Akshaya Tritiya is a very auspicious day for the Hindus and it is said that there is no need to look for a muhurat on this day. This day falls on the third day of the bright half of Vaishakh month. According to Gregorian calendar it corresponds to April-May. Akshaya Tritiya also known as Akha Teej is highly auspicious and this day is believed to bring good luck and success. On this day the sun and moon are equally radiant and this bright phenomenon happens only once a year and is astrologically considered the perfect time to start any meaningful endeavour. Akshaya means never diminishing and any venture initiated on the auspicious day of Akshaya Tritiya continues to grow and bring prosperity.
Akshaya Tritiya Significance
Many mythological events are associated with this day. It was on this day that lord Ganesh began to write the Mahabharata to Veda Vyasa's dictation. This day also marks the birthday of Lord Parshuram, the sixth incarnation of Lord Vishnu. It is also believed that the Pandavas were given Akshaya Patra by Krishna which supplied them with unlimited food on this day. This day also marks the beginning of the Treta Yug. It was on this day that Ganga descended from heaven and Kubera also became the custodian of wealth and prosperity along with Goddess Laxmi on this day.
However the most famous story associated with day is that of lord Krishna and Sudama. Sudama who was the poor friend of Krishna came to the lord to seek financial help. Sudama having nothing to offer to Krishna brought a handful of beaten rice. However Krishna relished it and treated Sudama like a king. Touched by Krishna’s hospitality Sudama returned back to his hut without asking for help only to find a palace in place of his humble hut and he was showered with immense wealth.
This day is also of special significance to Jains because they believe that it was on this the king turned monk Rishabhdeva broke his yearlong fast with sugarcane juice offered to him.
Akshaya Tritiya Rituals
This day is considered to be very suspicious to start a new venture or buying valuables. This day is ruled by lord Vishnu and it is believed that he being the preserver preserves what has been started on this day in the long run. And valuables bought on this day are considered to bring success or good fortune. So many people buy gold on this day as this signifies prosperity and by buying gold on this it is a belief that it will never diminish and would continue to grow or appreciate.
On this day people worship Mahalaxmi as it is believed that she will give the blessing of never ending wealth. Charity is also an important aspect on this day because of the belief that anything donated on this day produces great returns and multiplies many times over. There are specific items that are given as charity like poor feedings at certain temples, cow and calf, land, gold, umbrellas, hand fans, and cool refreshing drinks. Departed souls are also remembered on this day.