Introduction to Dhanteras

Dhanteras, also known as Dhantrayodashi, marks the auspicious beginning of the five-day Diwali festival celebrations. In 2025, Dhanteras will be celebrated on Saturday, October 18th, ushering in prosperity, health, and divine blessings into homes across the world.

The word “Dhanteras” is derived from two Sanskrit words: “Dhan” meaning wealth and “Teras” meaning the thirteenth day. This sacred festival falls on the Trayodashi Tithi (thirteenth lunar day) of Krishna Paksha in the month of Kartik.

Dhanteras 2025 Date and Muhurat

Date: Saturday, October 18, 2025

Trayodashi Tithi Begins: 12:18 PM on October 18, 2025
Trayodashi Tithi Ends: 1:51 PM on October 19, 2025

Puja Muhurat: Evening time during Pradosh Kaal is considered most auspicious for Dhanteras puja.

Significance and Importance of Dhanteras

Spiritual Significance

Dhanteras is dedicated to three divine entities: Goddess Lakshmi (the goddess of wealth and prosperity), Lord Kuber (the treasurer of gods), and Lord Dhanvantari (the divine physician and god of Ayurveda). This trinity represents wealth, prosperity, and good health, making Dhanteras one of the most comprehensive festivals for overall wellbeing.

Mythological Importance

According to Hindu mythology, Lord Dhanvantari emerged from the ocean during Samudra Manthan (churning of the cosmic ocean) carrying the pot of Amrit (nectar of immortality), marking the birth of Ayurveda and healing wisdom. This makes Dhanteras particularly significant for health and wellness.

Another popular legend involves a young prince who was destined to die from a snake bite on the fourth day of his marriage. His devoted wife created a barrier of gold and silver coins at the entrance and kept him awake all night with stories and songs. When Lord Yama, the god of death, arrived disguised as a serpent, he was blinded by the brilliance of the lamps and jewelry and could not enter, thus saving the prince’s life.

Material Prosperity

Buying gold, silver, utensils, or initiating new ventures on this day is considered highly auspicious. The purchases made on Dhanteras are believed to bring continuous growth and prosperity throughout the year.

Deities Worshipped on Dhanteras

1. Goddess Lakshmi

The primary deity of Dhanteras, Goddess Lakshmi represents wealth, fortune, and abundance. Worshipping her on this day invites prosperity and financial stability into the home.

2. Lord Dhanvantari

The divine physician and father of Ayurveda, Lord Dhanvantari is worshipped for good health, healing, and longevity. His worship is especially important for those seeking relief from ailments.

3. Lord Kuber

The treasurer of gods and guardian of wealth, Lord Kuber is invoked to bless devotees with material prosperity and proper management of wealth.

4. Lord Yama

Through the ritual of Yama Deep Daan, Lord Yama is worshipped to protect family members from untimely death and bring longevity.

Dhanteras Puja Vidhi (Step-by-Step Ritual)

Puja Samagri (Items Required)

• Idols or pictures of Goddess Lakshmi, Lord Ganesha, Lord Dhanvantari, and Lord Kuber
• Clean new cloth (red or yellow preferred)
• Earthen lamps (diyas) and oil/ghee
• Incense sticks (agarbatti)
• Flowers (lotus, marigold)
• Fruits and sweets
• Rice grains (Akshat)
• Turmeric and kumkum (vermillion)
• Betel leaves and nuts
• Coconut
• Kalash (sacred pot filled with water)
• Gold or silver items (coins, jewelry, or utensils)
• Camphor for aarti
• Sacred thread (Moli)

Complete Puja Procedure

Step 1: Preparation and Cleansing Clean and thoroughly whitewash your home in preparation for Diwali. Decorate the main entrance with colorful rangoli patterns and fresh flower garlands. This cleansing represents removing negative energies and welcoming prosperity.

Step 2: Setting Up the Puja Altar Place a clean cloth on your puja altar. Arrange the idols or pictures of Goddess Lakshmi in the center, with Lord Ganesha on the left and Lord Kuber on the right. Place Lord Dhanvantari’s image nearby.

Step 3: Ganesh Puja Begin the puja by invoking Lord Ganesha to remove obstacles. Offer flowers, durva grass, and modak while chanting: “Om Gan Ganapataye Namah”

Step 4: Kalash Sthapana Fill a copper or brass kalash with water, place mango leaves around the rim, and top it with a coconut. This represents divine presence.

Step 5: Lakshmi Puja

• Offer flowers, kumkum, and turmeric to Goddess Lakshmi
• Place your newly purchased gold, silver, or utensils before the deity
• Offer fruits, sweets, and special naivedya
• In Maharashtra, a special mixture of dried coriander seeds pounded with jaggery is offered as naivedya
• Chant Lakshmi mantras and stotras

Step 6: Dhanvantari Puja Worship Lord Dhanvantari for health and healing. Offer medicinal herbs if available, along with flowers and fruits. Chant: “Om Dhanvantaraye Namah”

Step 7: Kuber Puja Invoke Lord Kuber for wealth preservation. Offer flowers and recite Kuber mantras for financial stability.

Step 8: Aarti and Prayers Perform aarti with camphor, light diyas (clay lamps), and sing devotional bhajans in praise of Goddess Lakshmi. The aarti marks the culmination of the puja ceremony.

Step 9: Yama Deep Daan In the evening, light thirteen earthen lamps at entrances or courtyards and pray to Yama, the deity of death, for protection and longevity. Place these diyas facing the south direction.

Important Rituals and Traditions

1. Lakshmi Puja

The main ritual involves worshipping Goddess Lakshmi during Pradosh Kaal (evening twilight). Light multiple diyas throughout your home to invite the goddess of wealth.

2. Purchasing Precious Metals

Buying gold, silver, brass, or copper items on Dhanteras is considered extremely auspicious. Even small purchases like silver coins can bring prosperity. The tradition symbolizes inviting Lakshmi into your home.

3. Lighting Diyas

Illuminate your home with clay lamps filled with mustard oil or ghee. Light lamps in all directions, especially at the entrance, to ward off negativity and invite divine light.

4. Rangoli Decoration

Create beautiful rangoli designs at the entrance with rice flour, colored powders, or flower petals. Draw footprints of Goddess Lakshmi entering the home to welcome prosperity.

5. Tulsi Puja

Worship the sacred Tulsi plant in the evening. Light diyas near the Tulsi plant and seek blessings for family health.

6. Charitable Acts

Donate food, clothes, or money to the needy. Charity performed on Dhanteras brings manifold blessings and creates positive karma.

Dhanteras Vrat (Fasting)

While a full fast is not mandatory on Dhanteras, many devotees observe certain dietary restrictions:

Types of Vrat

1. Partial Fast (Upvas)

• Avoid grains, garlic, and onions
• Consume fruits, milk, and vrat-special foods
• Break fast after evening puja

2. Full Fast

• Consume only water throughout the day
• Break fast after Lakshmi puja and prasad distribution
• Suitable for those with spiritual inclination and good health

3. Satvik Diet

• Many follow a vegetarian satvik diet
• Avoid tamasic foods like non-vegetarian items and alcohol
• Focus on pure, light foods

Vrat Benefits

Observing vrat on Dhanteras is believed to:

• Purify mind and body
• Increase spiritual merit
• Please Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Dhanvantari
• Bring health and prosperity

Dhanteras Shopping Guide

Most Auspicious Items to Purchase

1. Gold and Silver Gold jewelry, coins, or bars are the most traditional purchases. Even small gold or silver items bring prosperity.

2. Utensils Brass, copper, or steel utensils, especially those used for worship or cooking, are considered highly auspicious.

3. Electronics and Appliances In modern times, purchasing electronic items like phones, laptops, or home appliances has become popular.

4. Vehicles Many people buy new vehicles on Dhanteras as it’s considered an auspicious day for major purchases.

5. Property Real estate transactions and property bookings on Dhanteras are believed to bring long-term prosperity.

Items to Avoid

• Avoid purchasing aluminum items on Dhanteras
• Do not buy sharp objects like knives or scissors (considered inauspicious)
• Avoid purchasing black-colored items

Health and Ayurveda Connection

Rituals honoring Lord Dhanvantari are believed to strengthen immunity and extend life. On this day:

• Worship medicinal plants and herbs
• Learn about Ayurvedic principles
• Commit to healthy lifestyle changes
• Thank healthcare providers
• Donate medicines to those in need

Many Ayurvedic centers and hospitals organize special Dhanvantari Jayanti celebrations with free health camps and wellness programs.

Regional Variations in Dhanteras Celebrations

North India

Grand celebration with emphasis on gold purchases, Lakshmi puja, and extensive diya lighting. Markets remain open until late night.

Maharashtra

Special naivedya of coriander seeds and jaggery. Homes are whitewashed and thoroughly cleaned.

South India

Focus on Dhanvantari puja with special emphasis on health and Ayurvedic traditions. Temple visits are common.

Gujarat

Extensive shopping and business transactions. New account books are inaugurated, especially by business communities.

Dhanteras Mantras

Lakshmi Mantra

“Om Shreem Mahalakshmiyei Namah”
Chant 108 times for wealth and prosperity.

Dhanvantari Mantra

“Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya Dhanvantaraye Amrita Kalasha Hastaya Sarva Amaya Vinashaya Trailokya Nathaya Sri Mahalakshmaye Namah”
For health and healing.

Kuber Mantra

“Om Yakshaya Kuberaya Vaishravanaya Dhanadhanyadhipataye Dhanadhanyasamruddhim Me Dehi Dapaya Swaha”
For wealth preservation and growth.

Dhanteras Special Foods

Traditional Prasad

• Coconut laddoos
• Kheer (rice pudding)
• Halwa
• Seasonal fruits
• Dry fruits and nuts

Regional Delicacies

• Karanji (sweet dumplings) in Maharashtra
• Chakli and other savory snacks
• Besan laddoo
• Kaju katli

Tips for a Successful Dhanteras Celebration

1. Plan Ahead: Book your puja samagri and gold purchases in advance to avoid last-minute rush
2. Clean Thoroughly: A clean home invites positive energy and Goddess Lakshmi
3. Start Early: Begin preparations early in the day for a stress-free celebration
4. Include Family: Involve all family members, especially children, to pass on traditions
5. Be Authentic: Focus on devotion rather than just material aspects
6. Practice Sustainability: Use eco-friendly diyas and natural rangoli colors
7. Share Blessings: Distribute prasad to neighbors and donate to the needy

Environmental Consciousness

While celebrating Dhanteras, consider:

• Use clay diyas instead of electric lights when possible
• Choose natural, biodegradable rangoli materials
• Avoid single-use plastics during shopping
• Opt for sustainable gold and silver from responsible sources
• Reduce waste by reusing decorations

Dhanteras in Modern Context

In contemporary times, Dhanteras has evolved beyond traditional boundaries:

• Digital Gold: Many purchase digital gold through apps and platforms
• Online Shopping: E-commerce platforms offer special Dhanteras sales
• Virtual Pujas: Families separated by distance conduct virtual pujas together
• Investment Focus: The day is seen as auspicious for starting SIPs and investments
• Business Muhurat: Companies begin new financial years and projects

Conclusion

Dhanteras 2025 presents a golden opportunity to invite prosperity, health, and happiness into your life. By following the traditional puja vidhi, observing the vrat, and participating in auspicious shopping, you align yourself with centuries of spiritual wisdom and divine blessings.

Remember that the true essence of Dhanteras lies not just in accumulating material wealth but in cultivating gratitude, health, and spiritual prosperity. As you light the diyas this Dhanteras, may they illuminate your path to success, remove darkness from your life, and bring the blessings of Goddess Lakshmi, Lord Dhanvantari, and Lord Kuber into your home.

FAQs About Dhanteras

Q: Can we buy aluminum utensils on Dhanteras?
A: It’s traditionally advised to avoid aluminum and prefer brass, copper, silver, or steel utensils.

Q: Is it necessary to buy gold on Dhanteras?
A: While traditional, even small purchases or silver items are considered auspicious if gold is not affordable.

Q: What time is best for Dhanteras shopping?
A: Any time during the day is auspicious, but evening during Pradosh Kaal is considered most beneficial.

Q: Can we buy property on Dhanteras?
A: Yes, property purchases and bookings on Dhanteras are considered highly auspicious for long-term prosperity.

Q: Is fasting mandatory on Dhanteras?
A: No, fasting is optional. Many observe partial fasting or follow a satvik diet as per their devotion and health.

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Wishing you a prosperous and blessed Dhanteras 2025!