Akshaya Tritiya is an auspicious Hindu festival celebrated annually in India and some other countries. It falls on the third lunar day of the bright half (Shukla Paksha) of the Hindu month of Vaishakha. "Akshaya" means eternal or never diminishing, and "Tritiya" refers to the third lunar day.
The festival holds significant spiritual and cultural importance. It is believed that any meaningful activity started on this day will be fruitful and bring prosperity and good fortune. Many people buy gold, start new ventures, make investments, or initiate weddings and other important ceremonies on Akshaya Tritiya.
In addition to its financial connotations, Akshaya Tritiya is also a day of charity and spiritual practices. Devotees visit temples, perform rituals, and offer prayers seeking blessings for a prosperous and fulfilling life.
The exact traditions and customs associated with Akshaya Tritiya can vary based on regional and familial traditions, but the overarching theme of prosperity and auspiciousness remains central to the celebration.
Te Kamala Sithta
Tam Devem Prehayasu Twam Madgruhe
Te Namo Namah”
Myths and Legends Associated with Akshaya Tritiya
Akshaya Tritiya is also referred to as a golden day of eternal success because the Golden Age or the first of the four Yugas - Satyayug is believed to have begun on this day. Akha Teej also marks the birthday of the sixth incarnation of Lord Vishnu - Lord Parashuram. The auspicious day also holds special importance as it is believed that the holy river Ganga also descended on Earth from heaven on this very day. According to one legend, Vedavyas along with Lord Ganesha, started writing the great Hindu scriptures, Mahabharatha on the eve of Akshaya Tritiya. The first Tirthankar in Jainism - Bhagwan Rishabdev also broke his fasting spell of one year by taking juice on the day of Akha Teej. Akshaya Tritiya is also called Navanna Parvam.
This day falling in conjunction with the Rohini star is considered more auspicious than any other Akshaya Trithiya date. The impact of Akshaya Tritiya on people's lives is more prominent when it falls on a Monday. People give in a lot of charity on this day to gain maximum blessings from the Lord.
Legends even have that it was on this day that Sudama visited Lord Krishna to greet him with puffed rice. Also, on this day, Draupadi was protected by Krishna when Dushasana tried to unveil her in his royal court. However, the custodian of wealth and property, Kubera, is regarded as the wealthiest of all. It is said that he received this position by praying to Lord Shiva on the day of Akshaya Tritiya.
Akshaya Tritiya is rich in mythology and legends, each adding depth to its significance. Here are a few prominent ones:
Mahabharata Connection: According to one legend, it is believed that the Pandavas received the Akshaya Patra, a magical vessel that provided an endless supply of food, on this day from Lord Krishna during their exile in the forest. This miraculous vessel sustained them during their years in hiding.
Kubera's Golden City: Another legend is associated with Kubera, the god of wealth. It is said that on Akshaya Tritiya, Kubera prayed to Goddess Lakshmi, who blessed him with unlimited wealth and prosperity. Thus, many people believe that buying gold on this day brings continuous prosperity.
Satyavrata and Lord Vishnu: There's a legend that traces Akshaya Tritiya back to the time of Satyavrata (also known as Lord Vishnu's incarnation as Matsya, the fish). It is said that he saved the Vedas from being submerged during the great flood. His act of devotion and righteousness on this day earned it the name "Akshaya Tritiya," symbolizing eternal virtue.
Ganges Descending to Earth: Hindu mythology suggests that the Ganges river descended to Earth from the heavens on Akshaya Tritiya. Devotees believe that taking a dip in the Ganges or performing rituals on its banks on this day cleanses sins and ensures prosperity.
Beginning of Treta Yuga: Some scriptures suggest that Akshaya Tritiya marks the beginning of Treta Yuga, one of the four ages (Yugas) in Hindu cosmology. Treta Yuga is associated with the reign of Lord Rama, who exemplified righteousness and dharma. Hence, this day is considered auspicious for embarking on new ventures or activities.
Akshaya Tritiya Puja Method
Akshaya Tritiya Celebrations Across India
Inspired by the birthday of Lord Parshurama, Kerala and Goa are still famous by the name of Parushurama Kshetra. It is the day when Rath Yatra begins in the Puri region of Orisha. Many devotees take holy dips in the Ganges and fasts are kept to impress Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Vishnu. In Bengal, HalKhata is performed after praying to Lord Ganesha and Goddess Lakshmi. The Jat families celebrate this day by going to their fields early in the morning. It is also a very auspicious day to get married.
Jains worship the image of Lord Rishabhadeva and bathe his idols with sugarcane juice and a special worship ritual is performed after that. A huge fair is organized in Hastinapur on this auspicious day wherein Jains from all over the globe come and break their fasts like Lord Rishabhadeva did once.
Performing puja (ritual worship) on Akshaya Tritiya involves several steps. Here's a basic outline of the puja method:
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Preparation: Clean the house and the area where the puja will be performed. Gather all the necessary puja items including idols or images of deities, incense sticks, flowers, fruits, sweets, camphor, sandalwood paste, turmeric powder, rice grains, water, and a clean cloth.
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Setup: Set up a clean altar or puja area facing east or north. Place a clean cloth on the altar and arrange the idols or images of deities, preferably of Lord Vishnu or Goddess Lakshmi, along with any other deities you worship.
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Invocation: Begin the puja by invoking the blessings of Lord Ganesha, the remover of obstacles. Chant the Ganesh Mantra and seek his blessings to ensure the success and prosperity of the puja.
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Offerings: Offer water for washing the deity's feet (paadyam), water for washing hands (arghyam), water for sipping (achamaniyam), and water for bathing (snanam). Offer flowers, incense, and light a lamp (deepam) as you recite prayers or mantras dedicated to the deities.
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Akshata (Turmeric Rice): Offer akshata (rice grains mixed with turmeric powder) on the deities while chanting mantras. This symbolizes prosperity and abundance.
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Prayers and Mantras: Recite prayers, stotras, or mantras dedicated to Lord Vishnu or Goddess Lakshmi. You can chant the Vishnu Sahasranama, Lakshmi Ashtottara Shatanama Stotram, or any other preferred prayers.
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Offerings of Fruits and Sweets: Offer fruits, sweets, or any other food items as naivedyam (offerings) to the deities. It is believed that the offerings become blessed and bring prosperity to the devotees.
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Aarti: Perform aarti (waving of lighted lamp) while singing devotional songs or reciting aarti mantras. Circulate the aarti plate or lamp in front of the deities in a clockwise direction.
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Prasad Distribution: Conclude the puja by distributing prasad (blessed food) to family members and guests.
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Closing Prayer: Offer a final prayer seeking the blessings of the deities for prosperity, success, and happiness in life.
इस आर्टिकल को हिंदी में पढ़ने के लिए यहां क्लिक करें
Akshaya Tritiya Celebrations