Dhanteras, also known as Dhantrayodashi, is a Hindu festival that heralds the beginning of Diwali celebrations. It is celebrated two days before Diwali, on the Trayodashi Tithi or of the Krishna Paksha (waning phase of the Moon) in the Hindu month of Kartik. It falls on Friday, November 13, in the auspicious Hindu month.
The word Dhan means wealth, and on this auspicious day, the God and Goddess of wealth, href="https://www.theadvitya.com/kuber" target="_blank">brass Kuber idol and Goddess Lakshmi, are worshipped by Hindus for good luck and prosperity. The Hindus believe that on this day, Goddess Lakshmi emerged from the ocean during the Samudra Manthan (churning of the ocean) with a pot of gold and wealth. On this day, several Hindus also worship Lord Dhanavantri, considered the Lord of Ayurveda and is believed to be an avatar of Lord Vishnu.
Lord Kubera, known as ‘the treasurer of the gods and king of Yakshas, also represents wealth, prosperity, and fame. It is believed that worshipping him on Dhanteras and Diwali will be blessed with good fortune, wealth and prosperity. On this day, people light diyas (earthen lamps) at their homes, and it is considered auspicious to purchase gold, silver, utensils, vehicles or electronic items. While performing the puja, they place their new purchases to seek blessings.
Auspicious time for puja
To perform the puja rituals, you can choose your home's temple or prayer area. You can keep a low wooden chowki close to the temple and cover it with a red cloth. Spread some rice on the front side of the chowki; it is considered the asana (seat) for the idols.
Light an oil or ghee lamp and place it on the rice. Place the lord Kubera brass statue Goddess Lakshmi and to her left, place the idol of God Ganesha, as no Hindu auspicious ritual can start without worshipping him, and all the offerings must be made him first.
If one doesn't have the idols, use two whole supari (betel nuts) and wrap them entirely with Kaleva (sacred thread). Start with the Dhyan mantras and invoke the deities by chanting dedicated mantras to each god.
Offer Padya, Arghya, Achaman and small pieces of the sacred thread kalava as a form of vastra to the deities. Then proceed by offering the sacred Akshat (rice) and Janeyu to Lord Kubera, followed by roli (Kumkum), Chandan (sandalwood paste), haldi, flowers and finally the bhog or naivedhya and gold coins. People also worship the diyas and offer dhoop.
Offer parikrama by standing up and start turning around from your right side. Perform the aarti with Ganesha Vandana, Lakshmi, Kuber statue and Dhanvantari aarti accordingly and conclude the puja by offering flowers to the idols.