One of India’s most auspicious festivals is Akshaya Tritiya. For Hindus and Jains, the day is exceedingly fortunate and holy, also referred to as Akha Teej. Akshaya Tritiya is a Sanskrit word meaning “never decreasing” (Akshaya) & “third phase of the moon” (Tritiya), and it refers to the ‘third day of continuous prosperity.’ According to the Hindu calendar, Akshaya Tritiya occurs on the third tithi (lunar day) of the Shukla Paksha of Vaisakha each year. It occurs in April or May.
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According to Drik Panchang, buying silver or gold on this day brings success and good luck. People also donate essential products to the less fortunate.
History of Akshaya Tritiya
This day commemorates several significant events in mythology and ancient history: the festival of Akshaya Tritiya has a long and illustrious history, and as a result, different tales are associated with its commemoration in Hinduism.
1. Goddess Annapurna’s Birth: According to legend, Annapurna, the Goddess of Food, was born on this blessed day. Annapurna is among Goddess Parvati’s numerous forms. Lord Shiva once pretended to be a beggar to obtain food from Goddess Annapurna. Lord Shiva is reported to have been fed by the Goddess herself.
2. Sudama and Krishna: Lord Krishna & his best friend Sudama met on Akshaya Tritiya. Sudama traveled to Lord Krishna’s palace with a handful of rice to seek financial assistance. Athithi Devo Bhava, meaning ‘Guest is God,’ was an old Hindu concept Lord Krishna followed. As a result, he treated Sudama like a king. Sudama couldn’t ask for anything after witnessing Lord Krishna’s extravagant hospitality, so he returned home empty-handed. However, he discovered that his modest cottage had grown into a large palace when he returned.
3. The Mahabharata Connection: According to legend, Lord Ganesha dictated the Hindu epic Mahabharata to Ved Vyas on Akshaya Tritiya.
Yudhishthira was a character in the Mahabharata. He was Dharma’s son and the eldest of the five brothers (Pandavas). Lord Krishna presented Yudhistir with the Akshaya Patra bowl at Thirumanthurai Temple. The dish was claimed to provide an endless supply of food. Yudhishtar used to use this bowl to assist and feed the needy. On Akshaya Tritiya, Yudhishtar received the bowl from Lord Shri Krishna.
4. Ganges Legend: According to legends, the sacred river Ganga descended from heaven to earth on the day of Akshaya Tritiya.
5. Kubera’s Appointment: By worshiping Lord Shiva on the day of Akshaya Tritiya, Kubera – the Heavenly Banker – was bestowed with great wealth. Lord Shiva also blessed Laxmi, the Goddess of Wealth, on the same day. Goddess Laxmi and Kubera were both given the role of fortune and prosperity custodians.
6. This day is observed in Jainism to honor Lord Adinatha, their first among twenty four Tirthankaras of Jainism who is also known as RishabhDeva. He was the founder of Ikshvaku Dynasty.
7. Lord Parasurama’s Birth: The day of Lord Parasurama’s birth is known as Akshaya Tritiya. Lord Parasurama is supposed to have been born on the auspicious day of Akshaya Tritiya. He is Lord Vishnu’s sixth incarnation. As per the Puranic traditions, Lord Parasurama was the one who regained land from the sea.
8. Puranic Mythology: In ancient times, a merchant was so poor that he could only eat one meal a day. Despite this, he was deeply religious. The elders told him about the magnificence of Akshaya Tritiya after seeing his dedication to the Almighty. On the day of Akshaya Tritiya, the poor merchant followed their counsel and awoke early. He then bathed and went out to give needy Brahmins food, sugarcane juice, money, and milk. Due to his diligent efforts, he was born Kushapathy Chakravarthy in his next birth.
Importance of Akshaya Tritiya in Hindu Religion?
Purchasing gold and silver on this day is regarded as highly auspicious. This is because these metals represent Goddess Lakshmi. If you invest in gold or silver during this festival, the Goddess will shower you with an abundance of wealth and prosperity. Therefore, you should be aware of the significance of Akshaya Tritiya.
You do not need to worry about a muhurta if you practice Griha Pravesh on Akshaya Tritiya. You are welcome to see the new apartment at any time of day. Donating to charity on Akshaya Tritiya is also supposed to have several favorable consequences in the donor’s life. Also, if you start a new business on Akshaya Tritiya, it will almost likely succeed. On Akshaya Tritiya, many individuals feed cows to wash away their misdeeds.
On this day, it is also considered sacred to chant the Lord’s name, fast, or practice spiritual or religious beliefs. Many people seek the heavenly blessings of Lord Vishnu & his loving Goddess Lakshmi by praying to them.
According to Drik Panchang, on this blessed day, believers not only acquire wealth and start new enterprises but also marry their favored companions. Weddings on Akshaya Tritiya are considered auspicious because Lord Sundaresa married Goddess Madhura on this day.
According to the worshipers, Lord Kubera, the Lord of Money, begged Goddess Lakshmi, especially on the festival of Akshay Tritiya, which resulted in a plentiful rain of wealth and money falling on him.
This day marks the beginning of the harvest season in Eastern India. Also, Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Ganesha are worshiped by business people before beginning a new audit book for the next fiscal year. This is termed ‘halkhata. ‘Many think about buying gold or making new investments in Akshay Tritiya.
So the start of a new trade or business on Akha Teej is also considered very auspicious. On this day, Jains complete their year-long Tapasya and conclude their worship by sipping sugarcane juice as done by their first Jina Rishabhdeva who was also given sugarcane juice by the King Shreyans after his one year of fasting meditation. Spiritual exercises, meditation, and chanting sacred mantras are crucial for ensuring good luck in the future.
On this day, followers of Lord Krishna cremate the shrine with sandalwood paste. It is thought that if this is done, the person will go to heaven after death.
When is Akshaya Tritiya in 2022?
On 3rd May 2022, Akshaya Tritiya 2022 in India will be observed. On the Tritiya Tithi of Shukla Paksha, of the Vaishakh Month, Akshay Tritiya is celebrated. In several regions of the country, Akshaya Tritiya 2022 will be observed with enormous enthusiasm. It is called by several names in different places, including Akha Teej. Sense the word ‘Akshay’ implies ‘everlasting,’ Akshaya Tritiya promises everyone perpetual wealth, prosperity, happiness, blessings, and joy.
Akshaya Tritiya Muhurat
1. Akshay Tritiya is observed on the day when the Tritiya Tithi of the vibrant half of Vaishakh is in effect during the Purvahan Kaal.
2. If Tritiya covers the Purvahan for two days in a row, the 2nd day would be considered the event. However, some individuals believe that it could only be observed on the second if Tritiya Tithi is present for more than three Muhurats on that day.
3. The auspiciousness of Akshay Tritiya increases dramatically if it takes place on Monday or Wednesday in conjunction with Rohini Nakshatra.
How to celebrate Akshaya Tritiya?
It is not difficult to perform Akshaya Tritiya Puja. Akha Teej is an important festival celebrated in Odisha, Maharashtra, West Bengal, and Uttar Pradesh. On the other hand, these regions commemorate the holiday with diverse rites and customs. Follow the instructions below to do Akshaya Tritiya Pooja.
At home
Those who fast on this day must get up early in the morning and dress in yellow. At home, bathe Vishnu’s idol in Gangajal and present Tulsi, a yellow flower garland, or simply yellow flowers. Next, light incense and a Ghee wick lamp, and take a seat on a yellow cushion. Recite texts about Vishnu, such as Vishnu Sahasranama and Vishnu Chalisa. In the end, sing the Vishnu Ji Aarti. Additionally, if the worshiper could donate money or food to the needy, it would yield excellent results.
Odisha
The famous Chandan Yatra begins on Akshaya Tritiya. This beautiful day is known as ‘Muthi Chhuan’ in western Odisha. The occasion celebrates the beginning of the creation of carts for the major Rath Yatra parade in Odisha. The intake of green leaves is prohibited on this day. On this day, farmers also sow seeds.
Maharashtra
Even in Maharashtra, women celebrate this holy event with much fanfare. First, women pray for their husbands’ health and long lives. Then, they swap Haldi (turmeric) & Kumkum as part of a ritual (vermilion). Haldi & Kumkum are both associated with marital prosperity. Not only that, but they also worship Goddess Parvati and offer sweets and fruits to her.
West Bengal
The Akshaya Tritiya holiday is celebrated with great zeal and dedication in West Bengal. On this day, people buy long-term investments like gold and silver. Moreover, people in business undertake religious functions & puja to praise Goddess Lakshmi to bring success and prosperity to their businesses.
Uttar Pradesh
Akshaya Tritiya is among the essential celebrations in Uttar Pradesh, a North Indian state. On this day of the year, the presiding deity’s feet are displayed in Vrindavan’s Banke Bihari Temple. The day of Akha Teej, according to legend, is the day of the creation and so has such a high holy value. Sandalwood paste is used to decorate Lord Krishna’s idols. Cucumber, aamras, juice, and laddoos prepared of sattu are also offered as sacred offerings to the deity.
Akshaya Tritiya delicasies
In addition to praying for blessings through numerous rites, worshippers participate in the celebrations by dining on traditional dishes. Here are a few Akshaya Tritiya recipes for nutritious, classic snacks that you may prepare for your family.
1. Crispy Chaklis
It is a deep-fried snack consisting of rice flour, gram flour, wheat flour, or lentil flour. It’s just what you need to satisfy your appetite in the evening.
2. Lauki Halwa
Lauki Halwa, also known as Dudhi, is a delicious Indian delicacy prepared from a bottle gourd. While many people dislike this vegetable, the meal is reported to be outstanding. You’ll love making it with this recipe because it’s delicious and easy to make.
3. Gujiyas
Gujiya is a delicious sweet dumpling that is traditionally made for Holi, and it is also standard on Akshaya Tritiya. It’s made with all-purpose flour and loaded with mawa & dry fruits for a beautiful tart twist.
4. Malpua
Malpua, a famous Indian treat, is a pancake made with refined wheat and milk that is deep-fried, drowned in sugar syrup, and decorated with dry fruits. It is effortless and quick to prepare. Malpua is a traditional sweet dish served on special occasions.
What to buy on Akshaya Tritiya?
People from all around the nation buy silver and gold on this day. They even make investments in real estate and other materials. Let’s look at the importance of buying silver and gold and what else you can buy on this holy day.
The Importance of Buying Gold and Silver
The entire day is said to be fortunate on Akshaya Tritiya. Purchasing metals such as silver, gold, and other jewelry on this day is thought to bring good fortune. It is believed that getting expensive stuff home invites Goddess Lakshmi to one’s home. Hindu devotees seek the graces of Goddess Lakshmi by presenting her with new metal. She is the fortune and prosperity goddess.
On this day, one could start a new enterprise. People can buy houses, automobiles, and other jewelry in addition to gold and silver. They can also invest their funds in different areas of finance. It is stated that whatever is purchased on this day will last forever.
Conclusion
On this day, people perform puja, fast, & prepare ‘Akshate’ to offer to Lord Vishnu in exchange for good fortune. Unbroken rice grains are covered with Haldi & Kumkum to make ‘Akshate.’ Gold, silver, technology, vehicles, and other commodities are also purchased to represent prosperity and happiness in people’s life.
Furthermore, these devotees prepare ‘naivedyam,’ commonly referred to as ‘bhog,’ and present it to Lord Ganesha, Lord Vishnu, and the household gods. The meal cooked to serve to the gods varies according to location.
