Akshaya Trithiya

Akshaya Trithiya, or Akha Teej, is a highly auspicious day which falls on the third day after Amavasi (no moon) in the Hindu month of Vaishakha. In 2010, the date of Akshaya Trithiya is May 16. As per Hindu astrology and almanac, each second on the Akshaya Trithiya day is auspicious. It is said that there is no need to look for a ‘muhurat’ on the day. The word Akshaya means ‘that which never diminishes’ and the day is ideal for beginning new ventures as it is believed that all investments on this day appreciates.

Most Panchangs in North India except for Mithila Panchang has termed Akshay Tritiya 2010 as inauspicious - it is not good for marriages and other auspicious events. 

 

In a traditional Hindu lunar calendar, Akshay Tritiya is observed on the third day of Shukla Paksha (waxing phase of moon) in Vaishakh Month. 

It is believed that the sun and the moon are most radiant and best placed on the day. Therefore 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.

Parashuram Jayanti is also observed on Akshaya Tritiya day. There are numerous legends associated with Akshaya Tritiya; most popular is that of Sudama or Kuchela visiting Lord Krishna in Dwarka with a handful of beaten rice (poha or aval). 

Another legend suggests that the Pandavas received the Akshaya Pathram (bowl) from Lord Krishna (in the Mahabharata) on this day. 

It is also believed that Sage Vyasa began the composition of Mahabharata on the day.

Lord Vishnu and his incarnations are worshipped on the day. People also conduct Lakshmi puja on Akshaya Tritiya.

But nowadays, Akshaya Trithiya is associated with gold purchase and many people wait for the day to make investments in gold.

 Legends associated with Akshay Tritiya

Akshaya Tritiya is one of the most auspicious days in the Hindu calendar and is considered ideal for new beginning and investment. One of the most important legends associated with observing Akshaya Trithiya is that of Lord Krishna and Kuchela. Another significant mythology is that of the Pandavas receiving the Akshay Patra from Krishna. Interestingly, Lord Krishna plays and important part in the stories associated with Trittiya. 

In the most famous story associated Akshaya Tritiya, Kuchela, a poor Brahmin and schoolmate of Sri Krishna, visited Krishna with the intention of asking some financial favor. Kuchela, also known as Sudama, carried with him handful of poha or aval (beaten rice). On reaching, the palace of Krishna at Dwarka, Kuchela was ashamed to give the ‘poha’ to Krishna.

But the ever playful Krishna noticed the small bag in the hand of his schoolmate and soon grabbed it and ate a handful of ‘poha’. Kuchela could not believe his eyes, Krishna, the king, eating his poha.

It is said ‘Athiti Devo Bhava’ (Guest are equal to God) and Krishna treated Kuchela like a God. The poor Brahmin was so overwhelmed by the love shown by Krishna that he forgot to ask for financial help and returned home empty handed.

On reaching his village Sudama could not find his old hut. Instead his hut was replaced by a palace. His wife and children were wearing good clothes and everything that was old and worn out was replaced with new. 

It didn’t take long for Kuchela to realize that all this was the ‘leela’ of the ever-smiling Sri Krishna. The day Kuchela met Sri Krishna was hence observed as Akshaya Tritiya. 

Another legend happened in the Mahabharata. While the Pandavas were in exile, Sri Krishna presented them with an Akshaya Patra – a bowl which gives unlimited amount of food. It is believed that Krishna had presented it on a Trithiya day. Therefore it is believed that all investments on the day will only increase in value.

The day is also the birthday of Lord Parashuram, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu.

According to the Puranas, the day also marks the beginning to Treta Yuga. On this day, Veda Vyasa began the composition of the Mahabharata.

What to do on Akshaya Tritiya

Thanks to the vigorous campaign conducted by banks, jewellery shops and financial institutions, Akshay Tritiya has gained prominence. Although modern retailers are exploiting the materialistic urge in people, there is today a very high awareness regarding Akshaya Tritiya or Akha Teej. So, how to observe Akshay Tritiya and what are the special pujas?

The main puja and prayers on the day is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and Goddess Lakshmi. Therefore you can do a simple Vishnu pooja in the morning with Tulsi leaves and flowers. Some people also perform an elaborate Lakshmi puja or Lakshmi kubera homa.

Annadhanam – offering food to the poor is considered to be the greatest thing one can do on this day. Hindus believe there is no Dhanam greater than Annadhanam.

There is a popular belief that whatever one invests in on the day will continue to grow and bring prosperity. Therefore people invest in gold on the day. 

People also make donations and give alms on the day. Umbrellas, sandals etc are also donated in some regions.

Since it is one of the most auspicious days in a Hindu calendar, people begin new ventures on the day.

People also visit shrines of Goddess Lakshmi, Vishnu and Lord Krishna.

Significance of Akshaya Tritiya

Every moment is auspicious on the Akshaya Tritiya day, which falls on the third day of the bright half of Hindu month Vaishakh. ‘Akshaya’ in Sanskrit means ‘that which never diminishes.’ It is also the birthday of Parashurama, Lord Vishnu’s Sixth incarnation. Today, Akshaya Tritiya has become the ‘Hindu gold rush’ day.

 Astrologically, it is believed that the sun and the moon are most radiant and best placed on the Askhaya Tritiya day. Many devout Hindus choose the day to conduct auspicious functions. There is no need to select a ‘muhurat’ on this day as the entire day is devoid of malefic influences. Large number of marriages and several new beginnings take place on the day.

There are numerous legends associated with Akshaya Tritiya. According to the Puranas, the day marks the beginning to Treta Yuga. On this day, Veda Vyasa began the composition of the Mahabharata. Another myth is that Kuchela visited Lord Krishna on this day.

In the Mahabharata, the Pandavas received the Akshaya Pathram (bowl) from Lord Krishna on this day. The Akshaya Pathram provided unlimited food for the Pandavas during their exile. Due to this reason, people believe that anything that is acquired on this day will be replenished. Therefore people conduct special puja for Goddess Lakshmi and buy new gold and silver ornaments and invest money in shares and real estate.

Nowadays, the media managers of various jewelry houses create hype around Akshaya Tritiya day. Due to this jewelry shops witness heavy rush. To add to the gold craze, many banks bring out special gold coins for the occasion.

Jewellers plan brighter this Akshay Tritya 

Another significant development is that better technology and organized manufacture is taking place in the country over the last 18 months

Akshay Tritya under which to invest by the man still widely remains a preferred option will strengthen. In the absence may be liquidated at any time. Standard gold and ornaments said record-high increases.

GJF According to estimates, the country will grow 15% in sales compared to last Akshay Tritiya. Vinod Hayagriv President, All India Gems and Jewellery Trade Federation, "the economy this year in all sectors, does a great explosion said, we consumers Akshay Tritya an investment as gold will be ready sure the yellow metal because of higher prices, though, or at this level or to stabilize is expected to rise even further. " 

place within the last 18 months in the country is another important development is the production of better technology and organization. Jewelry and gems, this transition also helps to make the new lighter versions. For instance, at the beginning of a bracelet is made that: There were a couple of 40 grams.