - it will endow you with benefits at your workplace.

Dhanteras is the festival of peace and prosperity where there is the tradition to light a lamp overnight to ward off all evils and get the blessing of good health and wealth for everyone from the holy cosmic powers.