According to the Hindu calendar, Akshaya Tritiya is celebrated on third day of bright moon (Shukla paksha) of Vaishakha / Baisakh month. Akshaya Tritiya will be observed on April 18.
Akshaya Tritiya, which is also known as ‘Akha Teej’, is considered as one of the most auspicious days for Hindus in India. The day is ruled by Lord Vishnu who is known as the preserver God in the Hindu Trinity. According to mythology, the Treta Yuga also began on this day.
It marks the birth anniversary Lord Parasurama, the sixth incarnation of Lord Vishnu. The Puranic scriptures speak greatly about his reclaiming of land from the sea.
In Hinduism, Akshay Tritiya also marks the day when Vyasa started writing the history of the great Bharat war, Mahabharata and the most sacred river of India, descended to earth from the heaven.
On this day, Goddess Annapurna Devi was also born and also Sudama, visited Krishna to greet him after he became the King. With nothing to offer, Sudama took Poha (puffed rice) along with him. He never discussed his poverty with Krishna though he intends to. On his return, he found his friend’s attitude changed.
Kubera received his position as custodian of wealth and property with Goddess Lakshmi on this day, by praying to Lord Shiva at Shivapuram.
In more recent history, on Akshaya Tritiya, Adi Shankara recited the Kanaka Dhara Stotr for the poor couple, whose house he stopped for Bhiksha and was offered their only available gooseberry.
Akshaya Tritiya is considered as the golden day of the year as the word Akshaya means “eternal” which means something which never diminishes. Any initiative made or anything new bought on this day is considered to bring good fortune. The most popular ritual is buying gold and it is believed that it will bring prosperity and more wealth for the buyers. People say that gold bought on this day, will never diminish and would continue to grow or appreciate.
Usually in India, people start new business or new venture on this auspicious day. It is also one of the most popular days for weddings as the spirit of this day bids the couple a long and fulfilling wedding life. It was believed that people born in that month are lucky who shine throughout their life. This day is generally observed by worship of Lord Vishnu and Lord Vasudeva with rice grains. A dip in the holy river Ganges is also considered very auspicious. Fasts are kept and Tulsi water is sprinkled during the aarti. In charity, fan, rice, salt, ghee, sugar, vegetables, tamarind, fruit, clothes, are given to the poor and needy. Goddess Annapurna showers her blessings when food is distributed among the underprivileged.
Jains also consider Akshaya Tritiiya to be a holy day. It is associated with Lord Adinatha, also known as Rishabhadeva who is the first of the twenty-four Tirthankaras. On this day people observe the year long alternative fasting day known as Varshi-tap which finishes their Tapasya of doing parana by drinking sugarcane juice.
Akshaya Tritiya is believed to bring good luck and success in people’s lives.
India Post News Service
