Akshaya Tritiya falls on the third day of the bright half of Vaishakh
month (April-May), when the Sun and Moon are in exaltation; they are
simultaneously at their peak of brightness, which happens only once
every year.
Akshaya Tritiya, also known as "Akha Teej", is traditionally the
birthday of Lord Parasurama, the sixth incarnation of Lord Vishnu.
People conduct special Pujas on this day, bathe in holy rivers, make a
charity, offer barley in a sacred fire, and worship Lord Ganesha & Devi
Lakshmi on this day.
The word "Akshaya" means imperishable or eternal - that which never
diminishes. Initiations made or valuables bought on this day are
considered to bring success or good fortune. Buying gold is a popular
activity on Akshaya Tritiya, as it is the ultimate symbol of wealth and
prosperity. Gold and gold jewelry bought and worn on this day signify
never diminishing good fortune. Indians celebrate weddings, begin new
business ventures, and even plan long journeys on this day.
Myths Around Akshaya Tritiya
1. - The day also marks the beginning of the "SatyaYug" or the Golden
Age - the first of the four Yugas.
2. - In the Puranas, the holy Hindu scriptures, there is a story that
says that on this day of Akshay Tritiya, Veda Vyasa along with Ganesha
started writing the great epic Mahabharata.
3. - Ganga Devi or Mother Ganges also descended on earth on this day.
4. - According to another legend, during the time of the Mahabhrata,
when the Pandavas were in exile, Lord Krishna, on this day, presented
them an 'Akshaya Patra,' a bowl which would never go empty and produce
an unlimited supply of food on demand.
5. - Perhaps, the most famous of the Akshaya Tritiya stories is the
legend of Lord Krishna and Sudama, his poor Brahmin childhood friend. On
this day, as the tale goes, Sudama came over to Krishna's palace to
request him for some financial help. As a gift for his friend, Sudama
had nothing more than a handful of beaten rice or 'poha'. So, he was
utterly ashamed to give it to Krishna, but Krishna took the pouch of
'poha' from him and relished having it. Krishna followed the principle
of 'Atithi Devo Bhava' or 'the guest is like God' and treated Sudama
like a king. His poor friend was so overwhelmed by the warmth and
hospitality shown by Krishna, that he could not ask for the financial
favor and came home empty handed. Lo and behold! When he reached his
place, Sudama's old hut was transformed into a palace! He found his
family dressed in royal attire and everything around was new and
expensive. Sudama knew that it was a boon from Krishna, who blessed him
with more than the wealth he actually intended to ask for. Therefore,
Akshaya Tritiya is associated with material gains and wealth acquisition.
HARE KRISHNA HARE RAM.