Significance of Akshaya Tritiya: Akshaya Tritiya, also known as Akha Teej or Akti, is a Hindu festival celebrated annually in the month of Vaishakha (April-May) on the third day of the Shukla paksha or bright lunar fortnight. It is considered an auspicious day and holds special significance in Hindu culture and mythology.
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Why it is called “Akshaya Tritiya”?
The word “Akshaya” in Sanskrit means “never diminishing” or “eternal,”. That is why it is believed that any auspicious activity or investment made on Akshaya Tritiya brings long-lasting benefits. So, this day is believed to bring good luck, prosperity, and abundance in one’s life.
Spiritual Significance Of Akshaya Tritiya
There are several legends and beliefs behind Akshaya Tritiya. According to Hindu mythology, Lord Vishnu incarnated as Parashurama on this day. Parashurama was the sixth avatar of Lord Vishnu. And also, it is said that Lord Ganesha began writing the sacred epic Mahabharata today on Akshaya Tritiya. Because of this Akshaya Tritiya is considered very auspicious for starting new projects, marriages, housewarming ceremonies, and making important purchases such as gold, property, and vehicles.
Significance of Buying Gold On Akshaya Tritiya
Gold holds extraordinary importance on Akshaya Tritiya, and it is viewed as propitious to purchase gold on this day. Many individuals purchase gold jewelry, coins, or other valuable metals as a symbol of Goodluck and proper their riches. It is said that purchasing gold on Akshaya Tritiya brings good fortune and guarantees a nonstop progression of abundance consistently.
Apart from purchasing gold, people indulge themselves in different charitable programs on Akshaya Tritiya, for example, distributing food, and garments to the needy and helping them financially. It is believed that performing charity for a noble cause on this day brings endowments and legitimacy.
How Akshaya Tritiya Is Celebrated?
Akshaya Tritiya is celebrated with enthusiasm in various parts of India, particularly in states like Karnataka, Maharashtra, Odisha, and West Bengal, among others. People offer special Puja & prayers. Rituals are performed according to regional customs, individuals dress up in new garments, visit sanctuaries, and seek blessings of the gods for success and prosperity.
In short, Akshaya Tritiya is a celebration that brings prosperity, riches, and purity. Hindus celebrate this festival with great respect as it is a day of fresh beginnings and blessings.
How Akshaya Tritiya is celebrated across the world:
Akshaya Tritiya is fundamentally celebrated in India and by Indian communities dwelling in different regions of the planet. How it is celebrated relies on territorial traditions and customs.
India:
In India, Akshaya Tritiya is celebrated with great enthusiasm. People wake up early in the morning, take bath and dress up traditionally, and visit temples to offer pooja and prayers. Seek blessings from the almighty.
Many people purchase gold jewelry, gold coins, or other valuable metals as an investment or to bring the best of luck and prosperity. Temples are decorated with garlands and light, and special puja and offerings are performed. In some regions people conduct processions, cultural events are organized and food is distributed.
Nepal:
Akshaya Tritiya is celebrated by the Hindus in Nepal with religious ceremonies and customs. People visit temples, perform puja, and offer prayers to seek blessings. Purchasing gold or other valuable metals is also a likewise custom in India.
Southeast Asia:
Akshaya Tritiya is celebrated by Hindu communities in Southeast Asian nations like Indonesia, Malaysia, and Singapore. Devotees visit temples, offer puja, and partake in ceremonies to stamp the event. Purchasing gold or other valuable metals is likewise a typical practice on this day to bring good luck and abundance.
US, Canada, and the UK:
Indian diaspora in nations like the US, Canada, and the Unified Kingdom additionally observe Akshaya Tritiya with great enthusiasm. Devotees visit sanctuaries, offer prayers, and perform puja at home. Purchasing gold or other valuable metals is also a well-known custom among Indian people abroad as a part of the celebration.
Online Festivals:
With technical innovation online celebrations have become popular in recent times. Many people offer prayers, take part in virtual puja, and make online purchases of gold or other valuable metals on this day.
It is noted that the traditions and customs related to Akshaya Tritiya might be different according to territorial practices and individual convictions. Anyhow, the basic aim of seeking endowments for abundance and prosperity is typical in the festival of Akshaya Tritiya around the world.
Special Recipes prepared on Akshaya Tritiya
Akshaya Tritiya is a festival celebrated with delight and excitement, and exceptional recipes are prepared to mark the event. The types of recipes might differ relying on local traditions and inclinations. Here are a few famous recipes that are usually made during Akshaya Tritiya:
Payasam or Kheer:
Payasam or Kheer is a traditional Indian sweet made with rice, milk, and sugar and seasoned with cardamom, saffron, and nuts, it is a well-known dish made during Akshaya Tritiya. It is very auspicious and is distributed as Prasada in temples and among loved ones.
Puris:
Puris are deep-fried bread made using wheat flour, and are usually made during Akshaya Tritiya. They are generally presented with a side dish, for example, potato curry or chana masala. In Maharashtra “Amaras “ is prepared as an exceptional treat for the celebration.
Coconut Rice:
Coconut rice, also called as Nariyal Bhaat or Thengai Sadam, is a customary South Indian dish made with rice, coconut, and spices. It is said to be a special dish for Akshaya Tritiya and is prepared as a prasad to offer deities.
Almond Milk:
Almond milk, made by soaking almonds and grinding them with milk and sugars, is a well-known drink during Akshaya Tritiya. It is indeed a nutritious and special dish that is offered as a beverage during prayers and served among friends and family.
Panakam:
Panakam is a conventional beverage made with jaggery, water, lemon squeeze, and spices like cardamom and ginger. It is a well-known drink in certain locales of India during Akshaya Tritiya. It is believed to be reviving and stimulating drink and is presented as prasad in sanctuaries temples and distributed to the gathered devotees.
Fruits and Sweets:
Fresh produces from the ground is normally offered and eaten during Akshaya Tritiya. Fruits and sweets are commonly offered and consumed during Akshaya Tritiya as a symbol of abundance and prosperity. Fresh fruits such as bananas, mangoes, and coconuts, as well as a variety of Indian sweets like laddus, pedas, and barfis, are often included in the festive spread.
It’s essential to take note that the sorts of recipes and dishes prepared during Akshaya Tritiya may change according to regional traditions, dietary inclinations, and individual choices. But, the meaning of preparing and sharing special meals during this auspicious celebration remains a common theme across various regions in India.
What is the Story behind Akshaya Tritiya?
Akshaya Tritiya is a celebration celebrated in Hindu and Jain cultures, and there are various stories related to its importance. The following are a couple of well-known stories behind Akshaya Tritiya:
The Legend of Sudama and Lord Krishna:
According to Hindu mythology, Akshaya Tritiya is the day when Lord Krishna blessed his childhood companion Sudama, a poor Brahmin, with immense wealth. Sudama visited Lord Krishna with a humble gift of beaten rice (poha or aval). He was very shy and sad that he could not afford a proper gift for his childhood friend.
But, Lord Krishna in return for those simple poha or aval bestowed his friend Sudama with endless wealth and prosperity. This story represents the significance of true friendship. Thus, Akshaya Tritiya is viewed as an auspicious day to look for His blessings.
The Start of Treta Yuga:
According to Hindu sacred texts, Akshaya Tritiya marks the start of Treta Yuga, the second of the four Yugas (times) in Hindu cosmology. It is believed that any auspicious actions or good deeds performed during this day will yield limitless advantages. So, it is an optimal day for starting new ventures or performing charities.
The Holy Birth of Parashurama:
Akshaya Tritiya is said to be the day when Lord Parashurama, the sixth avatar of Lord Vishnu, was conceived. Lord Parashurama is considered as an image of solidarity, courage, and honesty, and his birth on Akshaya Tritiya is thought of as auspicious. Devotees offer prayers to Lord Parashurama on this day and seek his blessings.
The Significance of Akshaya Patra:
One more story related to Akshaya Tritiya is the legend of Akshaya Patra, a mystical vessel that gave an endless supply of food to the Pandavas during their exile in the epic Mahabharata. It is believed that Akshaya Tritiya is the day when the Pandavas got the Akshaya Patra from Lord Krishna, which supported them all through their time of exile. This story connotes the significance of good causes and charity. So, Akshaya Tritiya is a perfect day for charity.
Akshaya Tritiya in Jainism
Akshaya Tritiya is a significant festival celebrated by Jains as well as Hindus. In Jainism, Akshaya Tritiya holds special significance as it honors several significant events from the Jain tradition. These are some important aspects of Akshaya Tritiya in Jainism
Tirthankara Rishabhdev’s Ending of Yearlong Fast
According to Jain Holy writings, the first Tirthankara, Rishabhdev, broke his long fast on Akshaya Tritiya. thus, this day marks the end of Rishabhdev’s fasting period, and Jains celebrate it as a day of spiritual renewal and observance of austerities.
Tirthankara Adinath’s Birth Anniversary
Akshaya Tritiya is also believed to be the birth anniversary of the first Tirthankara, Adinath (also known as Rishabhdev). Jains celebrate this day as a memorial of Adinath’s virtues and teachings.
Significance of Charity
in Jainism, charity or” dana” is considered a significant virtue. Akshaya Tritiya is considered an auspicious day for performing acts of charity and helping the less fortunate. Jains believe that engaging in charitable activities on this day brings blessings and positivity.
Worship of Kubera
Kubera, the treasurer of the gods, is considered a guardian of wealth and substance in Jainism. Jains perform special prayers and rituals to worship Kubera on Akshaya Tritiya with the belief that it’ll bring blessings of cornucopia and substance.
Ritual of Swasti Mangal Path
Jains frequently perform the Swasti Mangal Path on Akshaya Tritiya, which involves reciting sacred Jain Holy Scriptures and seeking blessings for peace, abundance, and well-being for oneself and others.
Fasting and Penance
Some Jains observe fasting and penance on Akshaya Tritiya as an act of sanctification and spiritual discipline. They may fast or follow other forms of austerities as a way of purification and seeking spiritual blessings.
Overall, Akshaya Tritiya is considered an auspicious day in Jainism, emblematizing renewal, charity, and spiritual observances. Jains celebrate this day with devotion, gratefulness, and a spirit of compassion toward all beings.
These are some popular stories associated with Akshaya Tritiya, and they vary in different regions and communities. This day is viewed as exceptionally favorable and is celebrated with devotion, delight, and a feeling of inspiration, with people seeking blessings for prosperity, abundance, and well-being on this special day.
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