Akshaya Tritiya ~ The Auspicious Day

Akshaya Tritiya, is considered to be a highly auspicious day in the Vedic Calendar which falls on the 3rd day of the new moon month [third Tithi of Sukhla Paksha] of Hindu month of Vaisakha [April – May]. Akshaya Trithiya is also known as Akha Teej festival. 

MahaVishnu

According to Hindu astrology it is said that there is no need to check for any good ‘muhurat’ or ‘muhurtham’ on Akshaya Tritiya as every second of Akshaya Trithiya day is favorable. In 2012, Akshaya Tritiya date is on Tuesday the 24th April 2012.

The word "Akshaya" , a Sanskrit word, literally means “imperishable” or “eternal” [one that never diminishes]. “Tritiya” stands for third day. On this day, the Sun and the Moon are in exaltation; they are simultaneously at their peak of brightness, which happens only once every year. It is believed starting a new activity or buying valuables on this day is considered to bring good luck, eternal prosperity and success. It is one of the most popular dates in Hindu calendar for marriages, for beginning new ventures, for investing and for purchasing valuables like gold and diamond. Marrying on Akshaya Tritiya brings good fortune, prosperity and longevity to the couple.

Myths and  Legends

There are several reasons for Akshaya Tritiya being considered auspicious. The birthday of the Hindu sage ‘Parasurama’, the sixth incarnation of Lord Vishnu falls on this day. According to Hindu Mythology, on this day the Treta Yuga began while 'Dharmasindhu' mentions this is the Adi Tithi of Sata Yuga. The river Ganga, the most holy and sacred river of India, descended to the earth from the heaven on this auspicious day.. Shri Balarama Jayanthi [birthday of Lord Sri Balaram] is also celebrated on the day of Akshaya Tirtiya. Balarama was the elder brother of Lord Sri Krishna. Lord Balarama is also referred as one of the Dasavatara, ten incarnations of Lord Vishnu. Sudama or Kuchela visiting Lord Krishna in Dwarka with a handful of beaten rice [poha or aval].

Veda Vyasa and Lord Ganesha initiated writing of "Mahabharata" on the day of Akshaya Tritiya . It was on this day that the Pandavas unearthed weapons that decided their victory over the Kauravas. Also, it is also believed that Goddess Vijaya Chamundeshwari killed Asura on this day. Lord Kubera, considered to be the lord of wealth. According to puranas Lord Kubera himself pray to Goddess Lakshmi on this day. For the Jains, it is a special day. Bhagvan Rishabhdev, the first ‘tirthankar’ broke his fast with sugarcane juice after fasting for whole year. Following his example, Jains celebrate this day by fasting. Temples for the pilgrims of Badri Kedar Yatra or the Char Dham Yatra, opens on the Akshaya Tritiya.

The Pandavas received the Akshaya Pathram [bowl] from Lord Krishna [in the Mahabharata] on this day. The food came in abundance, when they were in the forest. Due to this reason, people believe that anything that is acquired on this day will be replenished. This day is specially important as on this day any thing you donate is akshaya or never ending.

Sri Maha Lakshmi

Celebration on Akshaya Tritiya

Lord Vishnu and his incarnations are worshipped on the day. People also conduct Lakshmi puja on Akshaya Tritiya. A dip in the Ganges on this day is considered to be very auspicious. Buying gold on this day signifies never-diminishing money or wealth for the whole year. It is the best day to make auspicious beginnings so that they produce imperishable results.

The selfless act of daanam.

Things to do on Akshaya Tritiya

On this day, we have to perform Madhusudhana Puja  with Thulasi Archana chanting Vishu Sahasranaamam .  Besides this, some other Daanams are suggested on this day, as listed  below:

• 1.      Jala Daanam [ Water Daanam to Brahmin with betul nut and dakshina – For Wealth.
• 2.      Shyana Daanam [ giving bed] – It gives all happiness.
• 3.      Vasthra Daanam [ giving clothes] – Ayushyam –long life.
• 4.      Kunkum Daanam – It gives good position  in life and also long life for husband.
• 5.      Chandana Daanam – It avoids from Accidents.
• 6.      Thamboolam – It makes a man as ruler of the nation.
• 7.      Naarikela Daanam [Coconut Daanam] – Out last 7 Pithrus will get relief from Naraka.
• 8.      Butter Daanam – It is for Vidhya Praapthi.
• 9.      Udakumbha Daanam –Giving water in Bronze/Silver vessel –filling water with pacha Karpooram,saffron and thulasi, together with Betul nut and dakshina.  This gives Gaya Shrarddham phalan[benefit].  This is one of the most important daanam for those who wish to be married, people who want to get relieved off pithru saabham[curse], and also for those people who wish to be bestowed with a child.
• 10.  Padaraksha Daanam[Slippers] – This Daanam will avoid us from entering into Naraka.
• 11.  Chatra Daanam [ Umbrella] – This Daanam removes many obstacles in life.

Most of all this, we have to take bath in Mahanadhis i.e. Ganga, Yamuna, Godavari, Sindhu, Saraswathi, Narmada, Krishna, Bheemaradhi, Phalgu, Sarayu, Gandaki, Gomathi, Kauveri  before sunrise.  This gives immense Phalan[benefit].

One more Daanam is suggested on this day – Wheat Daanam – This is for the satisfaction of Indra.  Indra [Goddess] is the reason for getting rain and for growing many eatables on earth.  

That is why, Veda Mantra says:

“ Indra Shrshtaani Draveenani dehi shittim Dhakshasya Subhagathva masmey

Posham Rayeenaam  arishtim thanoonam Vachah Sudhinathva manham".

So, you may choose any Daanam or if possible give all Daanams to wash  our bad karmas.