A day to celebrate with much vigour

“Akshaya Tritiya” is the day on which your prosperity multiplies and this year it will be celebrated on May 14.

It is also known as Akha Teej, and is one of the most auspicious days for those who follow Hinduism.

Usually this day is celebrated with much vigour and reverence.

It’s a special occasion that occurs once every year whereby the sun and the moon are in exalted positions, at the peak of their astrological power, which usually happens in the month of late April to early May.

It falls during 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 of which every moment is auspicious.

It is believed that sacred deeds (Punya Karya) performed on this day never go unnoticed and that starting a new venture or investing in valuables doesn’t end without fruitful rewards. Hence the benefits of doing any Jaap (chanting) and charity on this day never diminish and remain with the person forever.

Legends:

There are many mythological legends that are attached to the day.

1. One legend has it that on this day, Lord Parashurama, the sixth incarnation of Lord Vishnu, was born.

2. According to the Puranas, Satyuga and Tretayuga were started on this day.

3. The sacred river Ganges descended from heaven on to earth, on this day.

4. The most popular story regarding the celebration of Akshaya Tritiya is that Lord Krishna and Sudama were friends during their childhood. Sudama, being poor, went to Krishna to ask him for some financial help. Sudama did not have anything else except the pouch of Poha (rice) on greeting him.

He felt ashamed when he gave it to Krishna because he gives a handful rice to one who is the source of all. Sudama was then so overwhelmed by the hospitality shown by Lord Krishna that he could not ask his friend for financial support which led him to go home empty-handed.

When he arrived at his home, he saw that his hut was converted into a palace and his family were wearing royal attire. Sudama knew that this was the blessing of his friend Krishna who had blessed him with immense wealth.

This is why Akshaya Tritiya is associated with material gains.

5. According to another legend, during the time of the Mahabharat, when the Pandavas were in exile, Lord Krishna, on this day, presented them an “Akshaya Patra”, a divine bowl which would never go empty and produce an unlimited supply of food on demands. Worshipping Lord Krishna with true love and devotion will always keep you favoured by prosperity.

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

7. Every year, the gates of the Badrinath temple (major part of the Char Dham pilgrimage) opened on this day for six months. Of all pilgrimages, a visit to Badrinath is something every human should do. Lord Vishnu resides here.

One who visits this temple is relieved of numerous sins, worry, greed and grief. Prayers done here lead one to heaven.

Things to do:

1. According to astrology, it is important on this day for a family to dine together with a vegetarian meal. It will strengthen the family bond and always maintain unity among each other. Be a vegetarian on this day. It is considered good to eat “khichdi” made with ghee on this day as it increases prosperity.

2. The benefits of taking a bath in the Ganga river, doing Vishnu pooja (prayer) or any prayers or charity work on this day, never diminish and they prove fruitful.

3. If Lakshmi pooja is done on this day, it brings prosperity.

4. Feeding the poor on considered auspicious.

5. The day is considered auspicious for starting new ventures. It’s said that any venture initiated on the auspicious day of Akshaya Tritiya will continue to grow and bring prosperity. This applies to starting a spiritual sadhana, setting up a new business, starting construction for a project, buying property, gold or any jewellery, wedding celebration or beginning resolutions. this day is

Facts:

1. In India, the highest sale of gold of the year takes place on this day.

2. The largest number of weddings occur on Akha Teej in India. It is believed that the marriage will be eternal.

3. It is also believed that people born during this time shine bright in their life.