Akshaya Trtiya, an auspicious festival in India, is majorly celebrated by both Jain and Hindus during the spring season. This day holds great significance as it falls on the third lunar day of the month of Vasant, or Vaisakha, according to the Hindu Panchang.
This year, it will be celebrated on May 10, 2024, Friday, and the subh muhurat for the puja starts from 05:58 AM to 12:23 PM.
What is Akshaya Tirtiya?
Akshaya Tritiya, also known as Akha Teej, Akti, or Parsurama Jayanti, is a important occasion in Hinduism and Jainism, celebrated during the waxing phase of the moon in the month of Vaisakha.
The term “Akshaya” derives from Sanskrit, meaning infinite or endless, signifying the boundless blessings and good fortune associated with this day. It serves as an auspicious time for initiating new ventures, whether it’s starting a business, embarking on a new job, or moving into a new home.
It serves as a poignant reminder to honor and remember our departed ancestors as we progress in life. Dedicated to Lord Vishnu, the preserver of the universe, Akshaya Tritiya marks the beginning of the Treta Yug in Hindu mythology. It often coincides with Parsurama Jayanti, celebrating Lord Parsurama, the sixth incarnation of Lord Vishnu.
Devotees participate in rituals, yajnas, and pujas on this sacred day, seeking blessings and prosperity. Buying gold and silver jewelry is particularly popular, as these precious metals are believed to bring abundance and prosperity to one’s life. Acts of charity and kindness, such as distributing clothes, food, and other necessities to the less fortunate, are also emphasized, earning individuals the blessings of Lord Vishnu.
This year, the best time for purchasing gold on Akshaya Tritiya Day is 4:17 a.m. 10th May to 2:50 AM, 11th May, 2024.
How is it celebrated?
Akshaya Tritiya, is celebrated with full excitement and happiness across India, in diverse rituals and traditions that symbolize prosperity, devotion, and blessings.
- In Orissa, the commencement of the construction of chariots for the renowned Rath Yatra marks the significance of this auspicious day.
- In Maharashtra, women exchange haldi and kumkum, symbols of marital bliss, praying for happiness in their married lives. They also worship Goddess Gauri for the longevity of their husbands.
- In West Bengal, people are directed towards Goddess Laxmi, as Akshaya Tritiya is considered the most auspicious day of the year. People purchase precious metals, symbolizing abundance and prosperity.
- In Uttar Pradesh, people visit the Banke Bihari temple in Vrindavan, where the deity’s feet are exposed, to seek blessings. According to the scriptures, Akshaya Tritiya holds profound significance as the day of creation, marking the beginning of the universe.
Rituals: Across the country, devotees observe various rituals, including:
- Worshippers of Lord Vishnu observe a fast and engage in charitable projects, providing essentials to the needy.
- Tulsi, beloved by Lord Vishnu, adorns dishes offered in prayers, symbolizing devotion and purity.
- In Eastern India, celebrations mark the beginning of the harvest season, seeking blessings for a fruitful yield.
- Businessmen perform special pujas for Lord Ganesha and Goddess Lakshmi, seeking prosperity in the upcoming financial year, known as Halkhata.
- Gold and silver jewelry purchases symbolize prosperity and good fortune.
- Devotees take holy dips in the Ganges, seeking spiritual purification at the ghats of Haridwar and Varanasi.
- In Jainism, Akshaya Tritiya holds significance as devotees conclude year-long penances and break their fasts with sugarcane juice.
- Idol embalming of Lord Krishna with sandalwood paste symbolizes divine grace and the path to heaven.
Significant stories behind Akshaya Tritiya
In Hindu mythology, an auspicious day or festival has several stories and origins. Akshaya Tritiya is one such festival with some significant tales.
Kuchela and Krishna: The tale of Kuchela, also known as Sudama, and Lord Krishna exemplifies the essence of Akshaya Tritiya. Kuchela, a poor Brahmin, visited his childhood friend Krishna, seeking financial assistance. Despite offering humble gifts, Krishna bestowed boundless blessings upon Kuchela, illustrating the spirit of prosperity through sharing and giving.
Draupadi’s Akshaya Patram: In the Mahabharata, Lord Krishna gifted Draupadi with the Akshaya Patram, a magical bowl that provided unlimited food. This symbol of abundance mirrors the blessings bestowed upon devotees on Akshaya Tritiya, where investments are believed to yield unlimited returns.
Mahabharata Beginnings: Veda Vyasa commenced the composition of the epic Mahabharata on Akshaya Tritiya, signifying the genesis of one of Hinduism’s most revered scriptures.
Parasurama Jayanti: Celebrating the birth of Parasurama, the warrior saint and sixth incarnation of Lord Vishnu, Akshaya Tritiya honors his legendary feats, including the creation of regions and the establishment of cultural heritage.
Beginning of Treta Yuga: According to Hindu cosmology, Akshaya Tritiya heralds the advent of the Treta Yuga, the age of Lord Vishnu’s incarnations and divine manifestations.
Conclusion
Akshaya Tritiya is a special day full of blessings and good fortune. It shows us how powerful devotion and goodness can be. When people celebrate Akshaya Tritiya together in India, they remember that this day brings endless blessings and prosperity to those who sincerely worship.
