Dhanteras Puja: A Celebration of Wealth and Prosperity
Samagri
for Puja:
Haldi [organic] (20gm), Kumkum [organic] (20gm), Tulsi Mala (1), Diya Batti (5), Beetle Nuts (5), Desi Ghee (20ml), Honey (20ml), Jaggery (Gudh) (20gm), Akshata [Yellow rice] (20gm), Yagno-paveetha (5), Karpoora [camphor] (5Tabs), Red/White/Yellow Cloth(1 mtr), Prasad [Laung, Elaichi, Mishri] (20gm), Mouli (25mtr), Ganga Jal (15ml), Durva [fresh] (1), Agarbatti (6)/Dhoop (2), Dakshina (100INR), God Idols (pair), Sambrani (2), Sambrani Holder (1), Kalash [small copper] (1), Panchpatra [small copper] (1), Diya Holder (2), Panchamrit spoon (1), Karpoora Holder(1), includes perishables [Beetle Leaves [fresh] (9), Flowers [fresh] (incl mala), Tulsi [fresh], Mango Leaves [fresh] (7)]
Small Havan:
Cow Dung Cake (2), Mango Wood (250gm), HavanSamagri [20+ Grganic Herbs] (100gm), Ghee (20ml)
Yajman to provide:
Curd (100gm), Milk (100ml), Mithai (250gm), Fruits [5types], Coconut (1), HavanKund, SuchiSarva (Havan Spoon) (1), Kalash [big] (1), Bowl [preferably copper/silver] (1), Spoon [preferably copper/silver] (1), Utensils [2 big Plates (for Aarti/Samagri), disposable Plates, Bowls & Spoons], First solid food (preferably Kheer or Payasam)
Importance and Significance of Dhanteras Puja
The Dhanteras Puja serves as a reminder of the importance of wealth in various forms—material, spiritual, and health-related. By honouring Lord Dhanvantari and Goddess Lakshmi, devotees acknowledge the need for both physical health and financial prosperity. This puja is also seen as a means to dispel negativity and invite positive energy into the home, setting the tone for the festivities of Diwali.
Benefits of Dhanteras Puja
- Attracting Wealth: The puja helps in attracting wealth and financial stability into the household.
- Promoting Health: By invoking Lord Dhanvantari, devotees seek blessings for good health and well-being for themselves and their families.
- Enhancing Prosperity: The rituals performed during this day are believed to invite overall prosperity and success in various endeavours.
- Cleansing Negativity: The puja serves as a means to cleanse the home of negative energies, creating a positive environment for the upcoming year.
Occasions to Perform Dhanteras Puja
Dhanteras Puja is primarily performed on the day of Dhanteras, which is the first day of the Diwali festival. Many households also choose to purchase gold, silver, or new utensils on this day as a sign of auspiciousness. The rituals can be performed at home or in a temple, depending on personal preferences and traditions.
Dhanteras Puja Vidhi (Procedure)
- Preparation: Clean the home and decorate the puja area with flowers, rangoli, and lights. Devotees may wear new clothes to mark the auspicious occasion.
- Setup: Create a sacred space with an altar where the puja will take place. Place idols or pictures of Lord Dhanvantari and Goddess Lakshmi, along with offerings of flowers, fruits, sweets, and diyas.
- Invocation: Begin the puja by invoking Lord Ganesha for the removal of obstacles and then Lord Dhanvantari for blessings of health and wealth.
- Offering Prayers: Offer prayers, recite mantras, and express gratitude for the blessings of wealth and health.
- Puja Rituals: Perform rituals such as aarti, offering of sweets and fruits, and lighting diyas to invite prosperity into the home.
- Blessings: Seek blessings from family members and elders present, who may also share their good wishes for a prosperous future.
- Celebration: The puja can be followed by a festive meal with family, celebrating the day with joy and togetherness.
Dhanteras Shubh Muhurat
The Shubh Muhurat for Dhanteras Puja is typically determined based on astrological considerations. It is considered auspicious to perform the puja during the evening when the worship of deities is believed to yield maximum blessings.
By celebrating Dhanteras Puja, families honour the significance of wealth and health in their lives, inviting divine blessings for a prosperous future. This beautiful ritual not only marks the beginning of the Diwali festivities but also reinforces the values of gratitude, prosperity, and well-being.
