Akshaya
Tritiya, also known as “Akha Teej” or “Akti”, is one of the most spiritual and
auspicious festivals in the Hindu and Jain calendars. Celebrated on the Tritiya
(third lunar day) of the Shukla paksha or (bright half) of the month of
Vaisakha, it brings faith of never-ending success and prosperity. The Akshaya
means “never ending”, and tritiya means the “tertiary day of Shukla paksha”.
Thus, it is believed that any investment or purchase, good deed, and any
started venture will grow endlessly and never diminish the outcomes.
Why do people consider Akshaya Tritiya so blissful and auspicious?
Akshaya Tritiya is exempted from Muhurat (auspicious moment)
The other festivals in the Hindu tradition require identifying the
auspicious timing or muhurat. However, Akshaya Tritiya reflects the holiness of
every moment. There is a belief that starting anything, such as business
ventures, marriage or any purchases, will bring people fruitful outcomes.
The tradition of gold purchasing
One of an important tradition is aligned with Akshaya Tritiya is purchasing the precious material and gold. Gold is deemed to be a symbol of prosperity and wealth and people rely on the belief that it will give an everlasting fortune.
Indulge in charity
According to the people's belief, the charity or daan in Akshaya
Tritiya entitles the people to the punya or the good deeds. People also have
faith that offering the clothes, food and money to the disadvantaged people can
multiply the blessings of god. Many people feed the needy people, cows and
offer water and grains to the poor people.
Also Read: Bhavishya Malika: The Ancient Prophecies of Achyutananda Das
Mythological relevance of Akshaya Tritiya
The advent of lord Parshuram
One of the pertinent beliefs connected with Akshaya Tritiya is that it marks the appearance of the sixth incarnation of Vishnu, Lord Parshuram. It is said that Parshurama was born on the sacred occasion of pradosha in Akshaya Tritiya. One of the warrior and kind sages, Parshurama, has played a significant role in establishing Dharma (righteousness) by eradicating all the wrongdoings from the world. His birth has added a huge religious weight to Akshaya Tritiya, especially for the worshipers of lord Vishnu.
Sudama met lord Krishna
One of the most touching stories from the Bhagavata Puran depicts the
visit of Sudama to Lord Krishna. A childhood friend of Lord Sri Krishna and a
poor Brahmin, Sudama, visited Krishna in Dwarka without an extravagant gift but
with a humble offering of parched rice. Satisfied by the humility and pure
devotion of Sudama, Lord Krishna gave a lot of blessings to Sudama with immense
prosperity and wealth. This divine visit of Sudama to lord Krishna symbolises
that even the smallest offering can satisfy the Lord, which led to the precious
blessings.
The beginning of Treta Yuga
The ancient scriptures, such as Bhavishya Purana, have marked a profound belief that the second among of four yugas, treata yuga, started on this propitious Akshaya Tritiya. This yuga has also demonstrated the appearance of great divine figures such as Lord Rama, King Harishchandra and Lord Parshurama. Therefore, this day is the emblem of truth and righteousness.
How the Akshaya Tritiya is celebrated in different parts of India
- In Uttar Pradesh, people experience a spiritual and rare tradition in the Vrindavan Banke Bihari Temple, where they get glimpses of the Lord’s feet once a year on Akshaya Tritiya.
- The commencement of the chariot construction for Rath Yatra in Odisha is one of the renowned tradition started on this day Akshaya Tritiya.
- The people of West Bengal offer their devotion and gratitude to the goddess Lakshmi in this day. They also purchase some expensive metals to attract abundant prosperity in their life.
- The marital bliss is another notable ritual followed in Maharashtra where the women exchanges Kumkum and haldi and pray to the Goddess Gauri to bless them with the peace in married life and provide longevity in their husband life.
- The southern states, including Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh and Tamilnadu celebrate Akshaya Tritiya by welcoming the people to perform the rituals, prepare some delicious dishes like Payasam and Kesari Bhath.
Significance of Akshaya Tritiya in Jainism
The methodology “Ahar Charya”
In Jainism, the auspicious day of Akshaya Tritiya is known for its
pious methodology called “Ahar Charya” in which the Jain community make and
serves food to the monks associated with this religion.
Conclusion
Akshaya Tritiya is not only considered the day of purchasing and
worshipping, but it is also celebrated to achieve spiritual growth, the divine
connection with the Lord and infinite prosperity. By holding the spirit of
devotion, offering and auspicious beginning, an individual can align themselves
with immense prosperity.