Dhanteras: The most auspicious day of Diwali

By Rajendra Diwe :

The 13th day of Krishna Paksha (dark fortnight) of Hindu Lunar Calendar in Ashwin/Kartik month is celebrated as the first day of five day Diwali festival. In India, this day is celebrated as per the traditions as Dhanatrayodashi; Dhanteras; Dhanwantari Triodasi or Dhanvantri Jayanti, the birth anniversary of the God of Ayurveda; Hanuman Pooja or Kali Chaudas and Yamadeep Pooja. There are several legends in the ancient scriptures to highlight the importance of the first day of Diwali festival popular as Dhanteras. On the day of Dhantrayodashi, Goddess Lakshmi came out of the ocean during the churning of the Milky Sea.

Hence, Goddess Lakshmi, along with Lord Kubera who is the God of wealth, is worshipped on the auspicious day of Trayodashi. However, Lakshmi Puja on Amavasya after two days of Dhantrayodashi is considered more significant. Lakshmi Puja on Dhanteras or Dhantrayodashi should be done during Pradosh Kaal which starts after sunset and approximately lasts for 2 hours and 24 minutes. In many states in India, on this day Hanuman Pooja is being performed. It is believed that the bad spirits are most powerful during the night of Kali Chaudas. Lord Hanuman, who gives strength to fight evil spirits, is worshipped to seek strength, power and the protection from all sorts of bad spirits.

Yamadeep is another ritual on the same Trayodashi Tithi when the lamp for the God of death is lit outside home to ward off any untimely death of any family members. A lamp, for the God of death Yamaraj, is lit outside home on Trayodashi Tithi during Diwali to ward off any untimely death of any family members. This ritual is known as Deepdan for Yamraj. An earthen lamp is lit outside home during evening. It is believed that Deepdan pleases Lord Yama and He protects family members from any accidental death. Kali Chaudas is also known as Bhut Chaturdashi. Kali Chaudas is mainly observed in Western states especially in Gujarat. Kali Chaudas is observed during Chaturdashi Tithi during Diwali.

However Kali Chaudas day should not be mixed with Roop Chaudas and Narak Chaturdashi as it might fall one day before of Narak Chaturdashi. The day of Kali Chaudas is decided when Chaturdashi prevails during midnight which as per Panchang is known as Maha Nishita time.

Muhurats on Dhanteras

Trayodashi Tithi starts on November 12 at 9.30 pm

Trayodashi Tithi will end on November 13 at 5.59 pm. This period is considered as Dhanteras.

Muhurta for Laxmi Kuber Pujan on November 13: Pradosh Kaal - 5.33 pm to 8.07 pm; Vrishabha Kaal - 5.37 pm to 7.36 pm

Yama Deepam Sayan Sandhya - 5.33 pm to 5.59 pm, Duration - 00 Hours 26 Mins.

Dhanvantari Puja Pratahkala Muhurat - 6.23 am to 8.37 am, Duration - 02 Hours 14 Mins.

Kali Chaudas Muhurat - 11:32 pm to 12.24 am on November 14; Duration - 00 Hours 51 Mins

Deepavali Hanuman Puja Muhurat - 11:32 pm to 12:24 am, November 14, Duration - 00 Hours 51 Mins