Muhurat for buying gold

What this event is

Gold has a special place in Indian homes. It is a gift at weddings and births, a family heirloom and a symbol of Lakshmi, the goddess of prosperity. Many families like to buy it on a day they consider auspicious, so that the purchase begins with blessings.

This page describes tradition. It is not financial advice, and prices go up and down, so buy what suits your own means and your own judgement.

Auspicious timing in the classical guidance

Families and priests follow differing lists. This is the most widely cited one.

Essential (as tradition holds it)

• Avoid eclipses, Rahu Kalam, Bhadra and Pitru Paksha.
• Avoid Adhika masa, Guru asta and Shukra asta if your family keeps them. Jupiter is the planet of gold and Venus of jewellery and comfort.

Strongly preferred

• Nakshatra. Pushya is the most praised for buying gold. Others are Ashwini, Rohini, Punarvasu, Hasta, Chitra, Anuradha, Shravana, Dhanishta and Revati. Avoid Bharani, Krittika, Ardra, Ashlesha, Jyeshtha and Moola.
• Tithi. The 2nd, 3rd, 5th, 7th, 10th, 11th and 13th, and Purnima. Avoid the rikta tithis (4th, 9th, 14th) and Amavasya.

Ideal

• Weekday. Thursday is the day of Jupiter, and Pushya on a Thursday is called Guru Pushya yoga. This is traditionally the most auspicious combination for gold. Friday (Venus), Monday and Wednesday are also accepted. Tuesday and Saturday are avoided by many.
• Time of day. A morning hour outside Rahu Kalam, or around Abhijit muhurat near noon.

Festival days of tradition

• Akshaya Tritiya (Vaishakha Shukla Tritiya) is believed to bring lasting returns on purchases made that day.
• Dhanteras (Ashwin Krishna Trayodashi, or in the Purnimanta scheme, Kartika Krishna Trayodashi) is the day to buy metal, especially gold, silver or a new utensil, before Diwali.
• Many families also buy at the start of a new year in their region.

Preparation and ritual outline

1. Decide the item and budget beforehand, and look at the day's timing for your city.
2. Wash your hands and bring the item home or hold it in front of the family altar.
3. Place the gold in front of Lakshmi and Ganesha, light a lamp and offer flowers and rice.
4. Apply kumkum and haldi, and offer a sweet.
5. Many families keep a small coin or ornament in the puja room until the next festival.

A simple prayer is ॐ श्रीं महालक्ष्म्यै नमः (Om Shreem Mahalakshmyai Namah). Ask a priest or elder to guide pronunciation.

Practical notes for the USA

Jewellery stores are open on most auspicious days, and festivals such as Dhanteras and Akshaya Tritiya often bring offers from Indian jewellers. The date may fall on a working day, so many families buy online or after work, within the auspicious window of the day shown for their city.

• If you cannot visit that day. Book or reserve at the right time and collect later, or do the puja at home when you bring it back.
• If you cannot buy gold. A small silver coin, a utensil or a gold-coloured item is accepted on Dhanteras by tradition.
• Time zone. Use the sunrise-based local times for your city, as a day may begin and end at different hours in different states.
• Records. Keep the bill for customs, insurance and resale.

This is general guidance. A personal muhurat is made from the family's own horoscopes by a qualified jyotishi.