ALL YOU WANTED TO KNOW ABOUT DHANTERAS
DHANTERAS – THE BEGINNING OF DIWALI Deepawali (Deepa-Lamps; Awali-Row) meaning ‘A row of lamps’ is also called Diwali in its shortened version. Diwali is a five-day festival celebrated all over India and also in many other countries across the globe. Each of the five days of Diwali has its own meaning and significance. Dhanteras marks the beginning of the festivities of Diwali. Meaning of Dhan-trayodashi: Trayodashi means “thirteenth day” of the Hindu fortnight and Dhan means “wealth”. Thus, as the name implies, Dhanteras falls on the thirteenth day of Krishna Paksha (Dark Fortnight) in the Hindu month of Kartik. Hence another name for Dhanteras is Dhantrayodashi. People worship Goddess Laxmi and Lord Kuber to bless them with prosperity and well being. What is the Significance of Dhanteras? In the story of Sagar Manthan, it was on this day that Lord Dhanvantari appeared with the nectar urn from the churning ocean. Along with him, jewellery and precious gems also emerged from the ocean. Since then this day was named ‘Dhanteras’ and the tradition of buying utensils and jewellery started. Ayurvedic vaidyas (doctors) consider Lord Dhanwantri as the Father of Ayurveda-the bestower of health and celebrate this day as his birthday. They distribute neem leaves and mishri (candy sugar) as prasad to visitors. Dhan also means Wealth. Undoubtedly, Dhanteras is also very important for businessmen, traders and merchants. Goddess Lakshmi along with Lord Kubera (God of wealth) is worshipped on this day. Dhanteras is also known as the day of “Yama Deep Daan”. Lord Yama (God of Death) is worshipped on this day to provide prosperity and well-being to all and to avert untimely death. Lord Kuber is generally worshipped through the medium of Kuber Yantra. What is done on Dhanteras? The following are the different rituals and traditions followed during Dhanteras: SHOPPING: Dhanteras marks the grand finale of all major Diwali shopping. It is auspicious to purchase a new cooking/eating vessel this day. The new utensil purchased is filled with puffed rice (kheel) and some coins. This vessel is then kept at the place where Lakshmi Pooja is to be done on Diwali night. It is believed that on Diwali night, Lord Dhanwantri will fill this vessel with health, while Lord Kubera will fill it with wealth. 2. OFFERINGS: Different types of offerings are prepared on this day in different regions of India. In Maharashtra, there is a tradition to offer a Naivedya (holy offering) of lightly crushed dry coriander seeds and jaggery. Whole wheat porridge or atte ka halwa or lapsi is prepared and distributed as prasad in parts of North and East India. In most of the households, Panchamrit, a preparation made with honey, curd, milk, ghee and sugar is distributed as prasad. Also, Kheer made from rice, milk and sugar is another favourite offering. 3. YAM DEEP DAAN: In the evening, one a four-faced Diya or thirteen oil lamps made of wheat flour are lit. Devotees keep these lamps outside the house with their flame facing southwards. (This is the only day in the whole year when the lamp’s flame is kept facing southwards.) The following mantra is to be recited while lighting the lamp/s: मृत्युना पाशदंडाभ्यां कालेन श्यामसह । त्रयोदश्यांदिपदानात् सूर्यजः प्रीयतां मम ।। Meaning: I offer these thirteen lamps to Yama, the son of the Lord Sun so that He liberates me from the clutches of death and bestows His blessings. What can you buy for Dhanteras? What shouldn’t you buy for Dhanteras? Silver/gold jewellery or coins. Utensils, preferably copper or brass vessels. Brooms. Gomati Chakra, Cowries, Gunja Seeds, Conch/Shankh, Lotus seed mala/Gatte ki Mala. Coriander seeds; preferable plant some of these on Dhanteras. New books of accounts. Idols/Yantra of Laxmi, Ganesha & Kuber. Property. Salt. Avoid buying steel, iron, aluminium, plastic, glass or ceramic utensils on Dhanteras. Rahu has an influence on these elements. Avoid buying a vehicle/car on Dhanteras. Sharp instruments like knives, scissors, etc. Black or dark coloured articles. Mirrors. Oil, Ghee, Butter. Crockery. Gifts for others. Wood or wooden articles. Why do we buy broom on Dhanteras? Buying a new broom on Dhanteras is a very important traditional ritual. We welcome Goddess Lakshmi to our clean houses to destroy all the negative energies and get rid of financial problems. This brings prosperity and fortune to the family. It also helps to get rid of debts. Whenever you buy a new broom, tie a white thread to it. This will ensure that Maa Lakshmi resides in your house permanently. Purchasing three brooms is considered auspicious. DHANTERAS 2024 MUHURAT Dhanteras Explained: Your Quick Q&A Guide Q1: What exactly is Dhanteras? Dhanteras, also known as Dhantrayodashi, is the first day of the five-day Diwali festival. Celebrated on the 13th day of the dark fortnight in the Hindu month of Kartika, it marks the beginning of Diwali festivities. Q2: Why is it called ‘Dhanteras’? ‘Dhan’ means wealth, and ‘Teras’ refers to the 13th day. The day is associated with the emergence of Lord Dhanvantari, the god of health and Ayurveda, and the goddess Lakshmi, symbolising wealth and prosperity. Q3: What are the key rituals of Dhanteras? Cleaning and Decorating Homes: Homes are thoroughly cleaned and decorated with rangoli and lights to welcome prosperity. Lighting Diyas: Lighting oil lamps, especially 13 diyas facing south, is a tradition to honor Yama, the god of death, seeking protection and longevity. Lakshmi and Dhanvantari Puja: Devotees worship Goddess Lakshmi for wealth and Lord Dhanvantari for health. Shopping: Purchasing gold, silver, or new utensils is considered auspicious, symbolizing the invitation of wealth into the home. Q4: What should I avoid buying on Dhanteras? It’s advisable to avoid purchasing items like brooms, salt, or steel utensils, as they are considered inauspicious on this day. Q5: Can I perform Dhanteras rituals at home? Absolutely! Performing Dhanteras rituals at home is a wonderful way to invite prosperity and health into your life. Ensure to follow the auspicious timings and use traditional offerings for the puja.
इस दिवाली करें अपनी राशि के अनुसार उपाय
दीवाली की रात उपाय करने के लिए एक प्रबल रात है. जानिए दीपावली की रात अपनी राशि के अनुसार करने वाले खास उपाय.
SPECIAL REMEDIES TO BE DONE ON DIWALI
DIWALI has special significance for doing and initiating astrological remedies. Let’s understand why? ASTROLOGICAL SIGNIFICANCE OF DIWALI: Diwali falls on Amavasya – Sun and Moon – the two luminaries and important astrological planets that come together this day are placed in Tula (Libra) Rashi and Swati Nakshatra. The evil spirits and negative energies are said to be strongest on Amavasya or No Moon day. Hence, stronger remedies or upaay which are done on this day are effective in warding off such strong negativity from one’s life. The Libra sign is a sign of balance and righteousness, of trade and business, of peace and harmony. Swati Nakshatra represents freedom, self-confidence and learning. Above all, it represents Goddess Saraswati – all forms of arts, communication, knowledge, etc. Swati is an auspicious Nakshatra. It helps one to accomplish the most difficult tasks and to move ahead, overcoming obstacles. The following remedies can be done/initiated on Diwali for maximum results: Tie a toran made of Asoka leaves and marigold (गेंदा) flowers at the entrance. This helps remove negativity in your house or commercial space. In case you are facing severe problems in your life, do this remedy. On Diwali night, light a lamp (दीपक) under a peepal tree after sunset. After lighting the lamp, walk back home without looking back and without uttering a word. This is a very good remedy, especially for those under Sade Sati or those having Shani Dosha. This, in essence, is a very effective remedy for those facing financial problems. Take three gomati chakra, three yellow cowries and three turmeric knots (हल्दी की गांठ). Tie them in a yellow cloth. Place this at the pooja place on Diwali night and thereafter keep it in your locker or cash box. 4. This remedy is for those who are suffering from some speech disorders, such as stammering. Take 11 cowries and burn them to ash on Diwali. Immerse this ash in flowing water. Continue for 5 consecutive Wednesdays. Don’t forget to light a diya in the southwest corner of your house. Moreover, this is an important Vastu tip. This is a valuable remedy for those who fail to get a good job even after repeated attempts. On Diwali, early morning (before sunrise), go to a crossroad (चौराहा) – where four roads meet with a lemon and a knife. Once you reach there, cut the lemon into four pieces; throw a piece in each direction; all the time mentally repeating your wish for a good job. After this, return without looking back even once. You can continue this for 7 consecutive days for the best results. If your business is not doing well or you are not getting a good flow of customers, try this remedy. Establish the Indrani yantra at your pooja or workplace on Diwali night. Surely, you shall see quick results. Those who have Chandra Grahan yoga or Angarak yoga in their horoscopes should not venture out of the house on Diwali night. On Diwali night, take the root of the banyan tree (बरगद की जड़) and a silk thread. Colour the thread with red sandalwood paste. Thereafter, tie the banyan root with the coloured silk thread at the main door of your residence or commercial premises after Laxmi puja. This remedy is for those eligible males and females who want to get married. Then place 11 marigold flowers on the altar, while doing pooja on Diwali night. Worship it with saffron (केसर)/turmeric (हल्दी) and place a ghee lamp in front of it (not too close), the whole night. Thereafter, in the morning, grind the flowers with Gangajal and saffron or turmeric. Apply this paste to your hands. Continue applying for 2-3 days or till the paste lasts. On Diwali night, burn camphor and clove in a silver or earthen vessel at the pooja place without fail. This will help ward off any problems related to spirits, bad omens, and all types of Vastu Dosha. Moreover, this remedy is a must, especially when anyone in the house has pitra dosha. WISHING YOU ALL A VERY HAPPY DIWALI Click here to read DIWALI REMEDIES ACCORDING TO YOUR RASHI/BIRTH SIGN (in Hindi)