It translates to ‘that which never ‘diminishes’’… it is a day considered auspicious for starting new ventures or investing money in precious metals or land. Legends states that any venture initiated on this auspicious day shall continue to grow and bring prosperity. So come 6th May and what will you be doing this Akshaya Tritiya?…
In India, where timings are considered auspicious, especially to mark a new beginning or new venture, Akshaya Tritiya is one such momentous occasion, when it is believed that any meaningful activity started on this day would be fruitful.
One of the most auspicious festivals in the Hindu calendar (even more auspicious if it falls on a Friday!) it is celebrated on the third day of the bright half of Vaishakh month (April-May), when the Sun and Moon are in exaltation; they are simultaneously at their peak of brightness, which happens only once every year. As per Hindu tradition, it is also considered the most significant day to perform sacred deeds. (Punya Karya).
Also known as “Akha Teej”, it is traditionally the birthday of Lord Parasurama, the sixth incarnation of Lord Vishnu. Interestingly it is also believed that people born during this time shine bright in life, to name some luminaries born during this period: Ramanujacharya and Adi Shankaracharya on May 6, Swami Chinmayananda on May 8, Basaveshwara born on May 4, and Lord Buddha on May 16.
There are numerous legends associated with Akshaya Tritiya; a popular one is that of Sudama or Kuchela visiting Lord Krishna in Dwarka with a handful of beaten rice (poha or aval). The legend goes to tell of a poor Brahmin named Kuchela also known as Sudama, who was in need of financial help. Remembering Sri Krishna his schoolmate he went to visit him with a handful of poha or aval (beaten rice).However on reaching, the palace of Krishna at Dwarka, Kuchela was ashamed to give the ‘poha’ to Krishna. However Krishna noticing the small bag in the hand of his schoolmate grabbed it and ate a handful of ‘poha’. Kuchela could not believe that Krishna, the king, was eating his poha.
So overwhelmed was Kuchela by the love and treatment shown by Krishna that he forgot to ask Krishna for financial help and returned home empty handed. On his return however Kuchela could not find his old hut, for in its place stood a palace. His wife and children were wearing new clothing and everything that was old or worn out was replaced. It didn’t take long for Kuchela to realize that all this was the doing of Sri Krishna and since then,the day Kuchela met Sri Krishna has been observed as Akshaya Tritiya.
Another legend suggests that the Pandavas while in exile received the Akshaya Pathram, a bowl which gives unlimited amount of food from Lord Krishna (in the Mahabharata) on this day. As it is believed that Krishna had presented it on a Trithiya day, it is believed that all investments on the day will only increase in value.
According to the Puranas, this day marks the beginning to Treta Yuga, believed to be the day Sage Vyasa began the composition of Mahabharata.
An auspicious day for Hindus, Lord Vishnu and his incarnations are worshipped on the day and special pujas are conducted on that day. It is believed that worshiping Lord Vishnu would remove one’s sins and free him from all sorrows; the Puranas also go on to say that performing Shri Maha Vishnu Puja on this auspicious day would attain salvation. From bathing in the holy river to offering barley in sacred fires or contributing towards charity, and worshiping Lord Ganesha and conducting Lakshmi puja, these are some rituals carried out. Fasts are also observed on this day, and foods and clothing are distributed to the needy. Mahalaxmiji mandirs are visited and four coins thrown in all four directions, to open the doors to wealth.
A day of eternal prosperity for any auspicious beginning, many people believe in buying gold items, and other valuables, or making investments of different sorts, even purchasing land or even getting married… Akshay Trithiya is referred as golden day of eternal success!
