Dhanteras & Shri Mahalakshmi Puja-Vidhan ✨
Introduction
In Indian culture, the festival of Diwali is not only the festival of lights but also a symbol of prosperity, righteousness, duty, and inner illumination. The festival is celebrated for five days—Dhanteras, Narak Chaturdashi, Diwali (Amavasya), Govardhan Puja, and Bhai Dooj. Each day has its unique significance.
The thirteenth day (Trayodashi) of the dark fortnight (Krishna Paksha) of the month of Kartik is known as Dhanteras. This day is associated with health, long life, and wealth. It is believed that on this day, during the great churning of the ocean (Samudra Manthan), Lord Dhanvantari appeared carrying the pot of nectar (Amrit Kalash). Since then, this day has been celebrated as Dhan Trayodashi or simply Dhanteras.
On Dhanteras, it is considered auspicious to purchase new utensils, gold, and silver. On this evening, the tradition of lighting a special lamp called the Yam Deep outside the house is followed. It is believed that this lamp pleases Lord Yama, the god of death, and protects the family from untimely death.
Legend of Dhanteras & the Tradition of Yam Deep
According to an ancient story, there was a king named Hima whose son was destined to die of a snakebite on the fourth day of his marriage. When the day arrived, the young bride was determined to protect her husband.
She decorated the entrance of the house with many oil lamps and placed her ornaments and silver-gold vessels all around, creating a dazzling glow of light. She did not allow her husband to sleep and kept narrating stories and singing devotional songs.
When Lord Yama arrived disguised as a serpent, the bright light from the lamps and jewels blinded him, and the melodious songs captivated his ears. Unable to enter, he quietly sat outside and left at dawn. Thus, the young prince’s life was saved.
Since then, the practice of lighting Yam Deep on Dhanteras night continues, symbolizing protection and long life.
Significance of Buying on Dhanteras
Gold & Silver: Symbol of lasting prosperity and Goddess Lakshmi’s blessings.
Utensils: Represent purity, auspiciousness, and household prosperity.
Broom (Jhadoo): Believed to remove poverty and negativity.
Medicines / Herbs: Honoring Lord Dhanvantari, the father of Ayurveda.
Three Types of Lakshmi Worshippers
The scriptures describe three categories of devotees of Goddess Lakshmi:
Inferior Worshipper (Heen Upasak): One who uses wealth only for self-indulgence and luxury. Lakshmi never remains with such people.
Mediocre Worshipper (Madhyam Upasak): One who treats Lakshmi as mother but limits wealth only for family sustenance, without engaging in charity or noble deeds.
Superior Worshipper (Uttam Upasak): One who considers Lakshmi as mother or daughter, protects her from misuse, and spends wealth in service, charity, and righteous deeds. Lakshmi always resides in such homes.
Mythological Significance of Diwali
Samudra Manthan: Goddess Lakshmi emerged from the churning of the ocean and chose Lord Vishnu as her consort.
Return of Shri Ram: In Treta Yuga, Lord Rama returned to Ayodhya after 14 years of exile, and the citizens welcomed him by lighting countless lamps.
King Bali’s Story: Lord Vishnu incarnated as Vamana and reclaimed the earth from King Bali, restoring balance between gods and demons.
Shri Mahalakshmi Puja-Vidhan
Preparations
Clean and decorate the entire house; make rangoli at the entrance.
Spread a red or yellow cloth on a sacred platform (Chowki).
Place idols of Lord Ganesha and Goddess Lakshmi.
Install a Kalash filled with Ganga water, adorned with mango leaves and a coconut.
Keep puja items ready—incense, lamp, flowers, sandalwood, kumkum, rice grains, sweets, fruits, coins.
Step-by-Step Puja
Seating: Sit facing east or north.
Purification: Perform Achaman and Pranayama to purify body and mind.
Sankalpa (Resolution):
“I, [your name], with my family, perform this Lakshmi-Ganesha Puja for health, prosperity, peace, and divine blessings.”Ganesh Puja: Worship Lord Ganesha first with flowers, sandalwood, sweets, and recite:
“ॐ गं गणपतये नमः” (Om Gam Ganapataye Namah).Lakshmi Puja:
Offer lotus flowers, sindoor, sweets, and kheer.
Place coins or currency before Lakshmi Maa.
Always worship Lakshmi alongside Lord Vishnu.
Recite Lakshmi mantra:
“ॐ महालक्ष्म्यै च विद्महे विष्णुपत्नी च धीमहि। तन्नो लक्ष्मीः प्रचोदयात्॥”Aarti: Perform Aarti of both Lord Ganesha and Goddess Lakshmi.
Lighting Lamps: Light lamps in every corner of the house, especially one Yam Deep outside near Tulsi or at the main entrance.
Significance of Puja Items
Lamp (Deepak): Removes darkness of ignorance and brings divine light.
Incense (Dhoop): Purifies the environment.
Flowers: Represent devotion and purity.
Sindoor: Symbol of power and auspiciousness.
Kheer/Sweets: Beloved offering to Lakshmi Maa.
Scientific Perspective
Lighting lamps helps eliminate insects and purifies the air.
Cleaning houses prevents diseases and promotes positive energy.
Collective family prayers create harmony and strengthen bonds.
Social Importance
Diwali is not only for personal prosperity but also for spreading joy by helping the needy. The true worship of Lakshmi is complete only when wealth is shared for charity, service, and noble causes.
Conclusion
The festival of Dhanteras and Diwali is not merely a celebration of wealth but also of righteousness, charity, and light. True Mahalakshmi Puja is accomplished when we—
Purify our homes and hearts,
Light Yam Deep to seek Lord Yama’s blessing for long life,
Worship Lord Ganesha and Goddess Lakshmi with devotion,
And dedicate part of our wealth in service to society.
🌸 The true essence of Diwali is to use wealth wisely in charity, service, and righteous deeds—only then Goddess Lakshmi permanently resides in our homes.
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