Akshaya Tritiya

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As so many occasions as regards to our Hindu festivals, Akshaya Tritiya also mentioned on various days in May in 2008. It is mentioned that Akshaya Tritiya is on Wednesday, May 7th and also on Thursday, 8th May. Which is correct? In fact both are correct.

 

Akshaya Tritiya, variously spelt as Akshya Thiritiya, Akshaya Trutheeya, Akshaya Tritiiya and also called Akshaya Trithi, falling on the third day of the bright half of the lunar month of Vaisakha of the traditional Hindu calendar, is one of the four most auspicious days of the year for Hindus.

 

The word Akshaya, a Sanskrit word, literally means one that never diminishes, and the day is believed to bring good luck and success. The day is particularly considered auspicious for buying long term assets like gold and silver, including ornaments made of the same; diamond and other precious stones; and the real estate.

 

Akshaya Tritiya is also called Navanna Parvam.This day also happens to be Parusurama Jayanti.

Akshaya Tritiya falling on a Rohini star day is considered more auspicious. Needless to say, this rare occasion comes this year.Akshya Tritiya falling on a ROHINI star is considered as more auspicious, this year in May, Rohini starts on Wednesday, May 7th at 8.14 p. m and lasts until Thursday, May 8th until 5.39 p.m. So Akshaya Tritiya is celebrated any time between 8.14 p.m on Wednesday, 7th May and 5.39 p. m on Thursday, 8th May.

 

 

Each and everyone of us have "mahurats" or auspicious timings in every step in life - be it to begin a new venture or making an important purchase. Akshaya Tritiya is one such momentous occasion, which is considered one of the most auspicious days of the Vedic Calendar.

Once a Year

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.

Holy DayAkshaya 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 Golden LinkThe 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 jewellery 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.

The day also marks the beginning of the "SatyaYug" or the Golden Age - the first of the four Yugas. In the "Puranas", the holy Hindu scriptures, there is a story that says that on this day of Akshay Tritiya the Great Sage Veda vyasa along with Lord Ganesha started writing the great epic Mahabharata. Ganga Devi or Mother Ganges also descended to earth on this day.

It is also believed that people born during this time shine bright in life. Basaveshwara born on May 4, Ramanujacharya and Adi Shankaracharya on May 6, Swami Chinmayananda on May 8 and Lord Buddha on May 16

 

The main puja and prayers on the day is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and Goddess Lakshmi. A simple Vishnu pooja in the morning with Tulsi leaves and flowers is done as well some people also perform an elaborate Lakshmi puja or Lakshmi kubera homa.

 

Annadhanam or 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.