Jaipur, Oct.14,2025:Dhanteras Diya Rituals 2025 begin as soon as the auspicious evening descends on October 18, 2025, marking the first day of Diwali celebrations. The act of lighting diyas (oil lamps) is central to this festival, believed to usher in prosperity, ward off negativity, and bring divine blessings. From Yama Deepam in the south to lamps around Tulsi, each ritual carries symbolic meaning-
In this comprehensive guide, you will learn 7 powerful steps to perform Dhanteras diya rituals, understand their deep-rooted beliefs, avoid common mistakes, and make the festival truly luminous.
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Date, Muhurat & Significance of Dhanteras 2025
In 2025, Dhanteras (also known as Dhanatrayodashi) falls on Saturday, October 18.
Key timing details include-
Trayodashi Tithi: Begins at 12:18 PM on October 18 and ends at 1:51 PM on October 19.
Pradosh Kaal / Puja Muhurat: ~ 7:15 PM to 8:19 PM is considered the most auspicious window for Dhanteras Puja and diya lighting. Dhanteras celebrates Goddess Lakshmi (wealth), Lord Kubera (treasury), and Lord Dhanvantari (divine healer). It is also commonly believed to bestow health, prosperity, and protection from untimely death. Thus, the diya rituals on Dhanteras are not mere decorations—they hold spiritual power and cultural heritage.
Why Lighting a Diya Matters on Dhanteras
Lighting a diya is more than aesthetics-
It symbolizes light overcoming darkness, and knowledge over ignorance.
In myth, lighting the Yama Deepam (lamp for Yama, god of death) is said to protect against untimely demise and bring longevity to family members.
Illuminating the home invites Goddess Lakshmi’s presence, believed to dwell where light, purity, and devotion prevail.
Lamps placed near water sources pay homage to Lord Dhanvantari, whose emergence from the ocean is central to Dhanteras. Thus, Dhanteras diya rituals offer both spiritual and symbolic dimensions, aligning the physical act of lighting with devotion, protection, and prosperity.
Powerful Diya Rituals for Dhanteras Diya Rituals 2025
Below are seven key steps you can follow to perform Dhanteras diya rituals with intention and devotion.
Yama Deepam in the South – Protecting Life
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Begin with the Yama Deepam–
Prepare a four-faced (chaumukha) clay diya made of flour or mud.
Fill it with mustard oil (or sesame oil in some traditions).
Place four wicks (battis) inside it.
Place the diya outside the house, facing south, at the front door or threshold.
Light it during Pradosh Kaal (early evening). This is to invoke Yama and ward off the fear of death. This ritual is deeply believed to protect family members from untimely death or negative influences on Dhanteras night.
Lighting 13 Diyas After Sunset
Once night falls, light 13 earthen diyas with mustard or sesame oil-
These 13 lamps are symbolic—13 is tied to Trayodashi Tithi (13th lunar day).
Spread these diyas along entrances, doorways, windowsills, and rangoli borders.
They illuminate the home and invite prosperity and positive energy.
Many sources list 13 diyas as auspicious for Dhanteras evening ritual.
Ghee Lamp by Tulsi & 7 Circumambulations
Next, move to the Tulsi plant in your home-
Light a ghee diya (preferably clarified butter) near the Tulsi plant.
Walk 7 rounds (parikrama) around Tulsi while praying for blessings of wealth, health, and harmony.
This is believed to maintain positive energy in the house and win the Favor of Goddess Lakshmi.
Lamps at Water Sources for Lord Dhanvantari
Since Dhanteras also honours Lord Dhanvantari, dip in water symbolism:
Place a diya near a water body in or near home—such as a well, handpump, or pots of water.
The area should be clean and pure.
Light the lamp and silently pray for health, longevity, and removal of diseases.
Diya for Kubera Puja & Wealth Blessings
For invoking Lord Kubera (treasury deity)–
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Arrange a diya near the altar or place of worship alongside idols of Lakshmi and Kubera.
Light it, offer incense, flowers, sweets, and recite mantras for wealth and abundance.
Devotees believe that where light reigns, blessings naturally follow.
Precautions & Common Mistakes in Diya Lighting
Even sacred rituals have common pitfalls. Avoid these-
Lighting the lamp too early, before sunset, is discouraged.
Wrong direction: Yama Deepam should face south; placing lamps incorrectly may reduce their effect.
Using impure oil or dirty wicks can reduce sanctity.
Using non-traditional diyas (plastic, decorative, etc.) may violate ritual purity.
Covering the diya too soon—closing doors quickly prevents positive energy flow.
Failure to monitor: a lamp burning out in the night may break the continuity of blessings.
Mindfulness in every step ensures the rituals succeed.
Historical Legends & Mythology Behind the Lamps
The ritual of lamps on Dhanteras is backed by stories
King Hima’s Son Legend: The prince was destined to die from a snake bite on his wedding night. His clever wife placed gold, silver and lit lamps around him. The brilliance held the form of Yama, making him retreat and saving the prince. This is said to be origin of lighting lamps for protection.
Samudra Manthan & Dhanvantari: During the churning of the ocean, Lord Dhanvantari emerged carrying Amrit (nectar). Lighting lamps on Dhanteras is seen as homage to that event and invocation of healing blessings. These legends root the diya rituals in cosmic myth and spiritual symbolism.
How to Prepare- Materials, Oil, Wicks & Setup
To properly carry out Dhanteras Diya Rituals 2025, here’s what you’ll need:
Item
Recommendation & Notes
Earthen / Clay Diyas
Prefer traditional clay lamps (unchanged, no synthetic coatings).
Oil
Mustard or sesame oil is traditional for Yama Deepam; ghee for Tulsi lamp.
Wicks (Batti)
Use clean cotton wicks, properly trimmed at both ends.
Matches / Lighter
Keep longer matches ready to access distant spots.
Tray / Plate
A metal or brass plate to catch spillage under the lamp.
Clean setup
Clean surroundings, rangoli, remove dust & clutter before lighting.
Mantras / Prayers ready
Keep mantra texts or phone reference handy to recite after lighting.
Set up early, ensure everything is clean, and plan the sequence of lighting.
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Spiritual Context & Symbolism of the Diya
The diya is more than an object-
Its flame stands for Atman (self) amidst outer darkness.
The oil and wick symbolize body and ego, illumined by the inner spark of consciousness.
Lighting the lamp is a microcosm of spiritual awakening, aligning domestic ritual with inner illumination.
The placement direction and sequence embed cosmic symbolism—south for Yama, east for rising light, etc.
The act is a yajna or offering: burning oil and wick with devotion is exchanged for divine grace.
Thus, Dhanteras Diya Rituals 2025 become a spiritual performance, not mere tradition.
Dhanteras Diya Rituals 2025 invites you to walk a path of devotion, symbolism, and inner light. By following these 7 powerful steps — from the Yama Deepam to overnight diyas — you summon protection, wealth, health, and spiritual harmony.
Let your home blaze not just with clay lamps, but with intention, belief, and divine blessing. May Dhanteras 2025 shine bright in your life.