Significance of Dhanteras A Hindu Festival and its Significance and Auspiciousness
Dhanteras is a significant Hindu festival celebrated on the 13th day of the Krishna Paksha in the month of Kartik1. It is a day of joy and devotion where people seek the blessings of Lord Kuber, Lord Dhanvantri, and Goddess Laxmi. This year, Dhanteras falls on November 10, 20231.
The 13th day of the Krishna Paksha is the thirteenth day of the waning phase of the moon in the Hindu calendar. It is believed that during this time, the negative energies are at their peak, and performing the puja on this day helps to ward off the negative energies and bring in positivity and prosperity.
Dhanteras is considered the most auspicious day in Hindu calendar for buying items ranging from precious metals to utensils. It is believed that making significant purchases on this day will bring in blessings and wealth in one’s life.
To perform the puja, you can follow these steps 1:
- Wake up early in the morning and take a bath.
- Clean your home and puja room, and decorate them with rangoli and lower garlands.
- Place idols of Lord Kuber, Goddess Laxmi, Lord Ganesha, and Lord Dhanvantri on a wooden plank.
- In the evening, light diyas with desi ghee and worship the deities.
- Prepare sweets like kheer, halwa, Malpua, and other savories as bhog prasad.
It is advisable to perform the puja during the auspicious time .
Dhanteras Shubha Muhurat 2023
Muhurat | Timing |
Dhanteras Tithi | 5:57 PM to 7:43 PM |
Pradosh Kaal | 5:30 PM to 8:08 PM |
Trayodashi (10 Nov) | 12:35 pm |
Lord Kuber
Lord Kuber is the Hindu god of wealth, prosperity, and the Yakshas, a race of supernatural beings. He is also known as the treasurer of the gods. He is often depicted as a pot-bellied man with a crown on his head and carrying a money bag. He is also said to have three legs.
Lord Kuber is worshipped by Hindus for good luck and prosperity. He is especially worshipped on the festival of Dhanteras, which is the first day of the Diwali festival. On this day, Hindus purchase new items and worship Lord Kuber and Goddess Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth.
Goddess Laxmi
Goddess Laxmi is the Hindu goddess of wealth, prosperity, and good fortune. She is the wife of Lord Vishnu, the preserver of the universe. She is often depicted as a beautiful woman sitting on a lotus flower and holding a pot of gold coins.
Goddess Lakshmi is worshipped by Hindus for good luck and prosperity. She is especially worshipped on the festival of Diwali, which is the festival of lights. On this day, Hindus decorate their homes and businesses with lights and flowers and worship Goddess Lakshmi.
Lord Ganesha
Lord Ganesha is the Hindu god of wisdom, new beginnings, and good luck. He is the son of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. He is often depicted as a pot-bellied man with an elephant head and riding on a mouse.
Lord Ganesha is worshipped by Hindus before starting any new venture or project. He is also worshipped on the festival of Ganesh Chaturthi, which is a ten-day festival dedicated to him.
Lord Dhanvantri
Lord Dhanvantri is the Hindu god of medicine and healing. He is believed to be an avatar of Lord Vishnu. He is often depicted as a handsome man holding a bowl of herbs and a medicinal plant in his hands.
Lord Dhanvantri is worshipped by Hindus for good health and well-being. He is especially worshipped on the festival of Dhanteras, which is the first day of the Diwali festival. On this day, Hindus purchase new items and worship Lord Dhanvantri and Goddess Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth.
These four deities are often worshipped together, as they represent different aspects of material and spiritual well-being. Lord Kuber represents wealth and prosperity, Goddess Lakshmi represents good fortune, Lord Ganesha represents wisdom and good luck, and Lord Dhanvantri represents good health and well-being. By worshipping these deities together, Hindus hope to achieve all-round success and prosperity in life.
Lord Kuber
Lord Kuber is the Hindu god of wealth, prosperity, and the Yakshas, a race of supernatural beings. He is also known as the treasurer of the gods. He is often depicted as a pot-bellied man with a crown on his head and carrying a money bag. He is also said to have three legs.
Lord Kuber is worshipped by Hindus for good luck and prosperity. He is especially worshipped on the festival of Dhanteras, which is the first day of the Diwali festival. On this day, Hindus purchase new items and worship Lord Kuber and Goddess Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth.
Goddess Laxmi
Goddess Laxmi is the Hindu goddess of wealth, prosperity, and good fortune. She is the wife of Lord Vishnu, the preserver of the universe. She is often depicted as a beautiful woman sitting on a lotus flower and holding a pot of gold coins.
Goddess Lakshmi is worshipped by Hindus for good luck and prosperity. She is especially worshipped on the festival of Diwali, which is the festival of lights. On this day, Hindus decorate their homes and businesses with lights and flowers and worship Goddess Lakshmi.
Lord Ganesha
Lord Ganesha is the Hindu god of wisdom, new beginnings, and good luck. He is the son of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. He is often depicted as a pot-bellied man with an elephant head and riding on a mouse.
Lord Ganesha is worshipped by Hindus before starting any new venture or project. He is also worshipped on the festival of Ganesh Chaturthi, which is a ten-day festival dedicated to him.
Lord Dhanvantri
Lord Dhanvantri is the Hindu god of medicine and healing. He is believed to be an avatar of Lord Vishnu. He is often depicted as a handsome man holding a bowl of herbs and a medicinal plant in his hands.
Lord Dhanvantri is worshipped by Hindus for good health and well-being. He is especially worshipped on the festival of Dhanteras, which is the first day of the Diwali festival. On this day, Hindus purchase new items and worship Lord Dhanvantri and Goddess Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth.
These four deities are often worshipped together, as they represent different aspects of material and spiritual well-being. Lord Kuber represents wealth and prosperity, Goddess Lakshmi represents good fortune, Lord Ganesha represents wisdom and good luck, and Lord Dhanvantri represents good health and well-being. By worshipping these deities together, Hindus hope to achieve all-round success and prosperity in life.
In the evening, light diyas with desi ghee and worship the deities. 5. Prepare sweets like kheer, halwa, Malpua, and other savories as bhog prasad. Write a para on each including diyas, desi ghee
Diyas
Diyas are traditional Indian oil lamps that are used to light up homes and temples during festivals and other special occasions. They are made from clay and are usually filled with oil and a wick. Diyas are often decorated with intricate designs and are available in a variety of shapes and sizes.
Desi ghee
Desi ghee is a clarified butter that is made from cow’s milk. It is a staple ingredient in Indian cuisine and is used in a variety of dishes, including sweets, savories, and curries. Desi ghee is also used for religious purposes and is often used to light diyas during festivals.
Diyas with desi ghee
Diyas lit with desi ghee are considered to be auspicious and are believed to bring good luck and prosperity. They are also said to purify the air and create a positive atmosphere.
Benefits of using desi ghee in diyas
- Desi ghee burns longer and brighter than other oils, which means that diyas lit with desi ghee will stay lit for a longer period of time.
- Desi ghee produces a flickering flame, which is said to be more auspicious than a steady flame.
- Desi ghee has a pleasant aroma, which helps to create a positive and inviting atmosphere.
- Desi ghee is considered to be sacred and is often used in religious ceremonies.
How to light diyas with desi ghee
To light a diya with desi ghee, simply fill the diya with desi ghee and place a wick in the center. Light the wick and place the diya in a safe location.
Tips for using desi ghee in diyas
- Use a high-quality desi ghee for the best results.
- Be careful not to overfill the diya, as this could cause the oil to spill over.
- Place the diya in a safe location away from flammable materials.
- Keep an eye on the diya while it is lit and extinguish it if necessary.
Diyas lit with desi ghee are a traditional and auspicious way to light up your home during festivals and other special occasions. They are also said to have a number of benefits, including burning longer and brighter, producing a flickering flame, having a pleasant aroma, and being considered sacred.
Prepare sweets like kheer, halwa, Malpua, and other savories as bhog prasad.
Kheer
Kheer is a traditional Indian rice pudding that is made with rice, milk, sugar, and cardamom. It is a popular dessert that is often served during festivals and other special occasions.
Ingredients
- 1 cup rice
- 4 cups milk
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon cardamom powder
- Garnish: nuts, raisins, saffron strands
Instructions
- Rinse the rice in a strainer until the water runs clear.
- In a heavy-bottomed pot, combine the rice and milk.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for 20-30 minutes, or until the rice is cooked through.
- Stir in the sugar and cardamom powder.
- Cook for another 5-10 minutes, or until the kheer has thickened to your desired consistency.
- Serve hot or cold, garnished with nuts, raisins, and saffron strands.
Halwa
Halwa is a traditional Indian sweet that is made with semolina, ghee, sugar, and nuts. It is a popular dessert that is often served during festivals and other special occasions.
Ingredients
- 1 cup semolina
- 1/2 cup ghee
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/4 cup nuts, chopped
- Garnish: saffron strands
Instructions
- Heat the ghee in a heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat.
- Add the semolina and fry for 2-3 minutes, or until it turns golden brown.
- Add the sugar and water and stir well.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for 10-15 minutes, or until the halwa has thickened to your desired consistency.
- Stir in the nuts and cook for another minute.
- Serve hot or cold, garnished with saffron strands.
Malpua
Malpua is a traditional Indian pancake that is made with flour, yogurt, sugar, and cardamom powder. It is often served with a sugar syrup or honey.
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup yogurt
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon cardamom powder
- 1/2 cup oil, for frying
- Garnish: sugar syrup or honey
Instructions
- In a bowl, combine the flour, yogurt, sugar, and cardamom powder.
- Mix well to form a smooth batter.
- Heat the oil in a frying pan over medium heat.
- Pour a small amount of batter into the pan and spread it out to form a thin pancake.
- Fry the pancake for 1-2 minutes per side, or until it is golden brown and cooked through.
- Remove the pancake from the pan and drain on a paper towel-lined plate.
- Repeat steps 4-6 with the remaining batter.
- Serve the malpuas hot or cold, garnished with sugar syrup or honey.
Other savories
In addition to the sweets listed above, there are a number of other savories that can be prepared as bhog prasad. Some popular options include:
- Samosas: Samosas are deep-fried pastries that are filled with a savory potato and pea filling.
- Pakoras: Pakoras are deep-fried fritters that are made with a variety of vegetables, such as potatoes, onions, and cauliflower.
- Dal makhani: Dal makhani is a lentil curry that is made with black lentils, kidney beans, and butter.
- Vegetable biryani: Vegetable biryani is a rice dish that is flavored with spices and vegetables.
- Raita: Raita is a yogurt condiment that is often served with Indian meals. It is made with yogurt, cucumber, and spices.
When preparing bhog prasad, it is important to use fresh, high-quality ingredients. It is also important to cook the food with love and devotion. Bhog prasad should be offered to the deities with respect and humility.