Dhanteras is an auspicious time to buy new property and Lakshmi Puja is performed, to worship the Goddesses of wealth and to welcome prosperity at home. We speak to two experts about the pujas and their significance.
Dhanteras is one of the most auspicious days of the year. It is believed that whatever ones buys on this day, reaps rich benefits. The word Dhanteras is derived from two words – ‘Dhan’, meaning wealth and ‘Teras’, which signifies the 13th day of the Krishna Paksh, of the lunar month Kartik. “Dhanteras is the day of incarnation of Dhanwantari, the God of health. It is said that on this day, Dhanwantari arouse from Lord Vishnu’s Samudra Manthan, or churning of the ocean, with a pot of life-giving nectar. So, one prays to Dhanawantri, the deity of health, for good health and wealth in life,”
“Dhanteras or Dhantrayodashi, which is celebrated two days before Diwali, is an auspicious time to buy property or give token money for a new house. However, ideally, one must not perform a griha pravesh on this day. People also buy gold or silver, utensils and electronic appliances, on this day, It is believed that any purchases, whether it may be gold or property, will flourish and bring prosperity, if bought on this auspicious day,”
A Dhanteras puja is performed in the evening. Along with fresh flowers and prasad, one offers wheat and various pulses. Small footprints, using vermilion, symbolising the arrival of Goddess Lakshmi, are made near the entrance of the home. “Many people also take out their gold and silver items from their lockers and clean it with honey, holy water, curd and milk. People also buy new gold or silver, on this day. Finally an aarti is performed,”
Lakshmi puja and Diwali celebrations
Diwali is one of the most important festivals in our country. It is also a day when the Goddesses of wealth is worshipped. To welcome Goddess Lakshmi, home owners clean their homes thoroughly. “It is believed that Goddess Lakshmi only enters a clean house. So, ensure that the home is free of dust, dirt, cobwebs and old and broken things, as they obstruct positive energy from entering the house. From a practical perspective, this is done, to rid the house of insects and fungus, which may have built up during the monsoons,”
Diwali is celebrated on the day of amavasya of Kartik month. As there is no moonlight on Amavasya, hence, diyas are lit to illuminate the home. Lighting of the diyas, signifies dispelling of darkness, (ignorance) and it represents knowledge, happiness and hope. For Diwali puja, the temple area should have good flow of energy and hence, should be clean. “As the sun rises from the east, one gets maximum energy in this direction. Keep all idols on the east wall of your house and face east, while worshiping. The Diwali puja is done after the sunset and the mahurat lasts for almost two hours, after sunset,”
How to do puja on Dhanteras?
A kalash, rice, kum kum, coconut and betel leaves, are all needed for the puja. Light a diya to start a puja and this diya should be kept lit overnight. The entire family should sit together for the puja. “During the puja, one worships three forms of Goddess Lakshmi – Goddess MahaLakshmi, Maha Kaali and Goddess Saraswati. People also worship Lords Kuber and Ganesha, as they represent wealth, education and peace and serenity,”
Prasad of fruits, sweets and dry fruits must be offered. Decorate the temple with fresh flowers, especially red roses and lotus. Light camphor, dhoop or incense sticks. Reciting aartis, ringing bells and chanting of mantras, are the rituals to be followed for blessings of the divine.
Vastu tips for Lakshmi Puja on Dhanteras and Diwali
- Make sure you keep the idol of lord Ganesha on the left of Goddess Lakshmi while Goddess Saraswati is placed on the right side. All the idols should be in the sitting position.
- Spray salt water in all the corners of your home as it absorbs negativity and purifies the atmosphere.
- Lighting guggal dhoop is considered very auspicious during Diwali. It brings peacefulness to the environment.
- Do not wear dark-coloured clothes for Lakshmi Puja as it is considered inauspicious.
- Apart from laddu, offer rice kheer as prasad during this puja as it is considered very auspicious.
- Offer lotus to Goddess Lakshmi after Diwali Puja, as it is considered very lucky for the house.
Tips to decorate the house for Diwali and Dhanteras
- The main door is called as the Simha Dwara and it is the face of the Vastu Pursush. Hence, should be decorated well, clean and free of any obstructions.
- Light diyas, not only near the temple but also keep them at the main door. Keep safety in mind, when placing diyas near the main door, windows or in the temple. Opt for diyas with glass covers.
- Decorate the home with rangoli designs, with motifs like lotus, swastika, Om, etc., to welcome Goddess Lakshmi.
- Hanging of torans at the entrance, restricts negative energies from entering the house and invites good luck and prosperity.
- Decorate the temple with fresh flowers, like marigold, mogras and roses. On a white paper, write ‘Shubh Labh’ with Kum Kum and keep it near the Lakshmi idol or photo.
FAQs
How to do Laxmi Puja on Dhanteras at home?
Keep a kalash half-filled with water (mixed with Gangajal), a betel nut, a flower, a coin and some rice grains together. After this, take a plate and bathe the idol of Lakshmi with panchamrit.
What should be done on Dhanteras?
On the night of Dhanteras, diyas (lamps) should be lit in honour of Lakshmi and Dhanvantari. Buying gold or silver articles is considered very auspicious.
Can we keep a standing Lakshmi idol at home?
It is advised to keep images of Lakshmi comfortable seated, preferably next to Saraswati, the Goddess of knowledge.