Dhanteras Puja (Dhana Trayodashi)

“Dhan” means wealth and “Teras” means the thirteenth day. The festival opens the five days of Diwali. It honours material prosperity and also health, since Lord Dhanvantari, the divine physician, was born from Kshirsagar manthan on this day. Many people in India now observe it as Ayurveda Day. Households clean and decorate their homes and draw rangoli. Traders also worship their account books and tools.

1.Samudra Manthan: According to the Puranas, Lord Dhanvantari emerged from the churning of the ocean holding a pot of amrita (the nectar of immortality) on this day. This is why he is honoured as the god of Ayurveda. Lakshmi is also said to have emerged from the churning, and she is worshipped in the days that follow.
2.The legend of King Hima’s son: A popular folk story says the sixteen-year-old son of King Hima was fated to die of a snakebite on the fourth night after his wedding. His wife heaped gold and silver ornaments at the door, lit lamps all around and kept him awake with songs and stories. When Yama arrived as a serpent, he was dazzled by the glow and the jewels and left without taking the prince. This is the origin of the Yama Deepam custom and of buying metals on this day.
3.Trade and tradition: Over time, Dhanteras became a major day for buying gold, silver and utensils, and for traders to begin the new accounting year in many regions.

1.Cleaning and decoration: Clean the house and puja room before the day. Decorate the entrance with rangoli, flowers and mango-leaf toranas, and draw small footprints of Lakshmi leading into the house.
2.Choose the muhurat: Perform the main puja in the Pradosh Kala (the period after sunset) on Trayodashi, as per the local panchang.
3.Set up the altar: Place images or idols of Lakshmi, Ganesha, Kubera and Dhanvantari on a clean cloth. Place a kalasha with water, mango leaves and a coconut. Keep the new purchases, coins and account books beside it.
4.Sankalpa and Ganesha puja: Light a lamp, take the resolve (sankalpa) to worship, and begin with Ganesha puja to remove obstacles.
5.Dhanvantari puja: Offer flowers, tulsi, incense and a sweet, and pray for good health.
6.Lakshmi and Kubera puja: Offer kumkum, turmeric, akshata, flowers and lamps. Offer naivedya, then chant the mantras and do the aarti.
7.Yama Deepam: After dark, place a lit lamp (preferably a clay diya with a four-faced wick and sesame or mustard oil) outside the main door or in the courtyard, facing south. It is offered for protection from untimely death.
8.Conclusion: Distribute prasad among the family and neighbours. Many families also give charity or donate food.