Akshaya Tritiya is a special day propitious for new beginnings, for starting any big task. It is a day which brings prosperity to those who do Akshaya Tritiya Lakshmi Puja.
What is Akshaya Tritiya?
This special day falls on the third day of the brighter phase of the moon, in the Vaishaka or Chaitra Masa – The Tritiya of the Shukla Paksha in Chaitra Masa. This day is special to Hindus and Jains.
Akshaya means undiminished. Consequently, Hindus believe that anything begun on this day will experience good growth and will not end in failure. Hence, businessmen consider this an auspicious day to start new ventures. Many also choose this day to conduct marriages, to invest in gold, real estate, etc.
Akshaya Tritiya Significance
Hindus associate this day with many special legends:
Akshaya Tritiya importance for Jains – The First Thirthanakara, Rishabhadeva, broke his one-year-long period of asceticism on this day by drinking a little sugarcane juice.
History of This Festival
Akshaya Tritiya history goes back to puranic times:
Birth of Parasurama and Annapurna
Parashurama is the sixth Avatara of Lord Vishnu. He was born on this day, so it is also celebrated as Parashurama Jayanti.
The Goddess of Food, Devi Annapurna appeared on this day. She is also the dispenser of food for all creatures in the world.
Kubera
On this day, the Yaksha Kubera became the custodian of all wealth. So, those who seek wealth also worship him along with Sri Lakshmi Devi.
The Akshaya Patra: During their exile, Draupadi received the Akshaya Patra from Surya Deva on this day, which enabled them to feed all the visitors who came to see them.
Other Special Events On This Day
The Beginning of Krita Yuga: In the eternal cycle of time, the first of the four yugas, the Krita Yuga or Satya Yuga begins on this day.
River Ganges: The holy river, Ganga, descended to Earth from Heaven on Akshaya Tritiya.
Radiant Day: On this day, both the sun during the day and the moon at night are at their brightest. This is one of the reasons Akshaya Tritiya is considered so auspicious.
Puri Jagannath: In Odisha, the construction of the huge chariot for the Puri Jannath rath yatra begins on Akshaya Tritiya Day each year
The Writing of Mahabharata: Veda Vyasa began to dictate the Mahabharata on this day to Lord Ganesha who acted as his scribe.
Krishna and Sudama: Sudama was a close friend of Krishna when they were studying together at Sandipani Maharishi’s Ashram.
Years later, Sudama is a married man, unable to take care of his family due to poverty. So, on his wife’s advice, he decides to seek Krishna’s help. Krishna welcomes his friend with great joy. Sudama, overwhelmed by the love, affection, and attention showered on him by Krishna and Rukmini, forgets to ask for anything.
When Sudama returns home, he finds his house transformed into a palace, they have become wealthy beyond dreams. He then realizes Krishna has blessed him with all these riches without being asked. Sudama still continues to live as an ascetic amidst all these riches.
It is believed Sudama was blessed with wealth on Akshaya Tritiya day.
What You Should Do on This Day – Akshaya Tritiya Rituals
The most common practice now is to buy gold on Akshaya Tritiya as people believe that it will make them more prosperous.
However, Akshaya Tritiya is a day to give more than to receive. It also a day to offer prayers to Sri Mahalakshmi, the giver of wealth.
Akshaya Tritiya Lakshmi Puja
On this day, you should do Lakshmi Puja, thanking Devi Mahalakshmi for all the blessings you have received. Many people do Vishnu-Lakshmi Puja or Kuber Lakshmi Puja.
Some people also perform a grand Akshaya Tritiya Lakshmi Puja – the Sundara Mahalakshmi Puja. In this puja, Priests chant the 1008 divine names of Sri Mahalakshmi.
You can also do Akshaya Tritiya Lakshmi puja bu just chanting a special name of Vishnu and a special name of Mahalakshmi a few times and offering flowers and tulsi leaves.
Other Pujas
Gaja Puja: Worshipping the elephant brings prosperity and also enables to you face and overcome any challenge.
Ashwa Puja: Worshiping the horse brings positive energy and fortitude.
Go Puja: The cow is a symbol of the mother, of love, and generosity. Worshipping the cow also endows you with these qualities and also peace and calm.
Akshaya Tritiya is a day when you can make some special donations:
Ceremonial Donations on Akshaya Tritiya Lakshmi Puja
- Giving water to those who are thirsty, along with betel nuts, is a good practice
- Gifting a bed brings you happiness and prosperity
- Udakumbha Dhinam: Giving a silver or bronze pot filled with water mixed with herbs ensures a good marriage and good children.
- Giving kumkum ensures wealth and auspiciousness in life
- Donating footwear prevents the giver from going to hell
- Donating curd rice gets rid of all negativity
Summing up Akshaya Tritiya Facts
Akshaya Tritiya is a day of special significance for Jains and Hindus. It is a day for praying to Sri Mahalakshmi, for starting new ventures. Sharing your wealth with the poor pleases Goddess Lakshmi who will bless you with good fortune and wealth. Ashaya Tritiya wishes to those who are looking forward to this day which next comes around in April of 2020.
