New Delhi: Diwali is approaching and everyone is excited to celebrate the occasion with enthusiasm and opulence. People have already begun their shopping spree to prepare themselves for the festivities. It lasts for five days and usually occurs on the thirteenth lunar day of Krishna Paksha. The first day of the Diwali celebrations is known as Dhanteras or Dhanwantari Triodasi.
Goddess Lakshmi emerged from the sea on the day of Dhantrayodashi while the Milky Sea was being churned. Thus, on the auspicious day of Trayodashi, prayer is offered to Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Kubera, the God of Wealth. However, Lakshmi Puja on Amavasya, which comes two days after Dhantrayodashi, is regarded as being more important.
Lakshmi Puja should be performed on Dhanteras during Pradosh Kaal, which begins after sunset and lasts for around two hours and twenty-four minutes.
Date and Time of Dhanteras:
Dhanteras Puja Date: Sunday, October 23, 2022
Dhanteras Puja Muhurat - 04:48 PM to 06:03 PM
Duration - 01 Hour 15 Mins
Yama Deepam- Sunday, October 23, 2022
Pradosh Kaal - 04:48 PM to 07:20 PM
Vrishabha Kaal - 06:03 PM to 08:00 PM
Dhanteras Muhurat without Sthir Lagna
Trayodashi Tithi Begins - 06:02 PM on Oct 22, 2022
Trayodashi Tithi Ends - 06:03 PM on Oct 23, 2022
The Ayurvedic God Dhanvantri's birth anniversary is also celebrated on the day of Dhanteras as Dhanwantari Triodasi or Dhanvantri Jayanti. A second ceremony known as Yamadeep is performed on the same day as Trayodashi Tithi in order to fend against any premature deaths of family members.
Shree Dhanvantri Puja Vidhi:
People pray to Dhanvantari in hopes of having good health and relief from all illnesses for themselves and their families. Nine different types of grains (Navadhanya) are served to Lord Dhanvantari after the process of bathing him and applying vermillion to his statue.
Shree Kuber Puja Vidhi:
Lord Kuber is worshipped ritualistically and offered flowers. He is also offered incense, Diya, fruits, and sweets after which mantras are chanted to invoke Lord Kuber’s blessings.
Shree Laxmi Puja Vidhi:
A replacement fabric is stretched out on a raised platform, a few grains are placed in the center, and a Kalash made of gold, silver, copper, or terracotta is set on this basis.
A few rice grains, a flower, and a coin are placed and three-fourths of the Kalash are filled with water and Ganga Jal.
A metal plate with rice grains within it and five mango leaves on top are placed inside the Kalash. Above the rice grains, a lotus is painted with turmeric powder, and the statue of Goddess Lakshmi is positioned over it with coins.
An idol of Ganesha is also placed ahead of the Kalash in the southwest direction. After lighting the lamp, the puja is started with haldi, kumkum and flowers.