Dhanteras Puja

Dhanteras Puja is a Hindu festival celebrated on the thirteenth day of the dark fortnight (Krishna Paksha) of the Hindu lunar month of Ashwin. It marks the beginning of the five-day Diwali festival and holds significant cultural and spiritual importance. Dhanteras, also known as Dhanatrayodashi, is dedicated to the worship of Goddess Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth, and Lord Kubera, the treasurer of wealth. Here's a detailed overview of Dhanteras Puja: Purpose: Dhanteras Puja is performed to seek blessings for prosperity, wealth, and abundance. It is believed that performing puja on this day brings financial success, good fortune, and auspiciousness in business and personal endeavors. Timing: Dhanteras Puja is usually performed in the evening, during the auspicious muhurat (auspicious time) determined by Vedic astrology. Devotees prepare for the puja by cleaning their homes and setting up the puja altar or sacred space. Preparation: Before beginning the puja, devotees clean and purify their homes and themselves. They then decorate the entrance of their homes with rangoli (decorative patterns made with colored powders), flowers, and lamps (diyas) to welcome Goddess Lakshmi and invite prosperity. Puja Items: The essential items required for Dhanteras Puja include: Idol or image of Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Kubera Turmeric powder, kumkum (vermilion), and sandalwood paste Flowers, especially lotus flowers and marigolds Akshata (rice grains) and unbroken rice Chandan (sandalwood paste) or roli (vermilion) Incense sticks (agarbatti) or dhoop Deepak (oil lamp) or camphor Fruits and sweets as offerings Silver or gold coins, jewelry, or utensils as symbols of wealth and prosperity Invocation: The puja begins with the chanting of mantras and prayers to invoke the presence of Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Kubera. Devotees may recite the "Sri Sukta" or other hymns dedicated to Goddess Lakshmi while offering prayers and flowers. Offerings: Devotees offer flowers, akshata, sandalwood paste, and other items to Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Kubera as symbols of devotion and reverence. Special offerings such as fruits, sweets, and silver or gold coins are prepared and offered to seek their blessings for wealth and prosperity. Prayers and Mantras: Devotees engage in prayers, meditation, and recitation of mantras dedicated to Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Kubera. They seek blessings for financial success, abundance, and prosperity in life. Aarti: The puja concludes with the waving of aarti (lighted lamp) in front of Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Kubera, accompanied by the singing of hymns and bhajans in praise of their divine qualities and blessings. Dhanteras Puja is considered an auspicious occasion for devotees to invoke the blessings of Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Kubera for prosperity and abundance. It is celebrated with fervor and enthusiasm as people pray for wealth and well-being in the coming year.