Dhanteras

Dhanteras marks the beginning of five days of festivity over Deepavali.

The name Dhanteras consists of two words viz. ‘Dhan’ meaning wealth and ‘terus’ meaning thirteenth. So it is a festival of wealth and on this day the goddess of wealth Laxmi is worshipped for prosperity and well-being. The word thirteenth comes from the fact that it falls on the thirteenth day of the dark phase of the lunar month of Kartik. This year the dates for these five days of festivity are from 24th to 28th October. Dhanteras is on the first day that is 24th October 2011.

24th Oct. 2011 Dhanteras

25th. Oct 2011 Choti Deepavali

26th Oct 2011 Main or Badi Deepavali

27th Oct 2011 Govardhan Pooja

28th Oct 2011 Bhaiya Dooj

Legends about Dhanteras …

1. As per a prediction the young son of King Hima was destined to die of snake-bite on the fourth day of his marriage falling on the thirteenth lunar date of the dark phase of Kartik. In spite of this prediction the prince got married. His wife being aware of the prediction did not allow him to go to sleep on the fourth day after marriage. She created a heap of gold ornaments and silver coins at the entrance of their premises and lighted many lamps all over the place.

During that night Yama the god of death disguised as a snake arrived there. The snake could not find them due to dazzle and brilliance of lamps and ornaments so it left the palace. The young wife was successful in saving the life of her husband. So on this day lamps are kept lighted throughout the night.

2. As per another legendary story the gods and demons churned the sea and as a result of this churning Dhanvantri-the physician of the gods came out holding a pot of elixir (Amrit).

So the day also came to be known as Dhanvantri-triyodashi and it is believed that the worshipers are bestowed with health and happiness.

Preparations …

On this day people decorate their homes and business premises. Women make colourful designs on the floor and these are called Rangoli. Idols of Lord Ganesha, Goddess Laxmi and Sri Dhanvantri are purchased. There are many types of idols available make sure that idol of Lord Ganesha has its trunk on the right side as that is more auspicious.

For the worship (Pooja) you need to purchase a large deepak, cotton wicks, pure-ghee or oil, flowers, water in copper pot with a spoon, chandan, turmeric powder and kumkum, roli and rice (chawal), dhoop sticks, kheel and batasha, sweets for offering (naivedya).

Procedure for Worship …

In your Pooja room or north-east corner of your room set an altar with idols of Ganesha, Laxmi and Dhanvantri. Take some water from the pot and sprinkle it around the idols and Deepak, then decorate the idols with flowers. Put pure ghee or oil in the Deepak and light it also burn a stick of incense (dhoop).

Offer haldi, kumkum, chandan and rice to the idols and Deepak. Apply a tikka (spot on the forehead) with roli and rice to all the members taking part. Recite some mantras and recite Arti then offer sweets and money to the idols. Afterwards all young members should pay respect to the elders by touching their feet.

Wonderful Ritual to become Rich …

This Dhanteras I wish to gift a wonderful ritual to all those who visit my site, it will attract wealth towards you and make you rich.

Place in the northeast corner of your bedroom a picture and Yantra of Goddess Laxmi on a wooden platform on the night of Dhanteras day.

Light a Deepak and stick of incense and worship the goddess. Sit quietly and recite at least one mala (rosary) of the following mantra using a rosary of 108 beads of lotus dried seeds or Kamal Gatta):

‘Mahalakshamaye cha vidmahe vishnupatnaye,

 cha dheemahai tatro lakshmi prachodayaat’

Continue this worship for the next four days and conclude it on the evening of Bhaiya Dooj.

Remove Vaastu defects (Doshas) of Northeast Direction …

By worshipping in the northeast direction on Dhanteras day you can strenghthen the planet Jupiter and thereby remove all defects of this direction. Remove all clutter from north east corner of all rooms. Also on the evening of Dhanteras day offer water at the root of a Peepal tree.