Dhaatri Pooja

What is Dhatri Havana?
Dhatri Havana is a sacred ritual done in Karthika Maasa under the Dhatri tree (Amalaki/Nellikai). It involves worship of Radha Damodara with 16-fold pooja (Shodashopachara), homa (fire ritual), and feeding of Brahmins and married women. It is done with Vaishnava families and not individually.

When is it done?
Between Karthika Shukla Trayodashi to Bahula Panchami, best on Vaikunta Chaturdashi. Avoid Sunday, Tuesday, Friday, and Saptami.

Where is it done?
Under the Dhatri tree, or at least near a planted twig of it. The tree must ideally be surrounded by other sacred trees like mango, tamarind, etc.

Main purpose:
To remove sins caused by eating “Dustanna”.

Key benefits:

Destroys the effects of eating unworthy food

Equal to performing Ashwamedha and Vajapeya yagnas

Grants punya of many Ganga snanas

Gives Vishnu Bhakti, good health, wealth, and moksha

Main deities worshipped:
Sri Radha Damodara, Lakshmi, and 21 divine forms like Shaanti, Kaanti, Maaya, etc.

Four steps of Vanabhojana:

Dhatri Havana

Devata Bali

Circumambulation of the tree

Prayer (Dhatri Prarthana)

Significance of the Tree:
Dhatri tree is said to contain the presence of Vishnu, Brahma, Rudra, Maruts, and Prajapatis. It grants great punya even by sight or touch.

Story associated:
A cursed Brahmana’s son (turned rat) and a hunter both attained moksha by listening to Karthika Mahatmya under a Dhatri tree during pooja by Vishwamitra Maharshi.