New Delhi: The festival of Diwali is about to begin with Dhanteras. In Hindu scriptures, numbers like 11, 21, 51, 101, and 108 are considered auspicious. But did you know that lighting 13 lamps on Dhanteras is a tradition? It is believed that lighting lamps at 13 different locations on this day brings the blessings of Goddess Lakshmi. In the Hindu calendar, the 13th day of the month is Trayodashi Tithi, dedicated to Lord Shiva.
The festival of Dhanteras is also celebrated on the Trayodashi Tithi of the Krishna Paksha (dark fortnight) of Kartik month. Therefore, lighting 13 lamps on this day holds special significance. This year, Dhanteras falls on Friday, November 6, 2026. Learn where to light 13 lamps on Dhanteras and the auspicious time for lighting lamps.
Where to light 13 diyas on Dhanteras
1. Main entrance of the house
On Dhanteras, the first lamp should be lit at the main entrance of the house, facing south, after sunset. This lamp is lit with mustard oil. It is dedicated to Yama. It is believed that lighting a lamp in his name eliminates the fear of premature death.
2. In front of Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Dhanvantari
On Dhanteras, the second lamp should be lit in front of Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Dhanvantari. Lord Dhanvantari is considered the god of health. It is believed that lighting a lamp in front of Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Dhanvantari on this day brings prosperity and good health.
3. On the Tulsi plant
On Dhanteras, the third lamp should be lit on the Tulsi plant, which is considered a form of Goddess Lakshmi.
4. Outside the main entrance of the house
It’s traditional to light the fourth lamp right in front of the main entrance of the house on Dhanteras. It’s believed that doing so dispels negative energy and brings positive energy into the home.
5. On the roof of the house
The fifth lamp is lit on the roof of the house on Dhanteras. Or, it is considered auspicious to light this lamp in an open space within the house. This lamp is called Akashdeep. This lamp is dedicated to the sky.
6. Under the Peepal Tree
The sixth lamp should be lit under a Peepal tree. It is believed that this lamp is dedicated to the ancestors. Doing so removes the sins of ancestors and brings happiness, prosperity, and well-being into life.
7. In the temple
On Dhanteras, the seventh lamp should be lit in a temple. It is believed that doing so brings blessings from the gods and goddesses and brings positivity into life.
8. Near the garbage
On Dhanteras, the eighth lamp should be lit near garbage or waste. In villages, this lamp is lit where cow dung accumulates. It is believed that doing so dispels negativity.
9. Outside the toilet
On Dhanteras, a ninth lamp is lit outside the toilet or bathroom. It is believed that doing so attracts positive energy into the home.
10. In the balcony of the house
On Dhanteras, the tenth lamp is lit in the balcony of the house. If there is no balcony, it can also be lit in the gallery.
11. Near a main window
On Dhanteras, the eleventh lamp is placed on any main window of the house from where light comes.
12. In the back of the house
On Dhanteras, it is customary to light the 12th lamp at the back of the house. This lamp is lit in a place where there is less traffic or darkness.
13. In the kitchen
On Dhanteras, the thirteenth lamp is lit in the kitchen. This lamp can also be placed where there is a water tank.
Auspicious time for lighting lamps on Dhanteras
Pandit Narendra Upadhyay explains that worshipping and lighting lamps on Dhanteras during the Pradosh period is considered best. This time, on Dhanteras, November 6th, the Pradosh Muhurta for lighting lamps will be from 5:33 PM to 8:09 PM. The timing for lighting lamps during the Yama Pradosh period will be after sunset, from 5:33 PM to 6:51 PM.
Disclaimer: ToPIndianNews do not claim that the information in this article is completely true or accurate. For more detailed information, please consult an expert in the relevant field.
