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Dhanteras — Significance, Pooja Vidhi and Shopping Tips

Dhanteras significance, pooja vidhi, and shopping tips for a prosperous Diwali

By Sanatan Hindu2 min readUpdated 15 July 2026Audio available
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Dhanteras — Significance, Pooja Vidhi and Shopping Tips

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Introduction

Dhanteras, also known as Dhanwantari Trayodashi, marks the beginning of the five-day Diwali festivities in India. It is observed on the thirteenth day of the Krishna Paksha in the month of Kartik. On this day, people worship Lord Dhanwantari, the god of medicine and health, and purchase new utensils, silverware, or gold jewelry to bring good luck and prosperity. In this article, we will delve into the significance of Dhanteras, the pooja vidhi, and provide shopping tips for a successful celebration. Dhanteras is a significant festival in Hinduism, and its importance extends beyond the material aspects of purchasing new items. It is a day to reflect on one's health, wealth, and overall well-being. The festival is also associated with the legend of Lord Dhanwantari, who is said to have emerged from the ocean with a pot of amrita, or the elixir of life, on this day. According to Hindu mythology, Lord Dhanwantari is the god of medicine and health, and his emergence from the ocean is believed to have brought health and prosperity to humanity. The day is also associated with the worship of Goddess Lakshmi, who is believed to have blessed the earth with her presence on this day.

Significance

Dhanteras is significant because it marks the beginning of the Diwali festivities and is a day to worship Lord Dhanwantari and Goddess Lakshmi. It is a day to reflect on one's health, wealth, and overall well-being, and to seek the blessings of the gods for a prosperous and successful life. The festival is also associated with the legend of Lord Dhanwantari, who is said to have emerged from the ocean with a pot of amrita, or the elixir of life, on this day.

Best Time to Perform

The best time to perform the Dhanteras pooja is during the Pradosh Kaal, which is the time period between sunset and moonrise. This is considered to be the most auspicious time for the pooja, as it is believed to bring good luck and prosperity.

Find your exact auspicious time Check the shubh muhurat and choghadiya for your city and date.

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Required Samagri (Materials)

✦New utensils or silverware
✦Gold jewelry
✦Flowers
✦Fruits
✦Sweets
✦Incense sticks
✦Lamp
✦Prasad

Preparation Steps

  1. 1Clean and decorate the house
  2. 2Prepare the pooja area
  3. 3Gather all the required samagri
  4. 4Take a bath and wear clean clothes
  5. 5Light the lamp and incense sticks

Step-by-Step Vidhi

  1. 1Begin the pooja by invoking the gods and seeking their blessings
  2. 2Offer flowers, fruits, and sweets to Lord Dhanwantari and Goddess Lakshmi
  3. 3Light the lamp and incense sticks to purify the atmosphere
  4. 4Recite the Dhanteras mantras and perform the pooja with devotion and faith
  5. 5Distribute prasad to all the family members and guests

Mantras

Dhanteras Mantra

धन्वंतरि त्रयोदशी व्रत महादेव स्य नमः

Dhanvantari Trayodashi Vrata Mahadeva Sya Namaha

Meaning: Salutations to Lord Mahadeva, the lord of the Dhanteras festival

Lakshmi Mantra

ॐ श्री महालक्ष्म्यै नमः

Om Shri Maha Lakshmyai Namaha

Meaning: Salutations to Goddess Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth and prosperity

Do's

  • ✓Purchase new utensils or silverware on this day
  • ✓Worship Lord Dhanwantari and Goddess Lakshmi with devotion and faith
  • ✓Distribute prasad to all the family members and guests
  • ✓Perform the pooja with all the required samagri
  • ✓Seek the blessings of the gods for a prosperous and successful life

Don'ts

  • ✗Avoid purchasing anything on the day of Dhanteras that is not related to the festival
  • ✗Avoid eating non-vegetarian food and onions
  • ✗Avoid sleeping during the day
  • ✗Avoid performing the pooja without the required samagri
  • ✗Avoid seeking the blessings of the gods with a negative mindset

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • •Not performing the pooja with devotion and faith
  • •Not using the required samagri for the pooja
  • •Not distributing prasad to all the family members and guests
  • •Not seeking the blessings of the gods with a positive mindset
  • •Not avoiding non-vegetarian food and onions on this day

Regional Variations

  • •In some regions, Dhanteras is celebrated as a day to worship Lord Kubera, the god of wealth
  • •In other regions, Dhanteras is celebrated as a day to worship Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Ganesha
  • •In some regions, people purchase new utensils or silverware on this day, while in other regions, people purchase gold jewelry or other items

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the significance of Dhanteras?▾
Dhanteras marks the beginning of the Diwali festivities and is a day to worship Lord Dhanwantari and Goddess Lakshmi. It is a day to reflect on one's health, wealth, and overall well-being, and to seek the blessings of the gods for a prosperous and successful life.
What is the best time to perform the Dhanteras pooja?▾
The best time to perform the Dhanteras pooja is during the Pradosh Kaal, which is the time period between sunset and moonrise.

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References & Traditional Notes

  • •The Dhanteras festival is mentioned in the Hindu scriptures, including the Puranas and the Mahabharata
  • •The festival is also associated with the legend of Lord Dhanwantari, who is said to have emerged from the ocean with a pot of amrita, or the elixir of life, on this day
  • •The festival is celebrated with great fervor and enthusiasm in many parts of India, including the northern and western regions

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