What is Dhanteras?

Dhanteras, also known as Dhantrayodashi, marks the first day of the five-day Diwali festival. Celebrated on the thirteenth lunar day of Krishna Paksha in the Hindu month of Kartik, this auspicious day is dedicated to Lord Dhanvantari (the God of Ayurveda), Goddess Lakshmi (Goddess of Wealth), and Lord Kubera (God of Treasures).

Why Visit Temples on Dhanteras?

Visiting temples on Dhanteras is considered highly auspicious for:

• Seeking blessings for wealth and prosperity
• Worshipping Lord Dhanvantari for good health
• Receiving Goddess Lakshmi’s blessings for financial abundance
• Starting new ventures and making important purchases
• Cleansing negative energies and inviting positivity

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Top Dhanteras Temples in India

1. Lakshmi Narayan Temple (Birla Mandir), Delhi

Location: Mandir Marg, New Delhi

One of Delhi’s most prominent temples, this architectural marvel is dedicated to Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Vishnu. The temple is beautifully decorated during Dhanteras with thousands of diyas and flowers.

Best Time to Visit: Early morning (5 AM) or evening aarti (7 PM)
Special Offerings: Gold and silver coins, traditional sweets

2. Mahalakshmi Temple, Mumbai

Location: Bhulabhai Desai Road, Mumbai, Maharashtra

This ancient temple is one of the most revered Lakshmi temples in India. Devotees flock here on Dhanteras to seek blessings for prosperity and wealth.

Best Time to Visit: 6 AM to 10 PM
Special Ritual: Participate in the special Dhanteras puja and lakshmi havan

3. Kolhapur Mahalakshmi Temple, Maharashtra

Location: Kolhapur, Maharashtra

One of the Shakti Peethas, this 1300-year-old temple is renowned for its powerful divine energy. Dhanteras celebrations here are grand and attract thousands of devotees.

Best Time to Visit: Dawn for morning aarti
Unique Feature: The idol is made of black stone and adorned with precious jewels

4. Ashtalakshmi Temple, Chennai

Location: Besant Nagar Beach, Chennai, Tamil Nadu

This unique temple is dedicated to Goddess Lakshmi in her eight forms (Ashtalakshmi). Each form represents different types of wealth and prosperity.

Best Time to Visit: 6:30 AM to 12 PM, 4 PM to 8:30 PM
Special Feature: Worship all eight forms of Lakshmi in one visit

5. Vaishno Devi Temple, Jammu

Location: Katra, Jammu and Kashmir

While primarily dedicated to Goddess Vaishno Devi, this powerful Shakti Peetha sees special celebrations during Dhanteras as devotees seek blessings for prosperity.

Best Time to Visit: Start trek early morning
Important: Advance booking recommended during festival season

6. Golden Temple (Harmandir Sahib), Amritsar

Location: Amritsar, Punjab

Though a Sikh shrine, the Golden Temple’s spiritual energy and golden architecture make it a symbol of divine prosperity. Many visit during Dhanteras for blessings.

Best Time to Visit: Early morning for peace, evening for golden hour
Special Experience: Participate in community kitchen (langar)

7. Kamakhya Temple, Guwahati

Location: Nilachal Hill, Guwahati, Assam

One of the oldest Shakti Peethas, this temple is known for granting wishes related to wealth, health, and prosperity.

Best Time to Visit: 8 AM to 1 PM, 2:30 PM to 5:30 PM
Special Offering: Red hibiscus flowers and red cloth

8. Siddhivinayak Temple, Mumbai

Location: Prabhadevi, Mumbai, Maharashtra

Though dedicated to Lord Ganesha, this temple is visited on Dhanteras as Ganesha is the remover of obstacles and brings prosperity.

Best Time to Visit: Very early morning to avoid crowds
Tip: Book VIP darshan online in advance

9. Tirupati Balaji Temple, Andhra Pradesh

Location: Tirumala, Andhra Pradesh

Lord Venkateswara (Balaji) is considered the richest deity, making this temple highly significant for Dhanteras pilgrimage.

Best Time to Visit: Book darshan slots online weeks in advance
Special Ritual: Offer gold or silver items in the temple hundi

10. Dhanvantari Temple, Varanasi

Location: Dhanvantari Ghat, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh

The only major temple in India dedicated to Lord Dhanvantari, the deity of Ayurveda and health. This is the most authentic Dhanteras pilgrimage destination.

Best Time to Visit: Sunrise for Ganga aarti
Unique Aspect: Special health-related prayers and Ayurvedic blessings

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International Dhanteras Temples

11. Hindu Temple of Greater Chicago, USA

Location: Lemont, Illinois

One of the largest traditional Hindu temples outside India, it hosts grand Dhanteras and Diwali celebrations with traditional rituals.

Special Programs: Cultural performances, community feast, traditional puja

12. BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, London, UK

Location: Neasden, London

This architectural marvel hosts elaborate Dhanteras celebrations with traditional rituals, cultural programs, and community gatherings.

Highlight: Stunning stone architecture and peaceful gardens

13. Sri Venkateswara Temple, Pittsburgh, USA

Location: Penn Hills, Pennsylvania

One of the first traditional Hindu temples in the USA, it conducts authentic Vedic rituals during Dhanteras.

Special Feature: Traditional South Indian style architecture and rituals

14. Hindu Temple, Melbourne, Australia

Location: Carrum Downs, Victoria

Serves the large Indian community in Australia with traditional Dhanteras celebrations including Lakshmi puja and cultural events.

Community Events: Diwali mela, traditional dance performances

15. Hindu Temple and Community Centre, Canberra, Australia

Location: Mawson, ACT

Hosts traditional Dhanteras prayers and offers a serene environment for worship.

16. Shri Lakshmi Narayan Temple, Toronto, Canada

Location: Richmond Hill, Ontario

One of Canada’s prominent Hindu temples offering traditional Dhanteras celebrations with authentic rituals.

Facilities: Prasad distribution, cultural programs, shopping bazaar

17. Hindu Temple, Dubai, UAE

Location: Bur Dubai

The only traditional Hindu temple in Dubai, it sees massive gatherings during Dhanteras from the expatriate Indian community.

Special: Grand decorations and traditional South Indian style rituals

18. Sri Siva Subramaniya Temple, Fiji

Location: Nadi, Fiji

The largest Hindu temple in the Southern Hemisphere, featuring Dravidian architecture and celebrating Dhanteras with Fijian-Indian traditions.

Unique: Blend of Fijian and Indian cultural elements

19. Hindu Temple, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Location: Various locations including Batu Caves

Malaysia’s Hindu temples offer vibrant Dhanteras celebrations reflecting the country’s multicultural heritage.

Must Visit: Batu Caves Sri Subramaniar Temple

20. Singapore Hindu Temples

Locations: Sri Mariamman Temple (Chinatown), Sri Srinivasa Perumal Temple (Little India)

Singapore’s historic temples offer traditional Dhanteras celebrations with free community meals and cultural programs.

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Dhanteras Temple Visiting Tips

Do’s:

• Wear traditional or modest clothing
• Remove shoes before entering temple premises
• Maintain silence and respect inside the temple
• Offer flowers, coconut, or sweets as prasad
• Participate in aarti and community prayers
• Purchase or wear new clothes (traditional Dhanteras custom)
• Buy gold, silver coins, or utensils after temple visit

Don’ts:

• Take photographs without permission
• Touch idols or temple sanctum
• Bring leather items into the temple
• Visit during menstruation (traditional restriction in some temples)
• Consume alcohol before visiting
• Create disturbance during rituals

What to Offer:

• Fresh flowers (marigold, roses, lotus)
• Coconut
• Fruits (especially bananas and pomegranates)
• Sweets (ladoos, barfi)
• Incense sticks and diyas
• New clothes or fabric
• Gold or silver items (coins, jewelry)

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Best Dhanteras Rituals at Temples

1. Lakshmi Puja: Evening worship of Goddess Lakshmi with chanting of Lakshmi mantras
2. Dhanvantari Puja: Special prayers for health and wellness
3. Kuber Puja: Worship of Lord Kubera for wealth and treasures
4. Aarti: Participate in evening aarti ceremonies
5. Pradakshina: Circumambulation of the temple
6. Havan/Yagna: Sacred fire rituals for prosperity
7. Deep Daan: Lighting and offering of oil lamps

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Planning Your Dhanteras Temple Visit

Advance Preparation:

• Check temple timings and special puja schedules
• Book accommodations early if traveling
• Make online darshan bookings where available
• Learn basic mantras and prayers
• Understand local customs and traditions

What to Carry:

• Offering items (flowers, coconut, fruits)
• Small denomination currency for donations
• New clothes to wear or offer
• Reusable bag for prasad
• Water bottle
• Respectful attire

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Dhanteras 2025 Date

Dhanteras 2025: Sunday, October 19, 2025 (check local calendar for exact timing)

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Conclusion

Visiting temples on Dhanteras is a sacred tradition that combines spirituality with the celebration of prosperity and health. Whether you choose a historic temple in India or a community temple abroad, the divine blessings and positive energy received on this auspicious day set the tone for a prosperous year ahead.

Remember, the true essence of Dhanteras lies not just in seeking material wealth, but in expressing gratitude, sharing with others, and inviting divine blessings into your life.

May this Dhanteras bring you health, wealth, and happiness!

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I visit multiple temples on Dhanteras?
A: Yes, visiting multiple temples is considered auspicious and increases blessings.

Q: What time should I visit the temple?
A: Early morning (Brahma Muhurta) or evening during aarti time is most auspicious.

Q: Is it necessary to buy gold on Dhanteras?
A: While traditional, even buying silver, utensils, or making temple donations is considered auspicious.

Q: Can non-Hindus visit temples on Dhanteras?
A: Most temples welcome all visitors respectfully dressed and following temple protocols.

Q: What if I cannot visit a temple?
A: You can perform Lakshmi puja at home with proper rituals and devotion.