🌼 Dhantrayodashi 2024 🌼

🔰🌻About Dhanteras: 🌻🔰

      Known by several names, including Dhanatrayodashi, Dhanteras signifies the colorful start of Diwali, one of the most popular Indian holidays. This year, on October 29, 2024, on the 13th day of Krishna Paksha of the Kartik month, it will be observed.  

      Riches, prosperity, and health are the main elements of this auspicious day. The festival is closely associated with the worship of the goddess of riches, Lakshmi, and the god of medicine, Lord Dhanvantari.  

      People celebrate Dhanteras with joyous shopping, passionate acts of devotion, and donations, believing the day to bring blessings and good fortune.  

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🔰🌻The Importance of Dhanteras: 

      Dhanteras is a joyful, eagerly anticipated holiday when houses are decorated with bright lights and thorough cleaning, and the night is illuminated by the soft glow of oil lamps, or “diyas.” Families get together to worship the goddess Lakshmi and ask for her blessings on prosperity and plenty.  

      Shopping is the main event, and the symbols of wealth and prosperity for the next year are gold, silver, and shining cutlery. In addition, Lord Dhanvantari, the heavenly healer who appeared with the jug of Amrit (nectar of immortality) amid the churning of the ocean (Samudra Manthan), is honored during this ceremony. Dhanteras is the ideal fusion of prosperity and well-being because devotees ask for their blessings for health and prosperity! 

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🔰 🌻 Shloka on Charity and Blessings: 🌻 🔰

“यस्य दानं कृता भक्तिः, स निर्वाणं समश्नुते।   

प्रभु प्रसादेन तस्यैव, न सुखं दुर्लभं भवेत्॥” 

 English Translation:

      He who offers charity with devotion shall attain liberation. By the grace of the Lord, no happiness shall be out of reach for him. 

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🔰🌻 Regional Celebrations and Donations on Dhanteras: 🌻🔰

• North India: Homes are cleaned and adorned with diyas and rangolis in areas like Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, and Haryana. For good health and wealth, people pray to Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Dhanvantari. Giving food, clothing, and blankets to the less fortunate is a popular practice that is said to draw blessings from God. 
  
  
• Maharashtra: Dhanteras is in line with Vasu Baras, who respect cows. In addition to giving money, cereals, and livestock feed to rural villages, people pray to Lord Kuber. Contributions to health programs are also common, such as medical camps and medications for the underprivileged. 
  
  
• South India: In Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, and Karnataka, people offer prayers to Lord Yama and donate food, clothes, and educational materials to children in need. Donations to orphanages and temples for community meals are also significant. 
  
  
• Western India (Gujarat & Rajasthan): Business owners begin the financial year by opening new account books. Donations frequently go toward funding healthcare, education, and the welfare of people with disabilities. People provide food, utensils, and clothing to those who are less fortunate. 
  
  
• West Bengal: Dhanteras, also known as Kali Chaudas, is a festival that honors Goddess Kali. In an effort to obtain the goddess’ blessings for safety and prosperity, people give food, clothing, and cash to temples and neighborhood charitable organizations. 
  
  
• Punjab: Farmers give thanks to their animals and hope for good harvests. Giving to Gurudwaras, which manage langar (community kitchens), and providing food, grains, and sweets to the underprivileged are examples of charitable giving.
   
• Tamil Nadu: Families create rangoli and worship Goddess Lakshmi during Dhanalakshmi Pooja. Donations are mostly used to feed the hungry and supply clothing and necessities to the impoverished. 

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🔰 🌻Dhanteras 2024 Historical significance: 

• Dhanteras is very significant in mythology, history, and culture. There are three primary mythological reasons for which it is recognized as noteworthy and cherished.  
• The first is the idea that Goddess Lakshmi emerged from the Kshira Sagar on this specific day, escorted by the deity of riches, Lord Kuber, and bearing a vessel filled with gold. At the event, both deities are worshiped.  
• Another incredibly well-known legend tells of a prince who was supposed to die from a snake bite on the fourth night of his marriage. His wife sang, told stories, and filled the room with shiny gold and silver money in an attempt to save him. The prince was spared when Yama, the deity of death, appeared in the form of a serpent. Yama was mesmerized by all the money and became sidetracked. This intelligent choice is honored as Dhanteras and becomes a symbol of love and wisdom.  
• The event is also connected to the god of health, Dhanvantari. In mythology, while the ocean was being churned for “Amrit,” Dhanvantari appeared carrying a pitcher of nectar. Dhanteras has additional significance for individuals because it is believed to bring prosperity and good health. 

Dhanteras Puja Vidhi: 

      On the day of Dhanteras, go to the temple after taking bath and meditation in Brahma Muhurta and fill your left hand with water and sprinkle it on yourself and around you. After this, keep a stool towards the north and spread a red cloth on it. 

      Sprinkle Gangajal everywhere and install the statue or idol of Kuber Dev. Along with Kuber Dev, install the picture of Lord Ganesha, Mother Lakshmi and Lord Dhanvantari. 

      During the puja, offer moli to all the gods and goddesses, then offer roli akshat, betel leaf, sweets, fruits, flowers etc. Also offer things to Kuber Dev according to your devotion. Also, you must also offer a silver coin and coconut. 

      After this, recite Lord Dhanvantari and Lakshmi Chalisa and perform aarti with a ghee lamp. After the puja, distribute the prasad to everyone and also do Ratri Jagran. In the evening, also light a lamp at the main gate and courtyard because the festival of Diwali begins. 

Dhanteras 2024: What to Buy, Avoid Utensils: 

On Dhanteras, it’s auspicious to purchase brass, copper, or silver utensils. Avoid items made of steel or iron. Remember, it’s believed that you shouldn’t bring home empty utensils; fill them with food or water first. 

• Broom: Buying a broom on this day is considered lucky, as it symbolizes the removal of financial worries. 
• Electronic items: If you’re considering new electronics, Dhanteras is a great time to buy phones, laptops, or music players, as these purchases are seen as fortunate. 
• Gomti chakra: Consider getting a Gomti chakra, a sacred sea snail from the Gomti River. It’s believed to bring success and protect against the evil eye, making it a special addition for Diwali puja. 
• Business ventures: If you’re planning to start a business or open a shop, doing so on Dhanteras is highly auspicious. Many people perform Lakshmi puja to attract good fortune on this day. 
• Gold and silver: For those looking to invest, purchasing gold or silver is highly recommended. Even a coin made from these metals signifies prosperity and financial stability. 

During the puja on Dhanteras, these mantras are chanted: 

Chant these mantras for Kubera, the god of wealth: 

ॐ यक्षाय कुबेराय वैश्रवणाय धनधान्याधिपतये। धनधान्यसमृद्धिं मे देहि दापय स्वाहा।।  

Om Yakshay Kuberaya Vaishravanaya Dhandhanyadhipataye. dhandhanysamruddhi me dehi dapy swaha. 

ॐ ह्रीं श्रीं क्रीं श्रीं कुबेराय अष्ट-लक्ष्मी मम गृहे धनं पुरय पुरय नमः।।  

Om Hreem Shreem Kreem Shreem Kuberaya Ashta-Lakshmi Mam Grihe Dhanam Puray Puray Namah. 

ॐ श्रीं ह्रीं क्लीं श्रीं क्लीं वित्तेश्वराय नमः।।  

 Om Shri Hreem Kleem Shri Kleem Vitteshwaray Namah. 

Chant this mantra for Lord Dhanvantari:  

श्री धनवंतरी स्वरूप श्री श्री श्री औषधचक्र नारायणाय नमः।  

Sri Dhanvantari Swaroop Sri Sri Sri Aushachakra Narayanaya Namah. 

ॐ धन्वंतरये नमः।  

Om Dhanvantarye Namah. 

ऊँ रं रूद्र रोगनाशाय धन्वन्तर्ये फट्।।  

Om Ram Rudra Rognashay Dhanvantarye Phat. 

Mahalakshmi Mantra:

 ॐ श्रीं ह्रीं श्रीं कमले कमलालये प्रसीद प्रसीद श्रीं ह्रीं श्रीं ॐ महालक्ष्म्यै नमः।। 

Om Shrim Hreem Shrim Kamle Kamlalaye Prasidh Prasidh Shrim Hreem Shrim Om Mahalakshmyai Namah. 

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