Every year, the sacred festival of Dhanteras marks the divine beginning of Diwali celebrations — a time when light conquers darkness and devotion blossoms into abundance. In 2025, Dhanteras falls on Saturday, October 18, coinciding with Dhanatrayodashi, the thirteenth lunar day of Krishna Paksha.
At Hari Hara Kshethram Temple in Austin, devotees gather with joy and reverence to celebrate Dhanteras, performing Lakshmi and Dhanvantari pujas, lighting lamps, and seeking divine blessings for health, wealth, and prosperity.
In this blog, we’ll explore the story and significance of Dhanteras, its auspicious rituals, puja timings in Austin, and how to prepare for the festival with authentic devotion.
The Story of Dhanteras
The Legend of Lord Dhanvantari
According to the Bhagavata Purana, during the great cosmic event of Samudra Manthan (the churning of the ocean), several divine treasures emerged. On the Trayodashi tithi, Lord Dhanvantari, the celestial physician and an incarnation of Lord Vishnu, appeared holding a pot of Amrita (nectar of immortality). His emergence on this day signifies health, healing, and protection from disease.
Hence, Dhanteras is not just about wealth—it’s also a celebration of physical and spiritual well-being. Devotees honor Lord Dhanvantari to seek blessings for a long and healthy life.
The Story of King Hima’s Son
Another beloved legend tells of King Hima’s son, destined to die from a snakebite on the fourth day of his marriage. His wise wife prevented his death by lighting hundreds of lamps, decorating the home with gold and silver coins, and keeping him awake with devotional songs. When Lord Yama arrived as a serpent, the brilliance of the lamps and coins blinded him, and he turned back, sparing the prince’s life.
This story gave rise to the tradition of lighting diyas and buying gold or silver on Dhanteras — acts that symbolize inviting auspiciousness and warding off misfortune.
Significance of Dhanteras
Dhanteras, also known as Dhanatrayodashi, marks the start of Diwali celebrations in Austin and around the world. It is a festival that celebrates prosperity, wellness, and gratitude.
Spiritually, it teaches that true wealth lies not in material possessions but in purity of heart and generosity. By worshipping Goddess Lakshmi for abundance and Lord Dhanvantari for health, devotees seek balance between prosperity and well-being.
In many homes, 13 lamps are lit in the evening to honor the gods and drive away negative energies. The day also encourages acts of charity and compassion—reminding us that wealth, when shared, multiplies in grace.
Dhanteras Puja Timings in Austin
At Hari Hara Kshethram Temple Austin, Dhanteras celebrations are conducted with great devotion and adherence to Vedic traditions.
The Dhanteras Puja timings in Austin for 2025 are expected to be as follows (to be confirmed by the temple closer to the date):
- Dhanteras Date: Saturday, October 18, 2025
- Puja Muhurat: 6:00 PM – 8:30 PM (local time)
- Prayers: Lakshmi and Dhanvantari puja, lighting of 13 diyas, and chanting of Shree Suktham
For accurate and updated timings, devotees can visit the Hari Hara Kshethram Temple website closer to Diwali week.
What to Buy on Dhanteras
Buying auspicious items on Dhanteras is a sacred tradition that symbolizes inviting Goddess Lakshmi’s blessings. Here are the items devotees typically purchase:
- Gold and Silver Coins or Ornaments – Represent lasting prosperity and purity.
- Brass and Copper Utensils – Bring positive energy and spiritual cleanliness.
- Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Dhanvantari Idols – For home altar worship.
- Clay or Brass Diyas – To dispel darkness and invite divine light.
- Broom or Cleaning Essentials – Symbolizing removal of negativity and cleansing of space.
- Health and Ayurvedic Products – In honor of Lord Dhanvantari, promoting wellness and vitality.
For authentic and temple-approved items, devotees can buy puja items online in the USA through the Hari Hara Kshethram Temple Store, ensuring purity and sanctity for their rituals.
How to Perform Dhanteras Puja at Home
- Clean and Decorate the Home: Wash entrances, draw rangoli, and place diyas at the doorstep.
- Invoke Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Dhanvantari: Place their idols or pictures on a clean altar.
- Offer Naivedyam and Flowers: Present sweets, fruits, and flowers with devotion.
- Chant Mantras: Recite Shree Suktham or Mahalakshmi Ashtakam.
- Light 13 Diyas: Symbolizing protection from negativity and blessings of wealth and longevity.
If you’re unsure about the rituals, you can easily book a Hindu priest in Austin through Hari Hara Kshethram. Experienced priests guide families through traditional Vedic pujas both in-person and online.
Dhanteras at Hari Hara Kshethram Temple Austin
At Hari Hara Kshethram Temple, Dhanteras celebrations in Austin bring together the community in devotion and joy. The temple will host:
- Lakshmi and Dhanvantari Puja
- Tailabhishekam and Archana
- Lighting of Diyas and Cultural Offerings
- Spiritual Discourse and Bhajans
The temple welcomes all devotees to participate and begin their Diwali celebrations in Austin with divine blessings.
For event details, puja registration, and Dhanteras puja timings in Austin, visit https://hariharakshethram.com/.
How to Book a Qualified Priest
To experience the full sanctity of Dhanatrayodashi 2025, it’s ideal to have a qualified Vedic priest perform the rituals. Their chanting, knowledge, and devotion create a sacred atmosphere that uplifts the home’s energy.
You can book a Hindu priest in Austin or request online priest services through Hari Hara Kshethram Temple, ensuring every ritual is performed in line with ancient Vedic traditions.
Whether you celebrate at home or attend temple events, their guidance ensures your puja is performed with complete devotion.
Where to Buy Authentic Puja Items
Every puja gains divine potency through purity and authenticity. Using temple-approved products such as ghee lamps, sacred coins, Lakshmi idols, and pure sesame oil enhances the spiritual energy of the ritual.
For devotees who wish to buy puja items online in the USA, the Hari Hara Kshethram Temple Store offers authentic, blessed items suitable for both home and temple use.
Choosing authentic Hindu puja stores ensures that your rituals are performed with devotion and respect for tradition.
Final Thoughts
Dhanteras is not merely about wealth—it’s a spiritual invitation to embrace light, health, and harmony. The golden glow of diyas represents the illumination of the soul, while every prayer to Goddess Lakshmi opens the door to divine abundance.
This Dhanatrayodashi 2025, celebrate with faith at Hari Hara Kshethram Temple Austin. Participate in Dhanteras celebrations in Austin, book a priest for home rituals, and let your Diwali begin with divine radiance.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the story behind Dhanteras?
Dhanteras marks the appearance of Lord Dhanvantari during the churning of the ocean and the legend of King Hima’s son, symbolizing health and prosperity.
2. When is Dhanteras in 2025?
Dhanteras falls on Saturday, October 18, 2025, marking the start of Diwali festivities.
3. How are Dhanteras celebrations in Austin conducted?
At Hari Hara Kshethram Temple Austin, the festival includes Lakshmi and Dhanvantari pujas, lighting of lamps, bhajans, and cultural activities.
4. Where can I find Dhanteras puja timings in Austin?
Check the Hari Hara Kshethram Temple website for updated Dhanteras puja timings in Austin closer to the festival.
5. How can I prepare for Dhanteras at home?
Clean your home, light 13 diyas, perform Lakshmi puja, and purchase auspicious items such as gold, silver, or utensils to invite prosperity.
