Akshaya Tritiya
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| Observed by | Hindus |
|---|---|
| Type | Akshaya Tritiya |
| Begins | Vaisakha |
| Date | late April-early May |
| 2008 date | 8 May |
| 2009 date | 27 April |
| Celebrations | 1 day |
| Observances | worship of Vishnu and purchase of gold |
Akshaya Tritiya, also known as Akha Teej is a Hindu holy day, that falls on the third Tithi (Lunar day) of Bright Half (Shukla Paksha) of Hindu month of Vaishakha. This day is ruled by god Vishnu, the preserver-god in the Hindu Trinity. It is also traditionally celebrated as the birth day of the Hindu sage Parashurama, the sixth avatar (incarnation) of the god Vishnu. According to Hindu mythology, on this day the Treta Yuga began and the river Ganges, the most holy and sacred river of India, descended to the earth from the heaven.
The word "Akshaya" means the never diminishing in Sanskrit 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. The legend states that any venture initiated on the auspicious day of Akshaya Tritiya shall continue to grow and bring prosperity. Hence, it is normal to see many of the new ventures, like starting a business, ground breaking for constructionon the Akshaya Tritiya.
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[edit] Astrological significance
As per Hindu electional astrology (Muhurta) three Lunar days (Tithis) are held as most auspicious. These are called Sade-Teen Muhurtas also. These Tithis are : 1st Tithi of Bright Half of Chaitra (starting of new year), 10th Tithi of Bright Half of Ashvina (Vijay Dashmi), 3rd Tithi of Bright Half of Vaishakha (Akshay Tritiya- Parshu Jyanti) & 1st Tithi of Bright Half of Karttika are called “Sade-Teen (3 ½) Muhurt”. The first three Tithis are counted as full & the last one as half Tithi, and constitute Sade - Teen Muhurt. The Sun and Moon are astrologically believed to be at their most exalted equal brightness on this day.
Akshaya Tritiya is also called Navanna Parvam. Akshaya Tritiya falling on a Rohini star day is considered more auspicious.
[edit] Religious significance
According to Hindu mythology, Akshay Tritiiya was the day when Veda Vyasa started dictating the epic Mahabharata to Ganesha, the elephant-headed god of wisdom and obstacle removal.
It is also traditionally observed as the birthday of Parshuram, the sixth incarnation of god Vishnu. The Puranic scriptures speak about how he reclaimed the land from the sea.
Goa and Konkan regions, even today, are referred to as Parusurama Kshetra. Akshaya Tritiya, the third day of the bright-half of the lunar month of Vaisakha is considered as one of the most sacred days of the year.
The day is generally observed by fasting and worship Lord Vasudeva with rice grains. A dip in the river Ganga on this day is considered to be very auspicious.
The Vedic scriptures say that knowledge gained or charity done on this day is very fruitful. It is considered to be very lucky day to start new business or venture. Many people buy gold or property on this day.
Fasts are kept on this day and pujas are performed. In charity, fan, rice, salt, ghee, sugar, vegetables, tamarind, fruit, clothes, are given. Vishnu is worshipped on this day. Tulsi water is sprinkled in the nearby are of the idol while performing aarti.
In Bengal, on the day of the Akshay Tritiiya, "HalKhata" - a ceremony to start the new audit book is performed - with the worship of Ganesha and goddess Lakshmi. Bengalis perform many rites and rituals on this day.
This day is also most auspicious day for the Jat farming community. Early morning, a male member of Jat family goes to field with shovel. All the animals and birds encountered on the way to the field indicates omen and predictions for rains and crops. Akshay Tritiiya is also an occasion for weddings, which are conducted in mass marriage ceremonies. It is considered an unboojha muhurat.
It is believed that god Kubera, the treasurer of the gods, is the richest deity. Lakshmi Tantram says that even Kubera will pray to goddess Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth and consort of Vishnu, on this day. On this day, a day-long Kubera Lakshmi Puja is performed in which an image of Lakshmi is worshipped along with Sudarsana Kubera Yantra, symbolising Kubera.
[edit] Jainism
Akshay Tritiiya is a holy day in Jain Calendar as well. People who observe the year-long alternative day fasting finish their Tapsaya this day.
[edit] Works recommended and prohibited during Akshay Tritiya
Being Yugadi Tithi, it is most beneficial for performing meritorious (Punya Karma) deeds such as recitations (Japa), penance (Tapa), donations (Dana) ritual bathing (Snaana), sacrifices (Havan), burnt oblations to fire (Hooma). But initiation / conducting of activities like wearing sacred thread (Upnayana), marriage, ending of fast, house construction & entering thereof, travailing and plantation is prohibited in certain communities, while most look forward to start/restart relationships, purchases and commitments on this auspicious day. To some,it is beneficial for spiritual activities and not the worldly activities.
However worldly activities can also be initiated during currency of this Tithi but aspirants must ensure that the said duration is not sullied by concurrence of malefic time observed according to the Hindu electional principles, and the moments are favourable to the doer by transits of the planets and the like. Aspirants are cautioned to use this Tithi blindly for initiating and conducting all types of life-activities. Auspiciousness of the Tithis for specific activity depends upon simultaneous presence of Panchangam Shuddhi, Muhurt Yogas and host of other elements of Hindu electional astrology.
Starting a new activity or buying valuables on this day is considered to bring luck and success. The religious merit that is acquired by giving gifts on this day is considered inexhaustible. Many buy new gold jewelry on this day. Most Jewel stores stock in new jewelry models for this occasion with "Lakshmi-inscribed" gold coins, diamond jewellery and golden dollars with the pictures of many gods and goddesses.
[edit] See also
- Electional Astrology for Muhurat (Sade-teen Muhurat)
- Panchangam
- Panjika
