There is a saying well begun is half done. Akshaya Tritiya, also known as Akti or Akha Teej, is one of the most auspicious days of the Hindu calendar and is considered the most ideal time for making a new beginning or doing new things.
It is an annual festival that falls on the third lunar day of the bright half of the Indian month of Vaishakha typically falling in April or May every year. The term “Akshaya” means eternal or never diminishing, and “Tritiya” refers to the third lunar day, together symbolizing eternal prosperity and success.
Akshaya Tritiya is considered highly appropriate for new ventures, charity, and investments in gold or other property. It is believed that new ventures or investments on this day will bring success, endless prosperity and good fortune. People often engage in charitable acts, spiritual activities, and rituals on Akshaya Tritiya. This day is considered very auspicious for weddings. It is also a day for remembering the loved ones in the heavenly abode.
Akshaya Tritiya: Significance
Akshaya Tritiya, resonates deeply with Hindu mythology and traditions. This auspicious day marks the beginning of the Treta Yuga, the second age in Hindu cosmology, and is believed to be the day when Lord Vishnu incarnated as Parashurama, the sixth avatar of Vishnu, and also the day when Lord Krishna blessed Draupadi with an inexhaustible vessel during the Mahabharata period.
One of the most famous legends associated with Akshaya Tritiya is the story of Sudama and Lord Krishna. Sudama, a poor Brahmin and childhood friend of Lord Krishna, visited him with a humble gift of rice flakes. Despite his poverty, Sudama was overwhelmed by Lord Krishna’s hospitality and love. Lord Krishna not only accepted his simple gift but also bestowed upon him immense wealth and prosperity, highlighting the importance of humility, friendship, and the spirit of giving.
According to Hindu mythology, on this day, sage Ved Vyasa began composing the epic Mahabharata, one of the longest epic poems in history.
Also Read: Akshaya Tritiya: the best time to buy a home
Akshaya Tritiya is also believed by Hindus to be the birthday of Parasurama, the sixth avatar of the god Vishnu and hence sometimes referred to as Parasurama Jayanti.
Another significant mythological event associated with Akshaya Tritiya is the descent of the river Ganges to Earth from the heavens. According to Hindu mythology, King Bhagiratha performed intense penance to bring the Ganges to Earth to cleanse the souls of his ancestors. It is believed that the Ganges descended to Earth on Akshaya Tritiya, bringing purity and prosperity to the land.
Akshaya Tritiya: Rituals and Traditions
Akshaya Tritiya is celebrated with various rituals and traditions that vary across different regions of India. One of the most common practices is the purchase of gold, as it is believed to bring prosperity and good luck. People flock to jewellery stores to buy gold coins, jewellery, or utensils, symbolizing wealth and abundance.
Another important tradition is charity and giving back to the community. Many people donate food, clothes, or money to the less fortunate on this day, believing that such acts of kindness will bring blessings and prosperity.
In temples and homes, special prayers and pujas are conducted to seek the blessings of the divine. Devotees offer flowers, fruits, and other offerings to the deities, seeking their grace and blessings for a prosperous future.
In some regions, Akshaya Tritiya is also considered an auspicious day for weddings and other new beginnings. Couples tie the knot on this day, believing that it will bring them eternal happiness and prosperity in their married life.
Significance in Jainism
Akshaya Tritiya holds special significance in Jainism, as the birth anniversary of the sixth Tirthankara, Lord Arishtanemi. Tirthankaras are considered enlightened beings who have attained spiritual liberation and serve as role models for Jains to follow on the path of righteousness.
On Akshaya Tritiya, Jains celebrate the birth of Lord Arishtanemi by visiting Jain temples, offering prayers, and performing religious rituals. The day is also an opportunity for Jains to reflect on the teachings of Lord Arishtanemi, which emphasize non-violence (ahimsa), truthfulness (satya), non-stealing (asteya), celibacy (brahmacharya), and non-attachment (aparigraha).
Jains also engage in acts of charity and compassion on Akshaya Tritiya, as these are considered essential virtues in Jainism. By giving to those in need and practicing kindness and generosity, Jains seek to accumulate good karma and progress spiritually.
In conclusion, Akshaya Tritiya is a festival that holds immense significance in both Hindu and Jain traditions. It is a day symbolizing eternal prosperity and auspicious beginnings, making it a popular time for new ventures, investments, and important life events. The festival is steeped in mythology and spirituality, with stories of divine blessings and acts of generosity inspiring devotees to seek prosperity and spiritual growth.
Also Read: The legend behind the 51 Shakti Peeths
Akshaya Tritiya also serves as a reminder of the timeless values of charity, compassion, and humility. It encourages people to give back to the community and to strive for a virtuous life. Whether through the purchase of gold, charitable acts, or spiritual practices, Akshaya Tritiya is a day that inspires hope, renewal, and the belief in the eternal nature of goodness.
As we celebrate Akshaya Tritiya each year, let us remember the significance of this auspicious day and strive to embody its teachings in our lives, seeking prosperity, spiritual growth, and the eternal blessings of the divine.
