Dhanteras 2023- On this day, devotees pay homage to the Hindu deities of wealth and prosperity, Lord Kubera and Goddess Lakshmi. Here’s how to perform the puja.
Dhanteras 2023: The auspicious festival of Dhanteras, also known as Dhantrayodashi, is just around the corner. According to the Hindu calendar, it is celebrated on the thirteenth lunar day of the Krishna Paksha, which falls in the month of Ashwin or Kartik. This year, it will be celebrated with grandeur and festivities all over India on Friday, 10th November. On this day, devotees offer their reverence to Lord Kubera and Goddess Lakshmi, the Hindu deities of wealth and prosperity. The word “Dhanteras” is a combination of “Dhan” (wealth) and “Teras” (thirteenth). It is believed that making significant purchases on this day brings blessings and prosperity into one’s life. This marks the beginning of the five-day Diwali festival, culminating on Bhai Dooj. From the puja procedure to rituals and more, all the details are here.
Dhanteras 2023-Lakshmi Puja on Dhanteras
On the occasion of Dhanteras, Lakshmi Puja is performed during the Pradosh Kaal. Just before the ritual begins, a new piece of cloth is spread out on an elevated platform, and a handful of grains is spread between the cloth. A kalash (a pot) is also established, which contains holy water (Gangajal, which fills half of the kalash), betel leaves, a flower, a coin, mango leaves, and rice grains. Afterward, a lotus is fashioned out of turmeric powder, and the idols of Lord Ganesha and Goddess Lakshmi are placed on it. A lamp is lit, and flowers, turmeric, and vermilion (sindoor) are offered to Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Ganesha. Following this, devotees recite the following mantra:
“ॐ श्रीम ह्रीम श्रीम कमले कमलालये प्रसीद प्रसीद ओम श्रीम ह्रीम श्रीम महालक्ष्मये नमः”
The idol of Goddess Lakshmi is placed in a thali (a plate), and after reciting the mantra, the deities are bathed with panchamrit (a mixture of milk, curd, ghee, honey, and sugar). Following this, a paste of sandalwood, saffron, perfume, turmeric, vermilion, and abir (colored powder) is applied to the deities. Then, devotees worship Goddess Lakshmi for blessings of wealth, prosperity, and contentment.
Dhanteras 2023 Puja Procedure and Rituals:
Take a sacred bath early in the morning.
Clean your house, paying special attention to the prayer room.
Decorate both the interior and exterior of your house.
During the puja muhurat, establish the idols of Lord Ganesha, Goddess Lakshmi, Lord Kubera, and Lord Dhanvantari.
Light a lamp with pure ghee, apply tilak (vermilion), offer garlands, and distribute sweets.
To perform the puja, you should purchase some items during the auspicious muhurat and place them in front of the idols. Then, perform a ritual to consecrate these items with incense and apply tilak.
In the evening, facing the south-west direction, offer a lamp to Lord Yama (the god of death) as a symbol of protection.
Dhanteras 2023 Puja Timing:
According to the Drik Panchang, the puja timing for Dhanteras 2023 is as follows:
Dhanteras Puja Muhurat: From 05:47 PM to 07:43 PM
Duration: 1 hour and 56 minutes
Pradosh Kaal: From 05:30 PM to 08:08 PM
Vrishabha Kaal: From 05:47 PM to 07:43 PM
Trayodashi Tithi Begins: On 10th November 2023 at 12:35 PM
Trayodashi Tithi Ends: On 11th November 2023 at 01:57 PM
Best Time to Perform the Puja:
On Dhanteras, it is recommended to perform Lakshmi Puja during the Pradosh Kaal, which starts after sunset and lasts for approximately two hours and twenty-four minutes. The Choghadiya Muhurat is not suggested for Dhanteras Puja as it is only suitable for travel. If the Pradosh Kaal coincides with a stable (sthira) lagna (ascendant), it is the ideal time to perform Dhanteras Puja. Stira lagna refers to a fixed and steady ascendant, such as Vrishabha (Taurus). Performing the puja during a stable lagna is considered auspicious as it invites Goddess Lakshmi to reside in your home. During the Diwali festivities, Vrishabha lagna, known as a stable lagna, generally aligns with the Pradosh Kaal, making it the ideal time for Dhanteras Lakshmi Puja.