Dhanteras, also known as “Dhanatrayodashi” or “Dhanvantari Trayodashi,” is a significant festival that marks the beginning of the celebration of Diwali, the Festival of Lights. It is celebrated on the thirteenth day of the Krishna Paksha (dark fortnight) in the vedic month of Kartik.

Timings for 2023

New York, USA – Nov 10, 2023
Trayodashi Tithi Begins – 02:05 AM on Nov 10, 2023
Trayodashi Tithi Ends – 03:27 AM on Nov 11, 2023

London, UK – Nov 10, 2023
Trayodashi Tithi Begins – 07:05 AM on Nov 10, 2023
Trayodashi Tithi Ends – 08:27 AM on Nov 11, 2023

Chennai, India – Nov 10, 2023
Trayodashi Tithi Begins – 12:35 PM on Nov 10, 2023
Trayodashi Tithi Ends – 01:57 PM on Nov 11, 2023

For local timings download the Cosmic Insights app.

Lakshmi Puja Timings

New York, USA – Nov 10, 2023 04:56 pm – 06:44 pm

London, UK – Nov 10, 2023 04:28 pm – 06:06 pm

Chennai, India – Nov 10, 2023 06:00 pm – 08:03 pm

For local timings download the Cosmic Insights app.

Significance of Dhanteras

Dhanteras is a day dedicated to the worship of Lord Dhanvantari, the god of Ayurveda and the physician of the gods. The word “Dhanteras” is derived from two words: “Dhan,” which means wealth, and “Teras,” which means the thirteenth day. Hence, this day is all about celebrating wealth and prosperity. Performing rituals and puja on Dhanteras can bring in wealth, good health, and happiness into our lives.

One of the most popular legends associated with Dhanteras is the story of the churning of the ocean (Samudra Manthan). It is believed that during this churning, Dhanvantari emerged holding a pot of the divine nectar of immortality (amrita). Hence, he is honored on this day, and people seek his blessings for good health and well-being.

Astrological Connection

Astrologically, Dhanteras falls on the thirteenth day of the lunar fortnight, which is considered an auspicious time for making investments and purchasing valuables. It is believed that during this period, the energies are aligned favorably for financial gains and prosperity.

Rituals for Prosperity on Dhanteras

  1. Light lamps and diyas throughout the night. This helps to drive away negativity and bring in positive energy.
  2. Perform a simple Lakshmi Puja (see below for instructions). You can do this during the Pradosh Kaal, which commences after sunset and typically extends for approximately 2 hours and 24 minutes. To ensure that Goddess Lakshmi enters our home and remains with us, it is advisable to select a Sthira (fixed) Lagna for the puja. Use the Ascendant feature on Cosmic Insights to find Taurus lagna for the puja. This choice is made with the intention of establishing a lasting presence of prosperity and blessings in our household.
  3. After completing the Lakshmi Puja, gather with your family members for a simple wish-fulfilling ritual. Provide each family member with a piece of paper and a pen. On these papers, draw everything that you aspire to achieve in the coming year. Feel free to draw as many desires as you wish. Once everyone has finished their drawings, place them in front of Goddess Lakshmi in your Puja room. Close your eyes for a few minutes, surrender all your desires to Goddess Lakshmi, and free yourself from them.
  4. Listen to Kanakadhara Stotram on repeat mode in the background to imbibe the positive effects of this beautiful stotram by Sri Adi Shankaracharya.
  5. Light few Lamps outside your house (after sunset) to honor Lord Yama and pray to HIM to guard your family and loved ones from untimely death.
  6. Worship Lord Vishnu as “Dhanvantri” by chanting the Dhanvantri Mantra for a minimum of 108 times. See below for popular Dhanvantri Mantras.

Simple Lakshmi Puja

  1. Choose a clean and quiet place for the puja, preferably facing east.
  2. Wash your hands and feet before starting the puja to symbolize purity.
  3. Place the picture or idol of Goddess Lakshmi on your altar.
  4. Light incense sticks and place them in front of the Goddess Lakshmi.
  5. Light a lamp with Ghee and place it in front of the Goddess. The light symbolizes the removal of darkness and ignorance.
  6. Offer a few fresh flowers to the Goddess.
  7. Offer sweets and fruits to the Goddess as a symbol of sustenance and abundance.
  8. Chant the mantra “Om Shreem Mahalakshmaye Namah.” 108 times.
  9. Light a camphor and, in a clockwise direction, circle it around the Goddess three times as an offering.
  10. Conclude the puja by bowing down and seeking the blessings of Goddess Lakshmi.
  11. After the puja, distribute the prasad (sweets or fruits) to family members as a symbol of sharing blessings.

Dhanvantri Mantras

  1. Om Dhanvantaraye Namah
  2. Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaaya Dhanvantaraye
  3. Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaaya Dhanvantaraye Amrita-kalasha Hastaaya |
    Sarva-amaya Vinashaaya Trailokya Naathaya Dhanvantri Maha-vishnave Namaha ||
  4. Om Namo Bhagavate Maha Sudharshana
    Vasudevaya Dhanvantaraye; Amrutha Kalasa Hasthaaya
    Sarva Bhaya Vinasaya Sarva Roka Nivaranaya
    Thri Lokya Pathaye Thri Lokya Nithaye
    Sri Maha Vishnu Swarupa Sri Dhanvantri Swarupa
    Sri Sri Sri Aoushata Chakra Narayana Swaha
  5. Om tat purushaaya vidmahae
    Amritha kalasa hastaaya dheemahi
    Tanno Dhanvantri prasodayaat

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