Dhanteras: Prosperity knocks your door

The festival of Dhanteras falls on October 17. ‘Dhan’ means money (Lakshmi) and ‘teras’ means the 13th day. So the festival is celebrated on the 13th lunar day of Krishna Paksh (the dark fortnight) in the month of Kartik. On Dhanteras, people light diyas (lamps) small candles, prepare rangoli at the entrance of their home. Some people fix small footprints of goddess Lakshmi signifying that she is entering their homes on this day.

The day of Dhanteras is considered to be auspicious for starting new work or purchasing new items. Buying of silver, gold, vessels, utensils, coins, idols of Ganesha or Lakshmi are considered to be a good omen. It is believed that goddess Lakshmi arrives in your home to bless everyone with wealth and prosperity. It is a festival of hope, wellness and prosperity, which is ruled by planet Jupiter. It’s metal is gold and copper. According to Lord Dhanvantri, if a person buys gold, utensils or any metal, it is considered to be fortunate as it improves one’s Jupeterian influences. It signifies cheerfulness and desire to progress in life. 

So astrologically, if a person buys a particular item according to his/her Sun-sign then the native is blessed with wisdom and prosperity throughout the year.

Aries: Gold, vessels/ silver anklet/ religious books
Advantages: Social respect/ control on temperament, starving for leadership.

Taurus: Silver, Jewellery/ diamond
Advantages: Prosperity in love life, a sense of harmony

Gemini: Nose pin/ Saraswati idols in silver
Advantages: Development of intelligence, sensitivity, creativity

Cancer: Silver neck chain/ bracelet/ Shree Yantra
Advantages: Overcome mental stress, motherhood

Leo: Earrings/ wrist watch/ electronic items
Advantages: Bigger crises will be over, control on mood swings

Virgo: Ganesha on silver coin/ silver plates
Advantages: Efficiency in speech and work

Libra: Silver spoon/ bowl/ plate/ utensils
Advantages: Name and fame, desire to resolve conflicts peacefully

Scorpio: Gold ring/ bangles/silver brick
Advantages: Strong-will, self-confidence, fearless disposition.

Sagittarius: Gold/ mangalsutra/ brass utensil/ silver rosary
Advantages: Optimism, desire to learn new things

Capricorn: Gold coin/ gold ring/ eight metals Lakshmi-Ganesh
Advantages: Self-discipline and commitments

Aquarius: Cooker/ big utensil/ silver flute
Advantages: Triumph in speculation, innovative mindset.

Pisces: Silver-ring/ silver box/ silver footprints of Lakshmi
Advantages: Inspiration, romanticism, gains in travel and business

Vaastu tip

Buy copper, silver and gold coins on Dhanteras. Wrap it in a red cloth and keep it in your tijori. It’s believed if your faith and devotion towards Goddess Lakshmi is pure, she will always bless you with prosperity, health and wealth.

Q: I get nightmares. I struggle to wake up and I feel shivers with cold and the entire bedroom is chilled like ice. Please help.
— Divyangini Malik

A: Moon and Uranus are malefic. It brings phobia, sleeping disorder and an unstable state of mind. But don’t worry. Donate milk, rice and curd on Mondays in charity or at a place of worship. Keep a small square made of silver under your pillow. Recite the mantra  — Aum hran hrin hron chanderai nameh, 11 times before going to bed. It will dispel the phobia that surround you.

The columnist is author of 32 books on Astrology, Numerology, Vaastu, Mantrism, Dreams and Moles. He features regularly on various TV channels. You can email your queries at: pkhurrana@astroindia.com