Dhanteras Puja Vidhi: Lakshmi, Kuber, Dhanvantari and Yama Deepam at Home

Dhanteras puja is short, simple and done in the evening. The family worships Lakshmi, Kuber and Dhanvantari, lights a lamp at the doorway for Yama, and welcomes something new into the home. Here is a clear vidhi to follow. For the background and legends, read our guide on Dhanteras, its meaning and traditions.

When to do it

The Dhanteras puja is done in the evening, in the Pradosh Kaal that begins soon after sunset, on the day when Trayodashi tithi prevails at that time. Purchases are made earlier in the day, during the muhurat given in the panchang. Because timings differ by city, use a panchang for your own location. See how to read a panchang and muhurat for NRIs.

Samagri

• Images or idols of Lakshmi, Ganesha and Kuber, and an image of Dhanvantari if you have one
• A chowki, a red or yellow cloth and a kalash with water, a coconut and leaves
• Roli, akshat, turmeric, sandalwood, flowers, a garland and a lotus if available
• Gold or silver items, coins, new utensils or whatever you bought
• Diyas, ghee or oil, cotton wicks, incense and camphor
• Sweets, fruit, batasha, jaggery and coriander seeds as offerings
• A lamp for the Yama Deepam (a clay diya) and a little sesame or mustard oil

A ready checklist is available in our Lakshmi-Ganesh puja kit.

Step by step

1. Clean and decorate: clean the home, put up a rangoli and lights at the entrance, and prepare the puja space.
2. Buy something new: in the daytime muhurat, buy a gold or silver item, a coin, a utensil or any new household item.
3. Set up the chowki: spread the cloth, place Lakshmi and Ganesha, with Kuber and Dhanvantari beside them, and the kalash. Keep the new purchases in front.
4. Sankalp: state your intention to worship for the health, prosperity and wellbeing of the family.
5. Ganesh pooja: begin with Ganesha, with flowers, akshat and a lamp.
6. Dhanvantari puja: offer flowers, roli and sweets, and pray for good health for the family. Some families offer jaggery and coriander seeds.
7. Lakshmi and Kuber puja: offer a garland, flowers, rice, sweets and coins. Chant "Om Shreem Mahalakshmyai Namah" and a Kuber mantra if you know one, or recite the names with devotion. Apply tilak to the gold, silver and utensils.
8. Aarti: sing the aarti of Lakshmi and Ganesha, and distribute prasad.
9. Yama Deepam: after sunset, light a clay lamp with sesame or mustard oil and place it outside the main door or at the entrance, facing south. Pray for protection and long life for the family. Keep it safe from the wind and from anything flammable.

What to buy and what to avoid

• Buy what is useful and within your means. A small coin or a utensil is enough.
• Gold, silver, brass or steel items and new household items are traditional.
• Avoid going into debt only to buy on this day.
• Do not lend money on the day, according to many families' belief.

For families abroad

• You can buy a small silver coin, a utensil or something for the home from a local store or online.
• Use the sunset and Trayodashi timing for your own city. Plan the evening, since many work on that day.
• For the Yama Deepam, use a safe lamp holder, or an electric diya if flames are not permitted. See our guide to fire safety for puja in apartments.

Continue with the main festival in our Lakshmi puja vidhi, and for personal help, speak with an Āchārya.

Frequently asked questions

Can I do the puja if I did not buy anything?

Yes. Buying is a tradition, not a condition. The puja and the prayer matter more.

Which direction should the Yama lamp face?

Traditionally south, the direction of Yama. Place it safely outside the entrance.

Do I need a pandit?

No. A short puja is easy to do at home. A pandit helps with the muhurat and mantras.