Dhanteras, the first day of the five-day Diwali festival, holds a significant place in Hindu culture, marking the start of wealth and prosperity celebrations. Derived from the words “Dhan” meaning wealth and “Teras” signifying the 13th day of the lunar fortnight, this auspicious day falls on the 13th day of Krishna Paksha in the Hindu month of Ashwin. Dhanteras symbolizes abundance, health, and well-being, and is a day to honor Dhanvantari, the divine physician who emerged from the cosmic ocean with the elixir of immortality.
This festival celebrates the beauty of material wealth, but its deeper meaning lies in the pursuit of spiritual prosperity, where health and happiness are revered as the true treasures of life. It is a day to welcome both tangible and intangible forms of wealth into our homes, inviting the goddess of wealth, Lakshmi, to shower her blessings on the household.
Muhurat for Dhanteras 2024
The muhurat, or the most auspicious time for performing Dhanteras rituals, holds immense importance in Hindu tradition. Every year, astrologers carefully calculate the best time to ensure that all rituals are aligned with cosmic energies, maximizing the blessings received.
In 2024, Dhanteras will be observed on October 29th. The most auspicious time to conduct the customary Lakshmi Puja or to make purchases of precious metals, which is believed to bring long-term prosperity, is during the Pradosh Kaal—a window that begins after sunset and lasts for approximately two hours.
This year, the Pradosh Kaal muhurat falls between 6:30 PM and 8:30 PM. This period is considered the most beneficial for invoking the grace of Lakshmi, as it aligns with the energy of wealth and abundance that the festival symbolizes.
Significance of Dhanteras
Dhanteras is more than just an occasion for material gain; its true essence lies in the intention behind the rituals. The day commemorates the moment when Lord Dhanvantari, the celestial healer, appeared from the churning of the cosmic ocean, bringing with him the knowledge of Ayurveda and the nectar of immortality. Thus, Dhanteras is also celebrated as National Ayurveda Day, a tribute to holistic health and wellness.
The significance of Dhanteras extends to various dimensions. It is a day to cleanse both the physical and spiritual realms, with rituals meant to purify the home and body, making space for new energy and prosperity to flow in. The traditional act of buying gold or silver on Dhanteras is symbolic of inviting wealth into the household, but it also represents the investment in things that have enduring value, reminding us to focus on what truly enriches our lives.
For business communities, this day is particularly important. Many traders and shopkeepers begin their financial year on Dhanteras, seeking the blessings of Lakshmi for a prosperous year ahead. It’s a day where new ventures are initiated, and the books of accounts are worshipped to ensure steady financial growth.
Rituals and Remedies for Dhanteras
Rituals on Dhanteras begin with cleaning and decorating the home. Doorways are adorned with rangoli—colourful, intricate patterns made from rice flour, flowers, and coloured powders. The entrance is lit up with oil lamps, symbolizing the light of wisdom and prosperity dispelling darkness.
One of the most essential rituals is Dhanteras Puja, where an idol or picture of Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Kuber, the god of wealth, is worshipped. Offerings of sweets, fruits, and flowers are made, and families pray for prosperity, health, and well-being. It’s also customary to leave a lamp burning overnight, which is believed to guide Lakshmi into the home, bringing her blessings.
Another significant remedy for inviting prosperity on Dhanteras is buying new utensils or precious metals like gold and silver. The act of acquiring these objects is symbolic, representing the welcoming of wealth and fortune into the household. In modern times, people often buy small gold or silver coins with the imprint of Lakshmi as a token of luck.
For those seeking to balance the material with the spiritual, there are remedies to enhance the metaphysical energy of the day. On Dhanteras, it is believed that reciting the Lakshmi Stotra and meditating on abundance can help attune one’s mind to a state of receptiveness, allowing prosperity to flow in. Lighting diyas at the entrance of the home or near Tulsi plants is also thought to purify the surroundings, inviting positive energies.
Another simple yet powerful remedy involves placing nine types of grains (Navadhanya) in the puja area, symbolising the nourishment of the household. After the puja, these grains are sown in the garden or offered to birds, symbolising the circulation of wealth and good fortune.
The Deeper Mysticism of Dhanteras
Beyond the materialistic aspect of buying gold and silver, Dhanteras carries a mystical undertone that resonates with the concept of inner wealth. The true gold lies within—the virtues of kindness, gratitude, and humility. By participating in Dhanteras rituals, one is reminded to balance material prosperity with spiritual fulfillment. The day encourages us to reflect on our blessings, to offer gratitude for the wealth we already possess—both in the material and spiritual sense.
Dhanteras, then, is not merely about acquiring wealth; it is about invoking a sense of abundance in all aspects of life, from health to happiness, from love to wisdom. This festival, rich in tradition and spirituality, reminds us that prosperity is not limited to the physical realm but also extends to the growth of our soul.
As the lamps of Dhanteras illuminate our homes, may they also light the way toward a more balanced, fulfilled, and prosperous life.
धनतेरस – असली धन | Dhanteras 2024 | Diwali 2024 | Prashant Kapoor
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