Shreem: The Energy of Goddess Lakshmi
Shreem is the vibration or primordial sound of Goddess Lakshmi, symbolizing the natural harmony, beauty, and abundance of existence. Lakshmi is not separate from life; She is the luminous flow within it that allows all things to unfold in perfect proportion. On Dhanteras, we turn inward to recognize Her totality — the ever-present consciousness of completeness that pervades all beings.
To contemplate on Her is to recognize that nothing is missing, that all aspects of life are already held within the infinite realm of Shreem.
The Divine Custodian: Lord Kubera
Where Lakshmi is the flowing rhythm of true wealth, Kubera safeguards and distributes it. He is the custodian of the riches buried deep in the earth, including precious gems, crystals, and minerals. He symbolizes divine wealth, ethical responsibility, generosity, and spiritual detachment, thus helping with spiritual assimilation.
To align with Kubera is to be aware that everything rests exactly where it belongs, neither held nor released, simply as it is — no possession or accumulation, only the understanding of sacred balance.
The Celestial Physician: Lord Dhanvantari
Lord Dhanvantari, the God of Ayurveda and the celestial physician, reminds us of an eternal truth: without sound physical, mental, and emotional health, all other wealth is unusable. Health is, in fact, the greatest form of spiritual wealth and the very foundation for performing all sādhanā.
Invoking Dhanvantari on Dhanteras elevates health to the status of a spiritual treasure. He heals the body, calms the mind, and nurtures emotional balance so your being can remain clear, centered, and ready to absorb the divine energies of the eleven-day Upāsanā.
How to Perform Your Dhanteras Sādhanā
The tradition of buying metal (Dhan) on this day is a symbolic act. It represents your intention to attract and hold the divine, enduring energies of all forms of prosperity in your life.
- Set Your Intention: Approach the evening Pūjā with a clear focus that covers all three aspects: “I pray for prosperity (Lakshmi), for the wisdom to manage it (Kubera), and for the vitality to enjoy it (Dhanvantari).”
- The Muhurat: Perform your prayers preferably during the Pradosh Kaal.
- Flow into the Upāsanā: Know that this day is your powerful initiation. It seamlessly flows into Day 2 and the nine-day intensive Lakshmi sādhanā.
Take this first step. Prepare your space, mind, and heart on Dhanteras to open the gateway for the next nine days of the Shreem Upāsanā.