The festival of Dhanteras is associated with the worship of Lakshmi, Ganesha, and Ayurvedacharya Dhanvantri in Hinduism. This festival marks the beginning of the five-day festival of Diwali and is especially celebrated to attain prosperity, health, and wealth. On the day of Dhanteras, people buy gold, silver, or metal items, which are considered auspicious.
The Dhanteras puja vidhi is simple, and it should be done carefully in the shubh muhurat. Here is how to perform Dhanteras puja:
Preparation for Dhanteras Puja
Place and Time
As a matter of some importance, pick a spotless spot to play out the puja. Nighttime is the best time for the puja, as it is an auspicious time. Refer to the Panchang to know the correct muhurat of the puja.
Dhanteras Puja Samagri
- Deepak (oil lamp, preferably ghee lamp)
- Silver, gold, or other metal items (that you have purchased)
- Copper vessel (if possible)
- Flowers, fruits, sweets
- Kumkum, roli, sandalwood
- Vessel (for water)
- Idols or pictures of Lord Ganesha, Lakshmi and Dhanvantri
- A clean cloth
Cleaning the Puja Sthal
Clean the Puja Sthal thoroughly and place a chowki or aasan there. Then spread a white cloth on it. Place idols or pictures of Lord Ganesha, Lakshmi, and Dhanvantri.
Lighting the lamp
Place a ghee lamp or oil lamp at the Puja Sthal. It is important to light the lamp as a symbol of cleanliness and prosperity. Place the lamp in front of the picture of Lord Ganesha and Lakshmi.
Offering water and flowers
Decorate Lord Lakshmi, Ganesha, and Dhanvantri with new fresh flowers. Offer water in the worship of Lord Dhanvantari, as he is considered the god of Ayurveda and health.
Worship of Dhanvantari
The worship of Lord Dhanvantari has special significance, as he is considered the god of wealth, Ayurved, and health. Offer fresh flowers in front of his picture or idol and meditate on him. Also, if you have Ayurvedic books or medicines, place them in front of Lord Dhanvantari and worship them.
Worship of Ganesha and Lakshmi
First of all, worship Lord Ganesha, as he is considered the destroyer of obstacles and a symbol of auspicious beginnings. Chant his mantra in the worship of Ganesha:
Om Gan Ganpataye Namah (ॐ गं गणपतये नमः)
Then worship Lord Lakshmi. Lakshmi Mata is considered the goddess of wealth, splendor, and prosperity. Chant her mantra:
Om Shreem Mahalakshmi Devi Namah (ॐ श्रीं महालक्ष्मी देवी नमः)
Offer laddus, fruits, sweets, flowers, and silver-gold items to Lakshmi Mata.
Buying Metal Items And Including Them In The Puja
On this day, people especially buy gold, silver, copper, or other metal items, such as coins, utensils, jewelry, etc. Place these metal items in front of Lord Lakshmi and Dhanvantri during the puja and receive their blessings.
Offer and make wishes
Wish the Lord prosperity, happiness, health, and well-being. Place your wishes in front of the Lord and receive blessings. After the puja, bless each member of the house and distribute sweets.
Aarti and Bhajans
After the puja, recount Lakshmi Aarti and Ganesh Aarti. You can also sing hymns of Dhanvantri and Ganesh Ji along with Lakshmi Mata, such as:
Om Jai Lakshmi Mata (ओम जय लक्ष्मी माता)
Om Gana Ganpataya (ओम गण गणपतय)
After the puja, distribute prasad and wish good health and prosperity to each person in the house. Place the lamps in the house and let them burn throughout the night so that positive energy remains in the house.
Conclusion
Dhanteras Puja not only brings wealth and property, but it also brings blessings of happiness, peace, prosperity, and good health to the house. It is very important to seek blessings from God with devotion, faith, and a clean heart while performing Puja on this day.