Akshaya Tritiya, celebrated by both Jains and Hindus, heralds the spring season in India. This festival occurs on the third lunar day of Vasant or Vaisakha according to the Hindu calendar. In the Gregorian calendar, it falls on May 10 this year.
Akshaya Tritiya 2024 Date & Puja Muhurat
Overview of Akshaya Tritiya
Regarded as an extremely sacred day, Akshaya Tritiya, also known as Akha Teej or Akti, coincides with Parsurama Jayanti. It’s celebrated during the Shukla Paksha, the waxing phase of the moon, in the month of Vaisakha. The term “Akshaya” in Sanskrit implies something eternal, symbolizing unending good fortune. Therefore, this day is considered ideal for beginning new ventures, such as starting a business, a new job, or moving into a new home, and it serves as a time to honor ancestors.
The Essence of Akshaya Tritiya
This day is devoted to Lord Vishnu, the preserver of the universe in Hindu mythology, marking the commencement of the Treta Yuga. It often aligns with Parsurama Jayanti, celebrating Lord Vishnu’s sixth incarnation, Lord Parsurama. Recognized for its supreme auspiciousness, this day is popular for purchasing gold and silver, believed to bring prosperity and good fortune.
Ceremonial Practices and Charity
On Akshaya Tritiya, it is customary to perform yajnas and pujas. Engaging in charitable activities such as distributing food, clothing, and other essentials to the underprivileged is thought to amplify the day’s auspicious effects, invoking blessings from Lord Vishnu.
Performing Akshaya Tritiya Puja
The ritual begins with an early morning bath using water mixed with Ganga Jal. Devotees dress in fresh attire and offer prayers to the Sun. The puja involves placing idols of Lord Ganesha, Lord Vishnu, and Goddess Lakshmi on a sanctified altar, starting with a prayer to Lord Ganesha for blessings. The ceremony includes various offerings and the chanting of mantras to appease the deities, aiming for prosperity and well-being.
Akshaya Tritiya: A Day of Celestial Significance
Astrologically, Akshaya Tritiya is significant as it occurs when the Sun is in Aries and the Moon is in Taurus, creating an exceptionally auspicious alignment. This positioning is believed to enhance the luminosity and beneficial influence of both celestial bodies.
Rituals and Regional Celebrations
Akshaya Tritiya rituals vary across India. In some regions, it marks the beginning of the agricultural season, while in others, it involves special prayers to Lord Vishnu and charitable acts. Activities like buying gold and performing special pujas, such as Halkhata for business prosperity, are common. Some devotees also perform the sacred act of bathing in the Ganges.
Diverse Celebrations Across India
From the chariot construction commencement for Rath Yatra in Orissa to special blessings in Uttar Pradesh’s Banke Bihari temple, each region has unique traditions. In Maharashtra, women pray for marital bliss, and in West Bengal, Goddess Lakshmi is venerated for prosperity.
Unraveling Akhateej’s Legends
A notable legend associated with Akshaya Tritiya involves Goddess Annapurna, an incarnation of Goddess Parvati, who is said to have fed Lord Shiva, appearing as a beggar. This story underscores the importance of charity, reminding us of the divine presence in every being and the virtue of generosity.
This day’s manifold benefits encourage a spirit of giving, enhancing one’s life with abundance and prosperity.
FAQs
1. What is Akshaya Tritiya?
Akshaya Tritiya, also known as Akha Teej, is a significant Hindu and Jain festival that marks the third lunar day of the Vaisakha month. It is considered one of the most auspicious days of the year for starting new ventures and making important purchases, especially of gold and silver.
2. Why is Akshaya Tritiya considered an auspicious day?
The word ‘Akshaya’ in Sanskrit means ‘never diminishing’ and symbolizes prosperity, hope, joy, and success. Akshaya Tritiya is believed to bring eternal good luck and success because it is the day when the Sun and Moon are at their brightest. Anything initiated on this day is thought to continue to grow and bring prosperity.
3. What are the common rituals performed on Akshaya Tritiya?
On Akshaya Tritiya, people typically engage in charitable deeds, perform pujas, and buy precious metals. Rituals include early morning baths, prayers to Lord Vishnu and Goddess Lakshmi, and offering charity to the poor. It’s also common to start new business ventures and buy gold as a sign of good fortune.
4. Can you explain the significance of buying gold on Akshaya Tritiya?
Buying gold on Akshaya Tritiya is believed to invoke lasting prosperity and wealth. Since this day is considered to bring unending fortune, investing in gold, which is a symbol of wealth and prosperity, is thought to multiply one’s wealth and provide stability in life.
5. How is Akshaya Tritiya celebrated by different communities in India?
Different regions and communities in India celebrate Akshaya Titiya in various ways. For instance, in Orissa, it marks the beginning of the construction of the chariots for the Rath Yatra. In Gujarat, it coincides with the end of the farming season. Meanwhile, in places like Vrindavan, devotees get a special darshan of the deity’s feet at the Banke Bihari temple.
6. Are there any specific foods associated with Akshaya Tritiya?
Yes, preparing and distributing prasad such as sweets and fruits is common on Akshaya Tritiya. In some regions, dishes made from milk and rice, like kheer (a type of rice pudding), are prepared to honor the deities. Feeding the needy is also a significant part of the day’s observances, emphasizing charity and giving.