Dhanteras 2018: Know all about the puja vidhi, muhurat

This year’s Diwali celebrations, like every year, will commence with Dhanteras, Dhantrayodashi or Dhanvantri Jayanti, the birth anniversary of the God of Ayurveda.  It falls on the thirteenth lunar day of Karthik Krishna Paksha in the Kartik month. This year Dhanteras will be celebrated on November 5.

According to the legends, on this day, goddess Lakshmi came out of samudra manthan. Devotees worship goddess Lakshmi and Lord Kubera, the god of wealth and celebrate the festival by buying something made of metal like jewellery, coins of gold or silver or household items made of iron, copper or brass.

Read More | Chhattisgarh Assembly Elections 2018: Amit Shah to release manifesto, address public rallies in poll-bound state

It is said that Yamraj took the form of a snake and came to take King Hima’s son. His daughter-in-law put a heap of gold jewellery, silver coins and diyas in the room. This blinded Yamraj’s eyes and he returned without the king’s son.

In modern times, Dhanteras has come to be known as the most auspicious occasion for buying gold, silver and other metals especially kitchenware. The day also sees heavy purchases of appliances and automobiles.

Also Read | UN wishes Happy Diwali, issues special festive stamp

On this night, the lights are set out every night both in the sky lamps and as offerings at the base of a Tulsi plant and also in the form of diyas, which are placed in front of the doorways of homes. This light is an offering to Yamraj, the Host of Death, to avert untimely death during the time of the Diwali festival. This day is a celebration aimed at increasing wealth and prosperity. Dhanteras engages themes of cleansing, renewal, and the securing of auspiciousness in the form of Lakshmi.^<

According to drikpanchang.com, here are all the details of Dhanteras 2018:

• Puja Mahurat: 6:05 pm to 8:01 pm
• Duration: 1 hour 55 minutes
• Pradosh Kaal: 5:29 pm to 8:07 pm
• Vrishabha Kaal: 6:05 pm to 8:01 pm
• Trayodashi Tithi (starts): 01:24 am on November 5, 2018
• Trayodashi Tithi (ends): 11:46 pm on November 5, 2018

Lakshmi Puja should be done during Pradosh Kaal which begins after sunset.