Dhanteras
Dhanteras is a Hindu festival that is celebrated across the country two days before Diwali. This year, Dhanteras will be celebrated on 13th November, 2020. Dhanteras is also referred to as Dhantrayodashi and it holds a great significance as it marks the beginning of Diwali.
On this auspicious day, Goddess Laxmi and Lord Kuber are worshipped. ‘Dhan’ means wealth and ‘Teras’ refers to the thirteenth day in the moon cycle. According to Hindu calendar, this festival falls in the Kartika month on the thirteenth day of Kartika Krishna Paksha.
This is the festival of wealth
As it is the festival of wealth, Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Kuber, who according to Hindus are the treasurer of the world, are worshipped by the devotees. They pray for prosperity, success, wealth and wellbeing of their loved ones. It is believed that on this day, Goddess Lakshmi emerged from the ocean along with other treasures, during Samudra Manthan (Churning of Ocean). Hence, this day was dedicated to the Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Kuber.
What to do on this auspicious day?
Hindu rituals say that on Dhanteras, people should purchase some new things like utensils. It is also believed that buying gold or something valuable is beneficial for the house as this marks the arrival of Goddess Lakshmi in the house.
Dhanteras Puja Vidhi and Muharat:
Date: 13th November, 2020
Dhanteras Puja Muhurat - 07:08 PM to 08:25 PM
Duration - 01 Hour 16 Mins
Pradosh Kaal - 05:54 PM to 08:25 PM
Vrishabha Kaal - 07:05 PM to 09:03 PM
Trayodashi Tithi Begins - 07:08 PM on Oct 25, 2019
Trayodashi Tithi Ends - 03:46 PM on Oct 26, 2019
Puja Vidhi
Mantra to chant:
वक्रतुण्डमहाकायसूर्यकोटिसमप्रभ।
निर्विघ्नंकुरुमेदेवसर्वकार्येषुसर्वदा॥
Vakra-Tunndda Maha-Kaaya Suurya-Kotti Samaprabha |
Nirvighnam Kuru Me Deva Sarva-Kaaryessu Sarvadaa ||
What does it mean
To pray Lord Dhanwantari, you need to give the idol bath and anoint the idol of Lord Dhanwantari with vermillion and offer nine varieties of grains. You can chant the following mantra:
"Om Namo Bhagavate Maha Sudharshana Vasudevaya Dhanvantaraye; Amrutha Kalasa Hasthaaya Sarva Bhaya Vinasaya Sarva amaya Nivaranaya Thri Lokya Pathaye Thri Lokya Nidhaye Sri Maha Vishnu Swarupa Sri Dhanvantri Swarupa Sri Sri Sri Aoushata Chakra Narayana Swaha"
Meaning:
We pray to God, who is Sudharshana Vasudeva Dhanvantri. He holds the kalasha full of nectar of immortality. Lord Dhanvantri removes all the fears and diseases. He is the well-wisher and preserver of the three worlds. Like Lord Vishnu, Dhanvantri is empowered to heal our souls. We bow to the Lord of Ayurveda.
How to worship Goddess Lakshmi
People also keep mango leaves in the kalash. According to the rituals, a lotus is drawn with haldi (turmeric) over the grains and the idol of Goddess Lakshmi is kept over the grains. The idol of Lord Ganesha is also kept and businessmen keep their important business books near the idol of Goddess Laksmi. Devotees light a lamp, offer flowers, haldi, vermillion to the Goddess Lakshmi, Lord Ganesha and to the kalash. The chant:
“Om Shreem Hreem Shreem Kamale Kamalalaye Praseed Praseed Om Shreem Hreem Shreem Mahalakshmaye Namaha”
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