Dhanvantari Day (Dhanteras) and Diwali Puja Procedure :

1. Importance of Dhanvantari Day (Dhanteras) :

Dhanvantari Trayodashi, also known as Dhanteras, is significant for wealth, health, and prosperity. On this day, Lord Dhanvantari, the founder of Ayurveda, appeared with the pot of nectar.

Puja Procedure:

1. Morning Puja:

• Wake up early in the morning, take a bath, and apply a tilak of amritam chandan on your forehead.

• Offer water to the Sun and bow down, chanting: o Om Surya Shivaya Namah (108 times).

2. Deepdaan (Lighting Lamps):

• After sunset, light 3 or 13 ghee lamps in your home, doorway, and temple.

• While lighting the lamps, recite the following mantra:

  o Mrityuna Dand Paashabhyaam Kaalen Shyaamaya Sah. Trayodashyaam Deep Daanat Suryaaja Se Priyataam Mama.

3. Worship of Swastika and Wealth:

On the place where you keep your money, draw a swastika with vermilion and tie a sacred thread.

2. Choti Diwali / Narak Chaturdashi Puja :

Choti Diwali, also known as Narak Chaturdashi, is significant due to the birth of Lord Hanuman.

Puja Procedure:

1. Four-Wick Lamp:

• Light a four-wick lamp and recite:

o Datto Deepashchaturdashyaam Narak Priyate Maya. Chaturvartisama Yuktah Sarvapapay Nute.

2. Massage and Bath:

• Apply oil for anointing and then take a bath.

3. Badi Diwali Puja :

Puja Preparation:

1. Decoration of the Puja Area:

• Create rangoli in the main courtyard and establish a Swastika yantra.

2. Pranayama:

• Perform pranayama before the puja to purify the home.

Puja Procedure:

1. Kalash Establishment:

• Fill a copper kalash with water and rice, placing a coconut on top.

• Set up idols of Lord Ganesh and Goddess Mahalaxmi on a platform.

2. Naivedya:

• Offer home-cooked pure dishes and sweets as naivedya.

3. Aarti:

• All family members should stand together and perform aarti with camphor, chanting:

o Om Shree Om Aim Shreem Hreem Kleem Aim Kamalavasinyai Swaha.

Special Considerations:

• If Goddess Mahalaxmi is worshipped properly on Diwali night, there is a special increase in wealth.

Shanti Mantra:

o Om Asato Ma Sadgamaya. Tamaso Ma Jyotirgamaya. Mrityor Ma Amritam Gamaya. Om Shantih Shantih Shantih.

Diwali symbolizes the transition from darkness to light. This day is not just about rituals, but also an

opportunity for prosperity and health. The worship performed during this time brings happiness, wealth, and joy into life.

Sarve Bhavantu Sukhinah.