Why is Dhanteras celebrated Before Diwali
Why is Dhanteras celebrated, Dhanteras marks the beginning of the five-day Diwali festival in India and is considered a highly auspicious day. Rooted in ancient traditions, it is celebrated with reverence and enthusiasm, as it symbolizes wealth, health, and prosperity. This article will explore the significance of Dhanteras, the deities honored, rituals performed, and tips for attracting fortune on this sacred day.
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Why is Dhanteras Celebrated Before Diwali?
Dhanteras is celebrated two days before the main Diwali festivities, marking the arrival of prosperity and good fortune. According to legend, on this day, the ocean was churned in an event known as "Samudra Manthan," which brought forth many divine treasures, including Dhanvantri, the god of health and Ayurveda. In Sanskrit, "Dhan" means wealth, and "Teras" denotes the 13th day, aligning Dhanteras with wealth and prosperity.
Another story connects Dhanteras to Lord Yama, the god of death. According to tradition, a prince’s life was saved on this day when his newlywed wife placed gold ornaments and lamps at their doorstep to distract Yama. Since then, Dhanteras has become associated with good health, prosperity, and the dispelling of negative energies.
Which Goddess is Celebrated on Dhanteras?
On Dhanteras, Goddess Lakshmi, the deity of wealth and prosperity, is worshipped. She is believed to bless her devotees with material wealth, good fortune, and peace. Additionally, Lord Kubera, the god of wealth, is honored on this day to ensure financial prosperity for the coming year.
Many households also perform special prayers to Dhanvantri, the god of health and Ayurveda. By invoking Dhanvantri’s blessings, devotees seek not only wealth but also good health, which is essential for enjoying a prosperous life.
What Pooja is Performed on Dhanteras?
Dhanteras puja usually carried out by placing images of Kubera, Lord Dhanvantari, and Goddess Lakshmi on a platform in the north direction during the evening. People light a lamp of desi ghee in the front of the idols and offer incense, flowers, roli and sandalwood.
The main ritual of Dhanteras includes Lakshmi Pooja, where people clean their homes, decorate entrances with rangolis, and place diyas (oil lamps) at the doorstep to welcome the goddess. A small altar or mandap is created, where idols or images of Goddess Lakshmi, Lord Ganesha, and Lord Kubera are placed. The ritual involves chanting prayers, offering flowers, incense, sweets, and lighting lamps.
As part of the ceremony, many people keep a pot filled with water to symbolize life and well-being and sprinkle turmeric and vermilion on it. After the pooja, diyas are kept burning all night to invite the goddess into the household, ensuring that prosperity remains.
What is Considered Lucky on Dhanteras?
Purchasing precious metals and new household items is considered highly auspicious on Dhanteras. Gold, silver, and even copper items are believed to bring good fortune and positive energy into the home. Many people buy jewelry, coins, utensils, or new clothes as a symbolic gesture to invite wealth. These items are believed to not only increase prosperity but also protect against negative energies in the coming year.
How to Attract Money on Dhanteras
To attract financial prosperity, here are a few practices you can follow on Dhanteras:
- Purchase Precious Metals: Buying gold or silver on Dhanteras is a time-honored tradition believed to bring luck and prosperity.
- Keep a Clean and Welcoming Home: Cleanliness is seen as inviting for Goddess Lakshmi, who is believed to visit only those homes that are neat and free of clutter.
- Light Lamps and Diyas: Lighting oil lamps around the house symbolizes the dispelling of darkness and attracts positive energy.
- Recite Mantras and Pray: Reciting Lakshmi mantras, chanting prayers, and focusing on positive intentions are ways to invite blessings.
- Place Coins in Rice Grains: A traditional practice involves placing a coin in a pot of rice as a way to honor food and attract abundance.
- धनप्राप्ति के लिए मंत्र (Dhanteras Par Dhan Prapti Ke Mantra)
- 1- ॐ श्रीं ह्रीं क्लीं श्रीं क्लीं वित्तेश्वराय नमः।।
- 2- ॐ यक्षाय कुबेराय वैश्रवणाय धन
Why Do We Buy Salt on Dhanteras?
Buying salt on Dhanteras is believed to ward off evil and purify the energy of the home. Salt symbolizes purification, stability, and sustenance. On Dhanteras, purchasing salt is thought to balance energies, ensuring that prosperity and harmony prevail. Additionally, it’s a belief that bringing new salt into the home on this day will help to clear obstacles and bring new opportunities in the coming year.
Dhanteras, the Hindu festival of wealth, is celebrated a day before Diwali. It's a time to honor Goddess Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth, and Lord Dhanvantari, the god of medicine. Here are some dos and don'ts to follow on this auspicious day:
Dos
- Lakshmi Puja: Perform Lakshmi puja during Pradosh Kaal, the two hours after sunset. Clean your home to welcome the goddess.
- Auspicious Purchases: Buy brooms, gold, silver coins, or idols of Lakshmi and Ganesha.
- Cow Worship: Worship and feed cows, as they are considered sacred.
- Charity and Service: Help the sick and needy, and provide them with medicines.
- Recite Mantras: Chant mantras dedicated to Goddess Lakshmi.
- Buy Salt: Salt is considered lucky on Dhanteras. Use it for cleaning or cooking.
Don'ts
- Avoid Sharp Objects: Refrain from buying or using sharp objects like scissors or knives.
- No Selling: Avoid selling anything on this day.
- Vegetarian Diet: Avoid consuming garlic, onion, eggs, or meat on Dhanteras.
- Avoid Alcohol and Gambling: Refrain from drinking alcohol or gambling.
- Avoid Black: Steer clear of black-colored items and opt for bright colors like gold, orange, or yellow.
By following these guidelines, you can ensure a meaningful and prosperous Dhanteras celebration. May this auspicious day bring you wealth, prosperity, and good health!
Conclusion
Dhanteras is more than just a day of shopping—it's a celebration of wealth, health, and divine blessings. By honoring the goddess of wealth and following traditional rituals, devotees seek prosperity for the coming year. This festival beautifully combines the significance of spiritual devotion with practical acts of preparing for abundance, ushering in an auspicious start to the Diwali festivities.
