Dhanteras Puja Vidhi 2026: 7-Step Lakshmi-Kubera Ritual at Home

By Dharmik Life, Devotional Content Lead. Last updated: 24 October 2026

Devotees across India begin their Deepavali celebrations on the first day of Diwali, which falls on the thirteenth lunar day of Krishna Paksha in the month of Kartik. We perform the dhanteras puja vidhi, offering prayers to welcome Goddess Lakshmi, Lord Dhanvantari, and the treasurer of the devas, Lord Kuber. The festival is also known as Dhantrayodashi. This day marks the appearance of the god of Ayurveda with the pot of nectar in his hands. Most families clean their brass utensils and buy new utensils and other metal items, such as gold and silver, before the sun sets. This guide helps you learn how to perform Dhanteras with devotion and correct sequence at home. It also explains what to buy on Dhanteras and the best puja time.

Quick Takeaways



Perform the main ritual on 6 November 2026 during the evening Pradosh Kaal window, which is the shubh muhurat and the ideal puja time.
Place Lord Kuber to the left of Goddess Lakshmi to signify the storage of wealth.
Light the Yam Deepam facing south to pray for the longevity of family members.
Worship new gold, silver, or brass purchases during the evening Sthir Lagna timings to invite wealth.
Ritual Element Specific Detail for 2026
Festival Date 6 November 2026 (Friday)
Tithi Window Kartika Krishna Trayodashi
Puja Timing Pradosh Kaal Lakshmi-Kubera Puja
Primary Deities Maa Lakshmi, Lord Kubera, Lord Dhanvantari
Essential Metal Brass, Silver, or Copper vessels



Why This Matters

Dhanteras represents the moment when health and wealth joined the world during the churning of the ocean. We find the origin of this day in the Bhagavata Purana 8.8, which describes the samudra manthan and the emergence of Lord Dhanvantari. He appeared carrying a golden kalash (pot) filled with amrit (immortal nectar). For this reason, we consider good health as the primary form of wealth before celebrating material gains. Devotees in Vrindavan often say that without health, one cannot serve the Lord with full energy. The festival is therefore a prayer for health and well-being as much as for wealth.

Lord Kubera is the king of the Yakshas and the protector of worldly treasures. While Maa Lakshmi represents the flow of prosperity, Lord Kubera represents the preservation of that prosperity. We worship Lakshmi and Kubera together so that the wealth we earn flows into our homes and remains there securely. Together they bring wealth and prosperity that lasts. This day is also the time to honour Yamraj, the lord of death, through the ritual of Yam Deepam. Families also light diyas around the home, and each lamp brings prosperity and positive energy. By lighting a lamp outside the main gate, we ask for protection against untimely mishaps. Devotees pray for prosperity, good health and protection for the whole family. You can read more about the specific items to buy in our what to buy Dhanteras guide to prepare your home correctly.

Complete Steps for Dhanteras Puja Vidhi

1. Preparing the Puja Area and Samagri

Begin by cleaning the north or northeast corner of your home. We use a wooden puja chowki (platform) covered with a fresh red cloth for Maa Lakshmi and a yellow cloth for Lord Kubera. Gather your dhanteras puja samagri including akshat (unbroken rice), kumkum, fresh flowers, seasonal fruits like pomegranate, and sweets made of milk or jaggery. These offerings of flowers, fruits, sweets and akshat are placed before the deities during the puja. We also keep a handful of coriander seeds (dhaniya) as they symbolise growth and fertility in the coming year. Keep the aarti thali ready as well, because you will perform aarti at the end of the puja

2. Kalash Sthapana and Deity Placement

Place a copper or brass kalash filled with Ganga water or clean water on a bed of rice. Wrap a moli (sacred thread) around its neck and place five mango leaves in the mouth. Put a coconut on top. Set the idols of Ganesha and Lakshmi in the centre. We place the silver coin for puja on a heap of rice to represent the physical presence of wealth. Lord Kubera or his symbol, the swastika, should be to the left of Lakshmi.

3. Invocation and Dhanvantari Puja

Chant the name of Ganesha first to remove obstacles. Then, offer flowers and water to Lord Dhanvantari. Since he is the deity of medicine, many practitioners of Ayurveda offer him herbs like Tulsi or Neem leaves. We pray for the physical well-being of all 7 chakras in the body. If you have bought new brass vessels, wash them and place them near the chowki for blessing during this stage.

 

 

 

 

 

 

4. Kubera Puja Vidhi

The kubera puja vidhi involves offering dhoop, deep, and naivedya to the treasurer. We use a specific mantra: Om Kuberaya Namaha. Offer a supari (areca nut) wrapped in moli if you do not have an idol of Kubera. Many business owners in Kashi also worship their iron safes or account books during this time. We apply a tilak of chandan (sandalwood) and kumkum to the safe to invite the Lord's presence into our storage.

5. Lakshmi Puja and New Purchases

Perform the Lakshmi puja by offering lotus flowers or red hibiscus. We sprinkle water on the new gold or silver jewellery purchased earlier in the day. Many families use a brass tortoise diya to keep the light steady throughout the evening. The tortoise represents the Kurma avatar of Vishnu, which supported the mountain during the samudra manthan. We recite the Lakshmi Chalisa and offer sweets like Kheer to the Goddess.

6. The Ritual of Yam Deepam

After the main puja, we perform the yam deepam dhanteras ritual which is unique to this night. Take a large diya made of wheat flour (atta) with four wicks. Fill it with mustard oil and place it on a pile of grain outside the house. This lamp must face south, the direction of Yamraj. We do not look back at this lamp once it is lit. This act protects the family from any shadow of sudden illness or accidents.

 

 

 

 

 

 

7. Arati and Distribution of Prasad

Conclude the ritual with the Ganesha Arati followed by the Lakshmi Arati. Distribute the prasad to at least 5 people, including your family and neighbours. We keep the main lamps burning throughout the night of Trayodashi. If you are unsure about the specific timings for your city, check our Dhanteras date and muhurat blog for regional updates.

What to Donate and Key Benefits

• Donate medicines or health tonics to an orphanage or a local hospital to honour Lord Dhanvantari.
• Offer copper or brass water pots to thirsty travellers or at a temple to gain the merit of charity.
• Share sweets and new clothes with the elderly to seek their blessings on this auspicious day.
• Feeding a cow with jaggery and green fodder on Dhanteras brings the grace of 33 crore deities.
• Distribute umbrellas or shoes to those in need, as these are traditional items associated with protection.

Why is Kubera worshipped alongside Lakshmi on Dhanteras but not on Diwali?

Many devotees ask why we include Lord Kubera in the dhanteras puja vidhi but focus primarily on Lakshmi and Ganesha on Diwali night. The answer lies in the nature of wealth management. In our Vedic tradition, Maa Lakshmi is considered Chala, meaning she is always in motion. Money comes in and money goes out. On Diwali, we worship her to ensure she visits our home. However, on Dhanteras, we worship Lord Kubera because he is the permanent custodian of the treasures of the universe. If Lakshmi is the income, Kubera is the savings. By worshipping him on the thirteenth day, we ask for the wisdom to store and protect the wealth that the Goddess brings. This ensures that the prosperity we receive during the Diwali season does not vanish quickly through unnecessary expenses. Therefore, Dhanteras focuses on the foundation and storage of wealth, while Diwali focuses on its arrival and celebration.

Common Mistakes

• Never light the Yam Deepam inside the house or facing any direction other than south.
• Do not buy sharp objects like scissors, knives, or iron utensils on this day as they attract negative energy.
• Avoid keeping the puja area cluttered with old receipts or bills while performing the kubera puja vidhi.
• Never perform the puja during the Rahu Kaal window, which usually lasts for 90 minutes each day.
• Do not use broken or chipped lamps, as the light must be steady and pure for the Goddess.

FAQ

Dhanteras puja kaise kare if I live in a small apartment?

Dhanteras puja kaise kare in a small space starts with cleaning a small north facing wooden stool. You can place a single photo of Lakshmi-Ganesha and use a small silver coin for the ritual. Ensure the Yam Deepam is outside your main door.

What is the correct direction for yam deepam dhanteras?

The correct direction for yam deepam dhanteras is facing South, which is the direction of Lord Yamraj. We place the lamp on a small heap of grain outside the main entrance of the home to seek protection for the family.

Which items are essential for dhanteras puja samagri?

The items essential for dhanteras puja samagri include a kalash, mango leaves, rice, flowers, sweets, and coriander seeds. You also need a four-faced flour lamp for the evening ritual of Yam Deepam and some fresh metal vessels for the sthapana.

Can I perform kubera puja vidhi without an idol?

You can perform kubera puja vidhi without an idol by using a swastika symbol or a supari wrapped in sacred moli. Place this on a yellow cloth and offer your prayers with the mantra Om Kuberaya Namaha during the Pradosh Kaal.

What time should I start the dhanteras puja vidhi?

You should start the dhanteras puja vidhi during the Pradosh Kaal, which begins after sunset on 6 November 2026. This period is the most auspicious for sthir lagna, ensuring that the prosperity stays in your home permanently.

Conclusion

Performing the ritual with a pure heart ensures the well-being of the entire household. We honour Lord Dhanvantari for health, Maa Lakshmi for prosperity, and Lord Kubera for the stability of our resources. Remember to light the south-facing lamp correctly to protect your family members. By following the dhanteras puja vidhi correctly, we set the right intention for the entire five-day Diwali festival. May your home be filled with light and steady growth this year. For more details on the festival sequence, visit our Dhanteras date and muhurat guide.