Dhanteras 2024 Date, Puja Vidhi, Significance, and How to Celebrate this Auspicious Festival?
About Dhanteras 2024
Dhanteras or Dhantrayodashi is observed on the trayodashi of the Krishna Paksha in Ashwin Month. It marks the start of the Diwali festivities. On this day, Dhanvantari who is the founder of the Ayurveda is worshipped. Devotees also worship Maa Laxmi on this day. She is the goddess of wealth and prosperity. The date and Muhrat for Dhanteras 2024 are as follows.
Dhanteras 2024 Muhrat
Dhanteras Puja on Tuesday, October 29, 2024
Dhanteras Puja Muhurat – 06:47 PM to 08:23 PM
Duration – 01 Hour 36 Mins
Yama Deepam on Tuesday, October 29, 2024
Pradosh Kaal – 05:51 PM to 08:23 PM
Vrishabha Kaal – 06:47 PM to 08:45 PM
Trayodashi Tithi Begins – 10:31 AM on Oct 29, 2024
Trayodashi Tithi Ends – 01:15 PM on Oct 30, 2024
To know about the exact Muhrat for Dhanteras puja, you can speak to leading experienced astrologers and pundits at NamoAstro.
Significance of the Dhanteras
Dhanteras have a unique importance in Hinduism. It is believed that on this day, Devi Lakshmi bestows devotees with wealth, health, and happiness.
Bhagwan Kuber, who is the god of wealth, is also worshipped on this day. Devotees also worship Bhagwan Yama on this day.
However, it is more than just a day for material gain. It is a day for physical as well as spiritual cleansing. The rituals performed are for the purification of homes so that new energy and prosperity could flow in. The act of buying gold is symbolic in nature as well as it represents the act of investment for the future. You can read about the astrological significance of wearing gold here.
For business communities, this day is particularly important. Many traders and shopkeepers begin their financial year on Dhanteras, seeking the blessings of Lakshmi for a prosperous year ahead. It’s a day when new ventures are initiated, and the books of accounts are worshipped to ensure steady financial growth.
Some people also worship Lord Dhanvantri. It is said that on this day, Lord Dhanvantri acquired the Amrit during Samudra Manthan. That is the reason why this day is also known as Dhanvantri Jayanti. This day is also known as National Ayurveda Day.
On this day, people purchase new items. In Dhanteras, “Dhan” means wealth and “teras” means the 13th day. It is the ideal day to buy new assets, gold and silver among other things.
People invite Maa Laxmi on this day. That’s why they clean and whitewash their homes. You can read about Astrological tips for cleaning and décor for Diwali here.
Dhanteras 2024 Puja Vidhi
People decorate their houses with Rangoli and lightning. They light lamps at their places in the evening. They decorate their houses with diyas, flowers, and candles and get it painted. Devotees also perform the puja at their offices.
Devotees should perform Laxmi Puja only during Pradosh Kaal. The one hour and forty-one minutes mentioned above is the right time to perform the Dhanteras Puja. The ideal time for Lakshmi Puja to be done on Dhanteras is when Pradosh Kaal is going on while the Sthir Lagna prevails. The Sthir Lagna represents that Devi Lakshmi will bless you. You should stay in your home if you perform the Dhanteras Puja during this Muhurat. The Vrishabha Lagna is regarded as Sthir Lagna and often coincides with Pradosh Kaal. Also, it is not recommended to perform the puja during the Choghadiya Muhrat.
One of the most important rituals of Dhanteras is Dhanteras Puja. In the puja, an idol of Maa Laxmi and Bhagwan Kuber is worshipped. You can offer sweets, fruits, and flowers to the deities. And pray for the health, wealth, and well-being of the family. A lamp is left outside burning overnight, it is to invite Devi Lakshmi in the house.
On this day, one should recite the Lakshmi Stotra and meditate to help attune one’s state of mind.
Devotees also observe a fast on this day. They break the fast only after Laxmi Puja. People who do not have extensive knowledge might find it difficult to perform the puja correctly. If you are not able to perform the puja precisely, you can get help from expert pundits at NamoAstro to help you in performing a personalised Laxmi Puja.
Story Behind Dhantrayodashi
Once upon a time, there was a king named Hima. His son was destined to die of a snakebite just four days after his marriage. King Hima did everything he could do to prevent the eventual fate by preventing his son from meeting any woman. However, as soon as the prince turned 16, he met a girl and fell in love. They got married.
When his wife got to know about it, she didn’t allow him to sleep on the day. She blocked the room of her husband’s doorway with silver and gold. When Bhagwan Yama came in the form of Yama, he was shocked to see the ornaments and sat down on the heap. The next day, the snake left and the life of the prince was saved.
There is another famous story associated with Dhanteras. It is concerning Lord Dhanvantari – an incarnation of Bhagwan Vishnu and the physician of the gods. It is believed that he came out of the ocean from the Samudra Manthan on this day.
Rishi Durvasa, once cursed Lord Indra and said, “The pride of wealth has entered your head; let Lakshmi leave you”. The curse became true as the Devi Lakshmi left Lord Indra. That made him weak and as a result, asurs defeated him. He went to Bhagwan Brahma to get help who suggested he to go to Bhagwan Vishnu. The latter suggested him churning the sea of milk. As a result of which, the Amrit would come out and drinking that would make gods immortal. Vasuki, the god of serpents became the rope and the gods and the asurs started the process. Bhagwan Vishnu took the form of a tortoise to life on the Mandara mountain. During the churning, Devi Lakshmi appeared and Rishis started chanting hymns and showered her with holy waters. Dhanvantari also emerged from the sea, carrying nectar which Bhagwan Vishnu gave to gods.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What to do on Dhanteras in 2024?
A: On the day of Dhanteras, devotees perform Dhanteras puja.
Q: What is the timing of Dhanteras?
A: Dhanteras Puja Muhurat is from 06:47 PM to 08:23 PM.
