Dawn of Akshaya Tritiya heralds a time of the utmost blessings

AKSHAYA Tritiya is a day a person’s prosperity is amplified. This year, it falls on April 18.

The day, also known as Akha Teej, is regarded as one that bestows the utmost blessings on Hindu devotees. So it is celebrated with gusto.

This special annual occasion occurs when the sun and the moon are exalted, at the peak of their astrological power, which usually happens either late in April or early in May.

It coincides with Shukla Paksha Tritiya in the month of Vaishakha, according to the traditional Hindu calendar.

Derived from the Sanskrit word Akshaya, which means never-diminishing, imperishable and eternal, the day is believed to bring good luck and success.

Thus, every moment of it is regarded as precious.

It is believed that sacred deeds – punya karya – performed on this day never go unnoticed and that starting a new business venture or investing in valuable commodities at this time yields a healthy return on investment.

The day is a good time to make resolutions and for marriage. Chanting (jaap) and charitable deeds on the day are believed to earn a person eternal rewards. Legends:

Lord Parashurama, the sixth incarnation of Lord Vishnu, was born on this day.

According to Puran,

MAHESH BANG

Satyuga and Tretayuga were started on this day.

The sacred River Ganges descended from heaven to Earth on this day.

Lord Krishna and Sudama were childhood friends. Sudama was poor and sought financial aid from Krishna but could offer only a pouch of poha (rice) when he greeted Krishna.

Ashamed of his meagre offering to the source of all material things, Sudama was so overwhelmed by the hospitality he was shown he could not bring himself to ask for the support he needed.

So he went home emptyhanded. When he got home, his hut had turned into a palace and his family wore royal clothes.

Sudama knew this was a blessing from his friend, Krishna, who blessed him with immense wealth. That is why Akshaya Tritiya is associated with material gain.

During the Mahabharat, when the Pandavas were in exile, Lord Krishna, on this day, presented them with an Akshaya Patra, a divine bowl that provided an endless food supply.

Worshipping Lord Krishna, with true love and devotion will ensure you are always favoured and prosperous.

Ved-vyas, the great sage, and Lord Ganesha started writing the epic Mahabharat on this day.

Every year, the gates of the Badrinath Temple (major aspect of the Char Dham pilgrimage) open on this day for six months.

Of all the holy pilgrimages, a visit to Badrinath is regarded as the most exceptional. Lord Vishnu resides at this temple and people who visit it are believed to secure relief from sin, worry, greed and grief. Praying here provides a pathway to heaven. Things to do:

According to astrology, it is important for families to dine together, sharing a vegetarian meal, on this day. This will strengthen family bonds.

It is advisable t to eat “khichdi” with ghee because it helps to boost prosperity.

Bathing in the Ganges, doing the Vishnu pooja or any other prayer and undertaking charitable work on this day ensure never-ending prosperity.

If the Lakshmi pooja is done on this day, it leads to prosperity.

Feeding the poor on this day elicits blessings.

The day is regarded as perfect for venturing into business because growth and prosperity will result.

In India, the most gold items are sold on this day each year.

More weddings take place on this day in India than on any other as it is believed such ties are eternal.

It is believed people born at this time lead exceptional lives.

Readers can send their name and surname, religion, date, place and time of birth and the advice they require to: Mahesh Bang, Tribune Herald, PO Box 47549, Greyville, 4023, or e-mail tribuneherald@inl.co.za or call him at: 083 659 2277 or 031 401 8888