Dhanteras
It takes place two days before Diwali to honor Dhanyantari, an incarnation of Vishnu.
Dhanteras is observed on the 13th day of Krishna Paksh in the month of Karthik. This is also known as Yamadeep. It is celebrated 2 days before Deepavali. After the Sagar Manthan between the Devtaas and Asuras, Dhanvantri vaid came out of the sea with an Amruth Kalash. That is why, Dhanteras is also known as Dhanvantri Jayanti.
On this day, we pray for good health and wealth for the family.Decorated clay idols or photos of Shri Ganesh and Shri Lakshmi are bought from the market. Keep in mind that the trunk of Ganeshji is turned towards the right as it is considered more auspicious. These idols are worshipped on the day of Deepavali.
Silver articles are bought for the house.
Iron, Copper or Brass utensils are bought for the kitchen.
Legends behind Dhanteras
Dhan means wealth and Dhanteras is of great importance to the rich trading class. Goddess Laxmi or the goddess of wealth is worshiped during Dhanteras.
The Legend
The legend of Dhanteras is a very interesting one. It revolves round the story of King Hima’s sixteen year old son.
According to his horoscope, he would be bitten by a snake on the fourth day of marriage. On that particular day, his wife kept him awake the whole night to prevent him from the snake bite.
She laid out all her ornaments and gold and silver coins at the entrance of her bedroom. She lightened the room with lamps and did not allow her husband to enter the room.
She sang the whole night and narrated stories to keep him awake.
When Lord Yama or the God of Death arrived in the guise of a serpent his eyes were blinded by the dazzle of the coins and the lights.
He sat on the heap of coin and listened to the songs and left peacefully the next morning. Thus, the young wife was successful in saving his husband from the jaws of death.
Dhanteras is also known as “yamadeepan” and the lamps are kept burning the whole night to keep away evil spirit from the homes.
Another legend that goes is that when the demons were churning out ‘amrit’ or nectar from the oceans Dhanyantari emerged form the ocean carrying a jar of elixir on the day of Dhanteras.
Celebrations
On Dhanteras Goddess Laxmi is worshipped to usher in prosperity and wealth especially among the business community.
Homes and offices are decorated on the occasion of Dhanteras and the entrances are made colourful with traditional Rangoli to welcome Goddess Laxmi. Small footprints are also drawn all over the house to welcome Goddess Laxmi.
It’s been a long tradition to buy utensils and gold and silver coins and ornaments during Dhanteras. It’s been a common trend these days to exchange gifts among friends and families on this day.
Many people set up businesses or buy cars or even set up wedding dates. Laxmi puja is performed with faith and dedication and tiny diyas or lamps are lit the whole night.
Devotional songs or bhajans are sung in praise of Goddess Laxmi. In Maharashtra, there is a custom of offering dry coriander seeds and jaggery as Naivedya. In villages cattle are worshipped by armers as they are the source of income.
Dhanteras Puja
Dhanteras is observed on the 13th day of Krishna Paksh in the month of Karthik. This is also known as Yamadeep. It is celebrated 2 days before Deepavali. After the Sagar Manthan between the Devtaas and Asuras, Dhanvantri vaid came out of the sea with an Amruth Kalash. That is why, Dhanteras is also known as Dhanvantri Jayanti.
On this day, we pray for good health and wealth for the family.
Decorated clay idols or photos of Shri Ganesh and Shri Lakshmi are bought from the market. Keep in mind that the trunk of Ganeshji is turned towards the right as it is considered more auspicious. These idols are worshiped on the day of Deepavali.
Preparation for the Puja
=> One Deepak made out of atta/clay with 4 wicks
=> Wicks for the Deepak oil/ghee, matchstick
=> One shell with a hole
=> Flowers, roli, chawal
=> Water in panchpatra and a spoon
=> Some money
=> Pata & Aasan
=> Kheel & batasha
=> Dhoop (sambrani) & dhoop daan
=> Chopda with roli, chawal for applying tikka
=> Suhali, petha (shaker para)
Vidhi / Method of Performing the Puja
The 4 wick Deepak is placed on the pata.
Oil/ghee is put in the Deepak with the Four Wicks.
The Cowrie shell is placed on the Deepak.
The Deepak is lit. This is referred as Yamadeep. This Deepak pleases Yamaraj and the pitars/departed ancestors of the family.
Some water from the panchpatra is sprinkled around the Deepak, puja is performed with roli, chawal and money.
Four suhali and little pethas are offered.
Some people offer kheel and batasha also Dhoop is lit.
Women performing the puja go around the Deepak four times & do pranam.
The eldest woman of the family or unmarried girl of the house puts tilak from the roli in the chopda to everyone sitting for the puja.
One male staff member of the house, covers his head with a cloth, takes the lit Deepak and keeps it outside on the right side of the main gate. This person is given dakshina.
After puja, the family members do pranaam to all the elder people to them.
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