Akshaya Tritiya - All you need to know

Akshaya Tritiya, a revered festival in Hindu culture, celebrates abundance, prosperity, and eternal success. Held annually on the third lunar day of the bright half of the Hindu calendar month of Vaishakha, it holds deep significance in mythology and tradition. Read on to learn about the essence of Akshaya Tritiya, its origins, significance, customary practices, and rituals.

What is Akshaya Tritiya and what is the reason behind its celebration?

Akshaya Tritiya, also known as Akha Teej, derives its name from the Sanskrit words ‘Akshaya’ meaning eternal and ‘Tritiya’ referring to the third lunar day. This auspicious day is believed to mark the beginning of Treta Yuga, the second age in Hindu cosmology, and is associated with prosperity, growth, and good fortune. It is celebrated with fervour and devotion across India and among Hindu communities worldwide.

According to Hindu mythology, Akshaya Tritiya has several significant events associated with it. It is believed that on this day, Lord Parashurama, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu, was born. It also marks the day when Lord Krishna bestowed the Akshaya Patra, an inexhaustible vessel of food, upon the Pandavas during their exile in the Mahabharata. Additionally, it is believed that the river Ganges descended to earth on Akshaya Tritiya, making it an auspicious day for taking holy dips in sacred rivers.

What is special about Akshaya Tritiya?

The uniqueness of Akshaya Tritiya lies in its auspiciousness for initiating new ventures, making investments, and purchasing valuable assets like gold and property. It is believed that any actions taken on this day will yield continuous growth and prosperity. Additionally, acts of charity and spiritual pursuits are considered particularly meritorious on this day.

One of the most significant aspects of Akshaya Tritiya is its association with gold. It is believed that buying gold on this day brings endless prosperity and wealth to the buyer. Therefore, people purchase gold coins, jewellery, or utensils as an investment and to seek the blessings of Goddess Lakshmi, the deity of wealth and prosperity.

Apart from gold, investing in property or starting new ventures on Akshaya Tritiya is also considered highly auspicious. Many individuals use this day to make important financial decisions, sign contracts, or launch new business initiatives with the belief that they will flourish and grow manifold in the future.

What should we do on Akshaya Tritiya?

Devotees observe Akshaya Tritiya by waking up early, taking a ritual bath, and offering prayers to Lord Vishnu and Goddess Lakshmi. Purchasing gold, starting new ventures, performing pujas, giving alms, and fasting are common customs. Seeking blessings for wealth, success, and well-being is a prevalent theme among celebrants.

Rituals on Akshaya Tritiya vary across different regions of India, but the underlying essence remains the same that is invoking divine blessings for prosperity and abundance. In some regions, people visit temples dedicated to Lord Vishnu and Goddess Lakshmi, while in others, they perform elaborate rituals at home or in community gatherings.

One of the popular customs on Akshaya Tritiya is performing charity or acts of kindness. Donating food, clothes, or money to the less fortunate is believed to earn merit and bring blessings from the divine. Many people also organise feeding programs or distribute essential supplies to the needy on this auspicious day.

Fasting is another common practice observed by devotees on Akshaya Tritiya. Some people observe a complete fast, abstaining from food and water, while others opt for a partial fast by consuming fruits and milk. Fasting is believed to purify the mind and body, allowing individuals to connect more deeply with the divine and receive blessings for prosperity and well-being.

What not to do on Akshaya Tritiya?

To preserve the sanctity of Akshaya Tritiya, individuals are advised against engaging in negative actions, consuming alcohol, or indulging in conflicts. Such behaviours may counteract the positive energies associated with the day and hinder the desired outcomes of prosperity and abundance.

Additionally, it is recommended to avoid borrowing or lending money on Akshaya Tritiya, as it is believed to bring financial instability and debt. Instead, focus on making wise investments and prudent financial decisions that will yield long-term benefits and growth.

While indulging in celebrations and festivities, it is essential to maintain a spirit of humility and gratitude. Arrogance or egoistic behaviour can detract from the auspiciousness of the day and hinder the blessings of the divine. Therefore, it is advisable to approach Akshaya Tritiya with a pure heart and a humble attitude, seeking blessings for self and others.

How to do Akshaya Tritiya puja at home?

For those performing Akshaya Tritiya puja at home, creating a clean and sacred space adorned with images or idols of Lord Vishnu and Goddess Lakshmi is customary. Offerings of flowers, fruits, sweets, and incense, accompanied by chants and prayers, form the essence of the puja. Concluding with aarti and sharing prasad with loved ones marks the completion of the auspicious ceremony.

Puja rituals may vary depending on regional customs and family traditions. Some devotees perform elaborate rituals with mantras and hymns, while others opt for simpler prayers with heartfelt devotion. The key is to perform the puja with sincerity and devotion, seeking the blessings of the divine for prosperity, happiness, and well-being.

Akshaya Tritiya epitomises the eternal flow of prosperity and blessings, inspiring individuals to embark on new beginnings with optimism and faith. Through traditional rituals and observances, devotees seek divine blessings for enduring success, happiness, and fulfilment.