Dhanteras 2023: Date, time, rituals, and significance

Dhanteras, also known as Dhantrayodashi, marks the beginning of the five-day Diwali festival and holds immense significance in Hindu culture. In 2023, the day will be celebrated on November 10. It is a day when people celebrate wealth and prosperity, and seek the blessings of various deities. The day is usually marked by making auspicious purchases and bringing home idols of Lord Ganesha and Goddess Laxmi. Know all about the Dhanteras 2023 shubh muhurat, puja timings and popular rituals to perform on the day to kickstart the Diwali festivities. 

Dhanteras Date and Timing for 2023

Dhanteras will be celebrated on Friday, November 10, 2023. The auspicious Dhanteras Muhurat time for puja is from 5:27 p.m. to 7:27 p.m. on the day. While the time between 12:35 pm and 7:43 pm will be audacious the entire day. The most auspicious time to buy precious items is from 12:35 pm to 02:46 p.m.

Dhanteras Rituals

Dhanteras is celebrated with great enthusiasm, and there are specific rituals associated with this auspicious day. Here are some key practices followed by Hindus on Dhanteras:

1. Early Morning Bath: Start the day by taking a holy bath.

2. House Cleaning and Decoration: Clean and decorate the entire house, focusing on the area where the puja will be performed.

3. Deity Worship: Place idols of Lord Ganesha, Lord Kuber, Lord Dhanvantari, Goddess Lakshmi, and other deities in the puja room. Light a diya near the idols, apply tilak, offer garlands, and present sweets to the deities.

4. Puja of Newly Purchased Items: Display all the items purchased during the auspicious Dhanteras Muhurat near the idols and perform a special puja.

5. Yama Deepam Ritual: In the evening, a four-faced diya is lit outside the house, facing the southwest direction. This diya is offered to Lord Yama, the God of Death, to seek blessings for the family's longevity and good health.

History and Significance of Dhanteras

Dhanteras carries a rich historical and mythological significance. According to Hindu mythology, during the Samudra Manthan (churning of the ocean), the Gods and devils were engaged in a fierce battle to obtain the divine elixir called Amrit. It is believed that during this time, Lord Dhanvantari, the God of Ayurveda, emerged holding a sacred Ayurveda text in one hand and a kalash (pot) filled with Amrit in the other. Therefore, Dhanteras is a day dedicated to the worship of Lord Dhanvantari to seek good health and well-being.

Another prominent deity worshipped on Dhanteras is Goddess Lakshmi, the Goddess of wealth and prosperity. People pray to her for blessings of abundance and financial stability. It is a common practice to buy valuable items such as gold, silver, utensils, brooms, and other household items on this day, believing it will bring good fortune and prosperity.