Dhanteras Pooja is a significant ritual observed on the first day of the Hindu festival of Diwali. Known as Dhanteras, this day marks the beginning of the five-day Diwali celebrations and is dedicated to the worship of Lord Dhanvantari, the deity of health and healing, as well as Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth and prosperity.

Significance

Lord Dhanvantari:- According to Hindu mythology, Lord Dhanvantari emerged from the ocean during the churning of the ocean (Samudra Manthan) and is revered as the god of medicine and health. The day is believed to be auspicious for purchasing items related to health and well-being.

Goddess Lakshmi: It is also a day to worship Goddess Lakshmi, who is associated with wealth and prosperity. Dhanteras is considered an ideal time to seek her blessings for financial stability and prosperity.

Timing and Dates:- Dhanteras is observed on the 13th day of the dark fortnight (Krishna Paksha) of the Hindu month of Ashwin (October-November).

- The exact date varies each year based on the Hindu lunar calendar.

Preparation for Dhanteras Pooja

Cleaning and Decoration:

Clean the Home:- Ensure that the home is thoroughly cleaned and well-organized. This is considered important to welcome Goddess Lakshmi and to invite prosperity.

Decorate:- Decorate the home with traditional items such as rangoli (colorful designs made with colored powders or flower petals), diyas (oil lamps), and lights.

Gather Pooja Items:

Diya (Oil Lamps):- Lighted diyas symbolize the removal of darkness and the arrival of light.

Kalash (Sacred Water Pitcher):- Decorate the Kalash with mango leaves and a coconut on top.

Flowers and Fruits:- Fresh flowers and fruits are used for offerings.

Incense Sticks and Aarti Plates:- For performing aarti (waving of the lighted lamp).

Pooja Thali:- A plate containing various offerings such as sweets, coins, and rice.

Steps for Performing Dhanteras Pooja

Setup the Pooja Space:- Choose a clean and auspicious place in your home, ideally in the northeast direction. Place the Kalash and the deity’s idols or images on a clean cloth or mat.

Perform Ganesh Pooja:- Light the diya and incense sticks, Place an idol or image of Lord Ganesha on the pooja platform, Offer flowers, fruits, and sweets to Lord Ganesha.

- Recite Ganesh Vandana, such as "Om Gan Ganapataye Namah", seeking his blessings for removing obstacles and ensuring a successful ritual.

Perform Dhanvantari and Lakshmi Pooja:

Dhanvantari Pooja:- Place an idol or image of Lord Dhanvantari on the pooja platform, Offer flowers, fruits, and sweets to Lord Dhanvantari.

- Recite prayers such as "Om Dhanvantaraye Namah" to seek blessings for health and well-being.

Lakshmi Pooja:- Place an idol or image of Goddess Lakshmi next to Lord Dhanvantari, Offer flowers, fruits, and sweets to Goddess Lakshmi.

- Recite Lakshmi Vandana, such as "Om Shreem Maha Lakshmyai Namah", to seek her blessings for prosperity and wealth.

Aarti and Offerings:- Perform aarti around the deities with a lighted diya while singing devotional songs or hymns.

- Offer prasad (food offerings) to the deities and distribute it among family members.

Purchase of New Items:- It is traditional to purchase new items, especially metal objects like gold, silver, or utensils, on Dhanteras as it is believed to bring prosperity. This purchase is often accompanied by a ritualistic prayer for wealth and well-being.

Conclude the Pooja:- Express gratitude to the deities for their blessings.

Ensure that the pooja space is cleaned, and the offerings are respectfully disposed of.

Dhanteras Pooja is a joyous and auspicious occasion that marks the beginning of the Diwali festival. It is a time to seek divine blessings for health, wealth, and prosperity, and to celebrate the light and goodness in one's life.