Last updated on September 27th, 2023 at 05:22 pm
The word Dhanteras is a combination of the words ‘Dhan’ meaning ‘wealth’ and ‘Teras’ meaning 13th. Hence, on the 13th day of the Kartik month, Hindus worship Lord Kuber and Goddess Lakshmi reverently. Dhanteras is celebrated as ‘Dhanwantari Jayanti’ in some regions of India. This is the birth anniversary of ‘Dhanwantari’, who is the God of Ayurveda.
Diwali, the great Hindu festival of lights, is observed two days before the celebrations of Dhanteras. People worship Goddess Lakshmi on this day to provide well-being and prosperity.
The Lakshmi puja should be performed during the Pradosh Kaal on this day, which lasts for nearly 2 and a half hours after sunset. This sentence states that the time known as ‘Sthir Lagan’ is a time when it is believed that worshipping Goddess Lakshmi will ensure her presence in your home.
The festival has great significance for the business community and is celebrated with enthusiasm all over India.
Dhanteras Puja:-
A puja is performed on Dhanteras in the evening. One offers wheat and various pulses, along with fresh flowers and prasad. Small footprints, made with vermilion and symbolising the arrival of Goddess Lakshmi, are made near the entrance of the home as part of the Dhanteras pooja. ”
Many people also clean their gold and silver items with honey, holy water, curd and milk. On this day, people also buy new gold or silver. Parmar elaborates that “finally an aarti is performed.”
Goddess Lakshmi is believed to be associated with Gomti Chakra, the white sea shell with small circles. People buy it to welcome the Goddess of wealth to their homes.
A Chaumukhi diya, which is a square diya with four wicks, is lit up at the main entrance door of the house in the evening on this day.
Earthen lamps are lit at the entrance and in the entire household to drive out the evil energy and Lord Yama. Dhanteras is considered an auspicious occasion to buy coriander seeds (dhania). Dhaniya is a symbol of wealth and is offered to Goddess Lakshmi. A few seeds are kept in the locker after the puja for next year.
