Dhanteras 2026: Date, Puja Muhurat, Vidhi & Significance

Dhanteras, also known as Dhantrayodashi, marks the beginning of the five-day Diwali festival. The word ‘Dhan’ means wealth and ‘Teras’ refers to the 13th day of the lunar cycle. On this auspicious day, devotees worship Goddess Lakshmi (Goddess of Wealth), Lord Kuber (Treasurer of Gods), and Lord Dhanvantari (God of Ayurveda/Health).

It is believed that buying precious metals like gold or silver, or even new utensils on this day, brings good luck and prosperity to the household throughout the year.

Dhanteras 2026 Date & Puja Muhurat

In 2026, Dhanteras will be celebrated on Friday, November 6, 2026. The most auspicious time for Puja is during Pradosh Kaal.

*Note: Timings are based on New Delhi IST. Please consult your local Panchang for exact city-wise timings.

Significance of Dhanteras

The Legend of Dhanvantari: According to mythology, during the churning of the ocean (Samudra Manthan), Lord Dhanvantari emerged carrying a jar of Amrit (divine nectar) and Ayurveda texts. Hence, this day is also celebrated as National Ayurveda Day.

The Legend of King Hima: It is said that the 16-year-old son of King Hima was destined to die on the 4th day of his marriage by snakebite. His clever wife laid out all her gold and silver coins at the entrance and lit lamps. The dazzle of the gold blinded Yama (God of Death), who had arrived as a serpent, and he could not enter. This is why buying gold/silver and lighting ‘Yama Deep’ is a key tradition.

Rituals: How to Perform Dhanteras Puja at Home?

1. Cleanliness: Clean the house and draw a Rangoli at the entrance.
2. Yama Deep: In the evening, light a four-faced flour lamp (Chaumukhi Diya) with mustard oil facing south. This is known as Yama Deep Daan to ward off untimely death.
3. Kuber & Lakshmi Puja: Install idols of Lord Kuber and Goddess Lakshmi. Offer flowers, incense, sweets, and the new items/gold you purchased.
4. Dhanvantari Puja: Offer prayers to Lord Dhanvantari for good health. Offer a mixture of jaggery and coriander seeds (Dhania) as prasad.
5. Aarti: Conclude the puja by singing the Aarti of Lakshmi and Kuber.

Powerful Mantras for Dhanteras

Dhanvantari Mantra:
“Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya Dhanvantaraye Amrita Kalasha Hastaya…”

Kuber Mantra:
“Om Yakshyaya Kuberaya Vaishravanaaya Dhanadhanyadi Padayeh…”

What to Buy & What to Avoid on Dhanteras?

✅ What to Buy (Shubh):

• Gold & Silver: Coins, jewelry, or bars as a symbol of Lakshmi.
• Utensils: Brass, copper, or silver utensils. (Fill them with water or food before entering the house).
• Broom (Jhadu): It represents the removal of poverty (Alakshmi) from the home.
• Gomti Chakra & Coriander Seeds: Symbols of wealth and growth.
• Electronic Appliances & Vehicles.

🚫 What to Avoid (Ashubh):

• Iron & Steel: Avoid buying sharp objects like knives or scissors made of iron/steel.
• Glass: Considered inauspicious as it is associated with Rahu.
• Black Objects: Avoid buying black clothes or items on this day.
• Empty Vessels: Never bring empty utensils home; fill them with something sweet or grain.

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