Akshaya Tritiya-the less known perspective !

Akshaya Tritiya-the less known perspective !

As per classics there are three and half sacred muhurata's or golden days in a year. Akshay Tritya being one of them is considered highly auspicious. Normally people buy Gold and valuables on this day. But the day is marked with many more important aspects.As per classics there are three and half sacred muhurata’s or golden days in a year. These are full day of Akshay Tritya, Samvatsar arrambh (Gudi Padwa), Dushera and Half a day of Balipratipada.

Among these Akshaya Tritiya also known as Akha Teej –falls on third Thithi (Tritiya)of the Shukla Paksh of the Vaisakha (lunar month). In 2016 it shall be celebrated on 9th May.The 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. Astrologically,it is believed that the Sun and the Moon are most radiant and best placed on the Askhaya Tritiya day.

The importance of this day lies in the fact that no special muhurata is neededor auspicious time is needed to perform any auspicious work. In holy text Madanratna, explaining the significance of the day,Lord Sri Krishna says, “O Yudhistra the offerings made and the oblations offered in the sacrificial fire (havan) on this day never go in vain”.Hence the day got its importance. Since ages it is believed that things, deeds and rituals performed or done on this day is permanent. Thus the day is considered auspicious to start new ventures, business, purchases, investments etcLegends Associated with the dayThe river Ganga, the most holy and sacred river ofIndia, descended to the earth from the heaven.The birthday of Lord Parasurama- the sixth incarnation of Lord Vishnu happened on this day.Sudama visited Lord Krishna on this day.

Sage Veda Vyasa started depicting epic Mahabharta to Lord Ganesha on this day.At Puri Jagannath temple Candanotsavam is performed for Lord Jagannath.In Orrisa Construction of Chariots for Rath Yatra start beginning on this day.Lord Krishna gave Akshay Patram to Draupadi onthis dayAccording to Hindu Puranas, this day marks the end of bad times (kalaha-kaal) of the Yug and thebeginning of good times Satyayug- The golden Age.Activities Performed on this DayBuying GoldBuying gold is a popular activity of Akshaya Tritiya, as it is the ultimate symbol of wealth and prosperity. But why only Metal Gold? Gold has originated from Sanskrit root “Hri” meaning Imperishable. It is known as Hiranya in Sanskrit. This word is deeply attached to hindu belief system of Hiranyagarbha that is – one born out ofgold. This word popularly refers to crater God Brahma.

According to some legends the creator deposited a seed in the waters of the dark and lifeless universe. The seed became a bright golden egg as radiant as the sun. From this cosmic egg was born Brahma - the incarnation ofthe Creator Himself. Thus it is believed that valuables bought on this day keep on increasing in life.Making Donations for Spiritual Progress-It is believed that making offerings on Akshay Tritiya never wanes; in fact, one drives more benefit out of it. The donations help in reducing sins of previous births and increase in Virtue. Therefore individuals should offer Satpaatre Daan that is to make an offering in such activities that not only enhance spiritual progress of native but also aim at protection of the Nation and Dharma.By offering satpaatre daan, the donor does not acquire merit, but his karma (of donation) becomes akarma (karma performed without any doer-ship and so not attracting any merit or demerit) and he gets elevated, spiritually. With spiritual progress, the seeker, instead of going to Heaven, goes further in the higher positive spiritual planes (loka).Til (sesame) Tarpan to Deities and ancestorsThis day is marked with increased spiritual purityin native by 60-70%. On other hand one can experience 30-40% distress due to departed ancestral souls.Til Tarpan mean offering sesame and water to deities as well as to ancestors. Sesame is known to negate negative energy and is a symbol of sattvikta. Water is symbol of pure spiritual emotion.

Thus, by offering tarpan native surrender before deity with gratitude. Human beings owe debt to ancestors. Hence by offering trapan to them on this day one is repaying the debt to ancestors. As a result the native is blessedin his spiritual progress and obstacles in various spheres of his personal life are removed.Worshipping Mother EarthOn this day to seek everlasting blessings Goddess Mother Earth (Mrutika Devi) is worshiped. It is believed that Mother earth blesses the devotees with food grains (Dhaanyalakshmi), wealth (Dhanalakshmi) and Prosperity (Vaibhavlakshmi).The planting of treesIt is believed that trees planted on this auspicious day blossom with abundant fruits.

Similarly Ayurvedic medicinal herbs, planted on this auspicious day survive forever and one do not face any shortage of medicinal herbs.Puja’s performed on this dayThe ancient seers reveal that prayers on this day will pave a road for riches both materially and spiritually. The ruler of this day is Lord Vishnu. Further, On this very day, Deity Hayagriv, Deity Narayan as well as Deity Parshuram descended on Earth. To mark the occasion, puja’s and offerings to Goddess Vaibhav Lakshmi, Lord Vishnu and Lord Krishna are performed.As per Lakshmi Tantrum, Kubera- the treasurer ofGods pray to goddess Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth and consort of Vishnu, on this day. Devotees also perform a day-long Kubera Lakshmi Puja in which an image of Vaibhav Lakshmi is worshipped along with Sudarsana chakra and Kubera yantra- symbolising Kubera.Deeds such as recitations (Japa), penance (Tapa), donations (Dana) ritual bathing (Snaana), sacrifices (Havan), burnt oblations to fire (Hooma) are performed during this day.

In charity rice, salt, ghee, sugar, vegetables, tamarind, fruit, clothes, are given.Happy Akshay Tritya to all !

By Ritu Shukla