Dhanteras - Prosperity Rituals and Timings

Dhanteras marks the beginning of the five-day Diwali festival of lights. The name “Dhanteras” combines the Sanskrit words “Dhan,” meaning wealth, and “Teras,” referring to the 13th day of the lunar fortnight. On this day Goddess Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth is worshiped, to seek prosperity.

Timings for 2025

Chennai, India – 18th Oct, 2025

Trayodashi Tithi Begins at 12:18 pm on Oct 18 Ends at 1:51 pm on Oct 19

For local timings download the align27 app.

Perform the Auspicious Lakshmi Puja

It’s particularly auspicious to perform a simple puja for Goddess
Lakshmi to attract wealth and prosperity at a specific time during this
day.

You can find the exact timing to perform Lakshmi Puja according to your location here.

Significance of Dhanteras

Dhanteras is a day dedicated to the worship of Lord Dhanvantari, the god of Ayurveda and the physician of the gods. The word “Dhanteras” is derived from two words: “Dhan,” which means wealth, and “Teras,” which means the thirteenth day. Hence, this day is all about celebrating wealth and prosperity. Performing rituals and puja on Dhanteras can bring in wealth, good health, and happiness into our lives.

One of the most popular legends associated with Dhanteras is the story of the churning of the ocean (Samudra Manthan). It is believed that during this churning, Dhanvantari emerged holding a pot of the divine nectar of immortality (amrita). Hence, he is honored on this day, and people seek his blessings for good health and well-being.

Astrological Connection

Astrologically, Dhanteras falls on the thirteenth day of the lunar fortnight, which is considered an auspicious time for making investments and purchasing valuables. It is believed that during this period, the energies are aligned favorably for financial gains and prosperity.

Rituals for Prosperity on Dhanteras

Light lamps and diyas throughout the night. This helps to drive away negativity and bring in positive energy.
After completing the Lakshmi Puja, gather with your family members for a simple wish-fulfilling ritual. Provide each family member with a piece of paper and a pen. On these papers, draw everything that you aspire to achieve in the coming year. Feel free to draw as many desires as you wish. Once everyone has finished their drawings, place them in front of Goddess Lakshmi in your Puja room. Close your eyes for a few minutes, surrender all your desires to Goddess Lakshmi, and free yourself from them.

Simple Lakshmi Puja

Choose a clean and quiet place for the puja, preferably facing east.
Wash your hands and feet before starting the puja to symbolize purity.
Place the picture or idol of Goddess Lakshmi on your altar.
Light incense sticks and place them in front of the Goddess Lakshmi.

Dhanvantri Mantras

Om Dhanvantaraye Namah
Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaaya Dhanvantaraye
Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaaya Dhanvantaraye Amrita-kalasha Hastaaya |
Sarva-amaya Vinashaaya Trailokya Naathaya Dhanvantri Maha-vishnave Namaha ||
Om Namo Bhagavate Maha Sudharshana
Vasudevaya Dhanvantaraye; Amrutha Kalasa Hasthaaya
Sarva Bhaya Vinasaya Sarva Roka Nivaranaya
Thri Lokya Pathaye Thri Lokya Nithaye
Sri Maha Vishnu Swarupa Sri Dhanvantri Swarupa
Sri Sri Sri Aoushata Chakra Narayana Swaha
Om tat purushaaya vidmahae
Amritha kalasa hastaaya dheemahi
Tanno Dhanvantri prasodayaat