Dhanteras Puja Vidhi: Items List, Complete Procedure, Mantra, and Recipes
Dhanteras, also known as Dhantrayodashi, is the first day of the five-day Diwali festival, which is celebrated with great enthusiasm across India. This day is dedicated to worshipping Goddess Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth, and Lord Dhanvantari, the god of health and healing. Performing the Dhanteras Puja properly can bring prosperity and good health to your home. Here’s a complete guide on Dhanteras Puja Vidhi, including the items list, pooja procedure, mantras, prasadam recipes, and essential things to know.
Dhanteras Puja Vidhi
About Dhanteras
Dhanteras, falling on the thirteenth lunar day of Krishna Paksha in the month of Ashwin, marks the beginning of Diwali. It is believed that on this day, Goddess Lakshmi emerged from the ocean during the churning of the sea (Samudra Manthan). For many, it is a day to buy new utensils, gold, or other valuable items, symbolizing wealth and prosperity.
Items List for Dhanteras Puja
Ensure you have all necessary items ready for the puja to run smoothly.
Puja Items
- Idols: Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Dhanvantari
- Kalash: Copper or silver pot filled with water
- Mango Leaves: To decorate the Kalash
- Coconut: To place on top of the Kalash
- Roli (Red Kumkum): For applying tilak
- Chandan (Sandalwood Paste): For applying on idols
- Rice Grains: For rituals
- Flowers: Fresh flowers for offering
- Diya (Oil Lamp): For lighting during the puja
- Incense Sticks: To create a sacred atmosphere
- Camphor: For aarti
- Betel Leaves and Nuts: For offerings
- Coins: Symbolizing wealth
- Panchamrit Ingredients: Milk, Curd, Honey, Ghee, Sugar
- Prasadam: Sweets like ladoo or kheer
Complete Pooja Procedure
Step-by-Step Guide
1. Preparation
- Clean your entire home to welcome the deities.
- Decorate the puja area with colorful rangoli and fresh flowers.
- Place the idols of Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Dhanvantari on a clean cloth.
2. Setting Up the Kalash
- Fill the Kalash with water and arrange mango leaves around its rim.
- Place a coconut on top of the Kalash, and set it near the idols.
3. Invocation
- Light the diya and incense sticks to purify the atmosphere.
- Apply roli and chandan on the idols and sprinkle rice grains.
4. Panchamrit Abhishek
- Bathe the idols with Panchamrit (a mixture of milk, curd, honey, ghee, and sugar).
5. Offerings
- Offer fresh flowers, betel leaves, nuts, coins, and sweets to the deities.
Recite the following mantra to seek blessings:
Om Hreem Shreem Lakshmi Bhyo Namah
6. Aarti
- Perform aarti using camphor and sing devotional songs dedicated to Goddess Lakshmi.
7. Prasadam Distribution
- Distribute the prasadam among family members and neighbors.
Mantras for Dhanteras Puja
Lakshmi Mantra
Om Shreem Hreem Shree Mahalaxmiyai Namah
Dhanvantari Mantra
Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya Dhanvantaraye Amrita-Kalasha Hastaya Sarva Bhaya Vinashaya Trailokya Nathaya Shri Maha Vishnave Swaha
Prasadam Recipes
Ladoo Recipe
- Ingredients: Besan (gram flour), ghee, sugar, cardamom powder, chopped nuts.
- Method:
- Roast besan in ghee until it turns golden brown.
- Add sugar and cardamom powder.
- Mix well and shape into laddoos.
- Garnish with chopped nuts.
Kheer Recipe
- Ingredients: Rice, milk, sugar, cardamom powder, saffron, chopped nuts.
- Method:
- Boil milk and add washed rice.
- Cook until the rice is soft and the mixture thickens.
- Add sugar, cardamom powder, and saffron.
- Garnish with nuts and serve warm.
Things to Know Before You Start
- Auspicious Time: Perform the puja during the Pradosh Kaal, about 1.5 hours after sunset.
- New Purchases: Buying new utensils, gold, or silver on Dhanteras is considered auspicious.
- Cleanliness: Ensure the puja area and your home are clean, symbolizing purity and welcoming Goddess Lakshmi.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is the significance of Dhanteras?
- A: Dhanteras is dedicated to Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Dhanvantari, symbolizing wealth, health, and prosperity.
Q: What items are required for Dhanteras Puja?
- A: Key items include idols, kalash, mango leaves, coconut, roli, chandan, flowers, diya, incense sticks, camphor, betel leaves, coins, Panchamrit ingredients, and prasadam.
Q: Can I perform Dhanteras Puja at home?
- A: Yes, you can perform the puja at home by following the complete procedure and using the required items.
Q: What time should I perform Dhanteras Puja?
- A: The ideal time is during the Pradosh Kaal, about 1.5 hours after sunset.
Q: Why do we buy new items on Dhanteras?
- A: Buying new items symbolizes bringing prosperity and good fortune into the home.
Dhanteras Puja is a beautiful tradition that brings families together in devotion and celebration. By following the complete puja procedure, preparing the necessary items, and reciting the mantras, you can ensure a spiritually fulfilling experience. Celebrate the festival with faith and joy, and welcome wealth and prosperity into your life.