Akshaya Tritiya

Being blessed with eternal luck, prosperity and success is truly a matter of great privilege for any person. Hinduism always believes in the concept of ‘Shubharambh’ or ‘Auspicious Beginning’ for any new endeavour and that is why we look for dates and exact times for a new beginning. Akshaya Tritiya is such a date that brings imperishable fortune for a new beginning. Every year, this day is celebrated with several rituals, Pujas and other conventions like buying gold, making donations etc. Akshaya Tritiya is the third day of the waxing phase or Shukla Paksha of the moon in the Hindu month of Vaisakh. The day, also known as Akha Teej in many parts of India is celebrated in different ways.

Significance of Akshaya Tritiya

The spiritually significant day of Akshaya Tritiya is not just asking for wealth and prosperity. We celebrate this day for the everlasting enlightenment of our souls and mind. The word ‘Akshaya’ which has its origin in Sanskrit means eternal, imperishable or inexhaustible. Akshaya Tritiya has several religious as well as mythological significances attached to it.

• According to the Vedic scriptures, the Treta Yuga began from this date.
• Hindu Mythology says, Lord Vishnu incarnated in his sixth Avatar ‘Parashurama’ on this date.
• Akshaya Tritiya is also celebrated as the birth of Goddess Annapurna.
• It is said that the holy river Ganga descended on the earth on this day.
• On this day, Sudama, the dear friend of Lord Krishna visited him and offered Aval (Poha) to him and never spoke about his poverty. However, knowing everything, Lord Krishna blessed him with wealth.
• On Akshaya Tritiya, Lord Krishna offered the ‘Akshaya Patra’ to the Pandava Queen Draupadi during their exile, so that they can have bountiful food always.
• Veda Vyas along with Lord Ganesha began writing the epic ‘Mahabharata’ on this day.
• The Rathayatra of Lord Jagannath in Puri begins on this day with the beginning of chariot construction.

 

Akshaya Tritiya has a great astrological significance too. It is said that on this day, the third day of the Shukla Paksha of the Vaishaka month of the Hindu calendar (April-May), the planet Sun that represents our Atma, Soul and the planet Moon which signifies our mind, both are exalted,

This indicates that on Akshaya Tritiya, both our soul and mind will be in their highest and purest state of consciousness. Hence, astrologically it is regarded as the brightest day of the year when one can get the best of fortunes by the blessings of Lord Vishnu, Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Kuber.

Akshaya Tritiya Celebrations

Hindu followers celebrate Akshaya Tritiya with great devotion and respect. Many of them keep a day-long fast and then pray to Lord Vishnu and Goddess Lakshmi along with Lord Kuber for financial prosperity and good fortune. Yellow being the favorite color of Lord Vishnu, devotees often sit for the Pujas in yellow clothes. Flowers and basil or Tulsi leaves are offered. Many devotees also worship Lord Krishna. Taking a holy bath in the Ganga is also a common practice on Akshaya Tritiya.

Apart from starting a new venture like opening a store or making investments, Akshaya Tritiya is also a special day for buying gold or other valuable metals. Gold purchase is a symbol of good fortune and opulence that enhances with time, signifying Akshaya or inexhaustible luck. That is why purchasing gold is a common practice on the day of Akshaya Tritiya.

However, the significance of this auspicious day is not confined to buying or investing only. It is the day for donation, in line with the principles of ‘Akshayapatra’ or the bountiful bowl. The devotees donate money, food, clothes or other things to needy people to help them. Ghee, sugar, fruits, and grains are the common food items that are donated. The act of charity has great significance in the Hindu religion. It is believed that one who genuinely participates in charity can cure any evil doings.

Offering prayers to the departed forefathers is also performed on this day. Offering Til Tarpan to our forefathers on this day as a symbol of gratitude and respect is a common practice on Akshaye Tritiya. By doing this, we repay our debt to the forefathers and get their blessings.

Akshaya Tritiya 2023 Timings

This year, Akshaya Tritiya is on Saturday, April 22. The Puja Muhurat begins at 07:49 AM and continues till 12:20 PM.

The Tithi begins at 07:49 AM on April 22 and ends at 07:47 AM on April 23, 2023.

While one has to perform the Pujas by 12:20 PM on Saturday, gold purchase time is between 07:49 AM on April 22 to 07:47 AM on April 23.

Akshaya Tritiya is all about never-ending fortune or good deeds. The auspicious day brings with it the promise of a prosperous, happy and peaceful future. We pray to God to grant us a fortune and bless us with a happy and growing life, a life that takes a step forward towards self-good as well as the welfare of society at large.

Akshaya Tritiya is considered as a major festival in Sanatan Hindu Dharma. Buying gold, inaugurating new endeavors and donating to the needy are all parts of this festival. We not only think of ourselves, but also pay respect to our ancestors and extend our assistance to the needy.

I wish you and your family a very happy and prosperous future on this auspicious day.