Also known as Akha Teej, Akshaya Tritiya is a day of auspiciousness and spiritual significance for Hindus and Jains alike. It celebrates eternal prosperity and is considered a good time to perform auspicious activities.
This blog will explore what is Akshaya Tritiya, when is Akshaya Tritiya celebrated and discover its spiritual significance.
What is Akshaya Tritiya?
Akshaya Tritiya, often called the “Day of Endless Prosperity,” is deeply rooted in Indian culture. It symbolises endless blessings and the start of favourable endeavours. Akshaya means ‘eternal’, ‘never diminishing’, or ‘imperishable’, suggesting that any positive action undertaken on this auspicious day brings perpetual benefits.
When is Akshaya Tritiya?
Akshaya Tritiya falls on the 3rd Tithi of the Bright Half of the Indian month of Vaishakha, typically in April or May. It is particularly important as it aligns with the peak brightness of the Sun and the Moon.
Akshaya Tritiya 2024 is on May 10th. The Tritiya Tithi timings are as follows:
1. Tritiya Tithi starts at 04:18 AM on May 10th.
2. Tritiya Tithi ends at 02:50 AM on May 11th.
Why we celebrate Akshaya Tritiya?
The celestial alignment of Akshaya Tritiya is intertwined with legends and divine occurrences. Here’s why we celebrate Akshaya Tritiya:
1. Goddess Annapurna’s story: Celebrated on her birth, her generosity and compassion teach the importance of giving and sharing, embodying selflessness and community welfare.
2. Birth of Lord Parasurama: Marks the birth of Lord Parasurama, bringing blessings of courage, righteousness, and protection.
3. Mahabharata’s beginnings: Veda Vyas and Lord Ganesha start writing the epic on Akshaya Tritiya, symbolising profound wisdom and divine knowledge.
4. Jain observance: Commemorates the end of Tirthankara Rishabha’s fast with sugarcane juice, symbolising spiritual renewal and enlightenment.
Akshaya Tritiya importance
Spiritually, Akshaya Tritiya is a time of immense blessings and positive energies. The cosmic alignment during this period is believed to enhance one’s success, prosperity, and overall well-being. This auspicious day is often seen as a favourable time to start new ventures, make important decisions, and seek divine guidance for a harmonious life journey.
The rituals performed on Akshaya Tritiya are steeped in tradition and symbolism, reflecting the deep spiritual connection of devotees with their faith:
1. Family rituals and devotion: Families come together to offer prayers and perform elaborate pujas, invoking the blessings of deities like Lord Vishnu, Goddess Lakshmi, and Lord Ganesha. These rituals create a sacred atmosphere filled with chants, hymns, and fragrant incense, fostering a sense of spiritual elevation and unity.
2. Acts of compassion and generosity: Acts of charity and kindness play a significant role during Akshaya Tritiya. People engage in philanthropic activities such as feeding those in need, donating to charitable causes, and extending support to the less fortunate. These acts of compassion resonate with the festival’s essence of abundance, generosity, and communal harmony.
3. Spiritual practices: Engaging in prayers, chanting mantras, and performing pujas to deities like Lord Vishnu, Goddess Lakshmi, and Lord Ganesha invoke divine blessings for abundance, good health, and harmonious relationships.
4. Symbolism of gold: Purchasing gold or gold jewellery on Akshaya Tritiya is believed to bring enduring prosperity, as gold symbolises wealth, purity, and divine blessings that never diminish.
How is Akshaya Tritiya celebrated across India?
The regional celebrations of Akshaya Tritiya showcase the rich cultures of India as follows:
1. In Orissa, the festival marks the commencement of preparations for the grand Rath Yatra, symbolising devotion, and the beginning of a sacred journey.
2. In Uttar Pradesh, devotees gather at revered temples like Banke Bihari in Vrindavan, participating in time-honoured rituals and seeking blessings for prosperity and spiritual fulfilment.
3. Maharashtra’s festivities reflect the values of love, togetherness, and familial bonds, with special rituals that celebrate marital harmony and happiness.
4. West Bengal’s devotion to Goddess Lakshmi during Akshaya Tritiya underscores the belief in wealth, prosperity, and abundance, inspiring devotees to embrace material and spiritual prosperity.
What are the recommended charitable acts on Akshaya Tritiya?
On this auspicious day, engaging in charitable acts holds immense significance, embodying the spirit of giving and blessings. Here are seven recommended acts of charity that symbolise prosperity, compassion, spiritual growth, and blessings for various aspects of life.
1. Jala Daanam: Offering water, betel nuts, and dakshina to Brahmins symbolises purity, sustenance, and blessings of prosperity.
2. Vasthra Daanam: Donating clothes to the needy signifies compassion, longevity, and blessings for a fulfilling life.
3. Kumkum Daanam: Giving kumkum blesses with elevated status and harmonious relationships, especially for married couples.
4. Chandana Daanam: Donation of sandalwood ensures protection from adversities and invites spiritual growth.
5. Thamboolam: Offering betel leaf represents spiritual strength, prosperity, and blessings from celestial beings.
6. Naarikela Daanam: Donating coconuts relieves ancestral burdens and brings blessings from the heavens.
7. Udakumbha Daanam: Offering water, camphor, saffron, and betel nut assures the fulfilment of desires and divine blessings for various life aspects.
What are the popular puja practices on Akshaya Tritiya?
On Akshaya Tritiya, popular puja practices encompass a range of divine rituals and offerings that symbolise blessings for wealth, health, purity, and prosperity. Here are some revered puja practices observed on this auspicious day:
1. Goddess Mahalakshmi and Vishnu puja: Through worship of Goddess Mahalakshmi and Lord Vishnu, one invokes blessings for wealth, health, and opportunities.
2. Cow and horse puja: Honouring the sacredness of cows and horses brings purity, prosperity, and energy blessings.
3. Elephant (Gaja) puja: Worshipping elephants symbolises the removal of obstacles and blessings from Lord Ganesha.
4. Mother Earth puja: Seeking blessings from Mother Earth for abundance, prosperity, and sustenance of life.
Final thoughts
Akshaya Tritiya celebrates timeless values, spiritual growth, and the enduring cycle of blessings. As you celebrate, embody kindness, abundance, and resilience, spreading blessings that inspire and flourish.
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29 May 2024
6 mins read
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