Akshaya Tritiya, also known as Akti or Akha Teej, is a popular Hindu festival celebrated on the third day of the bright half of the Vaisakha month (April-May). It is considered one of the most auspicious days in the Hindu calendar and is celebrated in different ways across India. Let’s delve into the significance, traditions, and customs of Akshaya Tritiya.
Akshaya Tritiya Story
There are several stories associated with the festival of Akshaya Tritiya in Hindu mythology. Here is one of the most popular stories that explains the significance of the day:
Legend of Sudama and Lord Krishna
According to Hindu mythology, Akshaya Tritiya is the day when Sudama, a childhood friend of Lord Krishna, visited him with a humble gift of flattened rice or poha. Sudama was a poor Brahmin who lived in a small village and was going through financial difficulties. He was hesitant to visit Lord Krishna, who was the king of Dwaraka, and the incarnation of Lord Vishnu.
However, his wife urged him to seek Lord Krishna’s help, and Sudama finally decided to visit him. He carried a small bag of flattened rice as a humble gift for his friend. When he reached Dwaraka, he awed by the grandeur and splendor of the palace.
However, when Lord Krishna saw his old friend, he embraced him warmly and treated him with great respect. Sudama touched by Lord Krishna’s kindness and generosity. He was hesitant to offer the small bag of flattened rice as a gift, but Lord Krishna insisted on taking it and ate it with great relish.
Sudama stayed with Lord Krishna for a few days and amazed by the wealth and prosperity of Dwaraka. When he returned to his village, he found that his humble hut had transformed into a beautiful mansion, and his family was living in comfort and luxury. He realized that Lord Krishna had blessed him with unending prosperity and abundance, which had multiplied his meager offering of flattened rice.
Since then, Akshaya Tritiya celebrated as a day of unending prosperity, and people believe that any offering made on this day will bring boundless wealth and good fortune. The story of Sudama and Lord Krishna teaches us the power of friendship, humility, and kindness and the importance of seeking blessings from the divine for wealth and prosperity.
Significance of Akshaya Tritiya
The word “Akshaya” means eternal or never diminishing in Sanskrit. On this day, it believed that anything initiated or purchased will bring good fortune and prosperity, as the energies of the day considered to highly auspicious. Many people buy gold, silver, or other valuable assets on this day as it believed that acquiring these on Akshaya Tritiya will bring unending prosperity and abundance.
Traditions and Customs
Buying Gold: Buying gold on Akshaya Tritiya a popular tradition across India. It believed that buying gold on this day will bring prosperity and abundance into one’s life. Many jewelry stores offer special discounts and deals on this day.
Charity: It also considered auspicious to give to charity on Akshaya Tritiya. Donating to the poor and the needy believed to bring blessings and good fortune.
Fasting: Fasting on Akshaya Tritiya considered highly auspicious. Many people fast on this day and offer prayers to Lord Vishnu, who believed to bless devotees with prosperity and abundance.
Puja and Rituals: Special puja and rituals performed on Akshaya Tritiya to seek blessings from the deities. People worship Lord Vishnu, Lord Ganesha, and Goddess Lakshmi on this day.
Planting Seeds: Planting seeds on Akshaya Tritiya also considered auspicious. It believed that the seeds sown on this day will grow into healthy plants and bring prosperity and abundance into one’s life.
Celebrating Akshaya Tritiya During Covid-19
The Covid-19 pandemic has affected the way we celebrate festivals. It is important to follow Covid-19 guidelines and restrictions while celebrating Akshaya Tritiya. Many jewelry stores and online retailers are offering virtual gold buying options to enable people to purchase gold from the comfort and safety of their homes.
Conclusion
It is a festival that celebrates wealth, prosperity, and good fortune. It is a time to reflect on our blessings and seek the blessings of the deities for abundance and prosperity. Let’s celebrate this festival with joy and positivity, while following Covid-19 guidelines and restrictions to keep ourselves and others safe.
