Akshaye Tritiya- The festival of Charity
What is ‘AkshayeTrtiya’?
This festival is also popularly called, “Akha Teej” and is celebrated on the third day, ‘Tithi’ of ‘Shukla Paksh’ in the Hindu month of ‘Vaishakha’. ‘Akshaye’ is a sanskrit word which means ‘never diminishing’. This day is considered as one of the four most auspicious days, according to the Hindu calendar. On this day, people buy property, jewelry, start new business ventures, especially the ones related to construction. This day is very auspicious from marriage ‘Shubh Muhurta’ point and is considered as one of the major ‘Saava’ where hundreds of people unite in marital bliss.
What is the history behind ‘AkshayeTrtiya’?
This day marks the birth of Lord Parshurama, the sixth incarnation of Lord Vishnu on earth. Many believe that on this auspicious day, Sage VedVyasa along with Lord Ganesha started writing the epic literature, ‘The Mahabharata’. This day holds special significance for Jainism followers as their 1st ‘Tirthankara, Lord Rishabhdeva ended his one year fast this day by drinking sugarcane juice from his hands. Jain followers also indulge in various charity functions and observe fast as well in order to pay respect to their founder.
Akshaye in English language refers to Endless that means the things that never diminishes. According to Hindu Mythology, it is said that the three lunar days, Akshaye Tritya, Yugadi and Vijay Dashmi are very auspicious day that doesn’t need any of the muhurat in whole day for starting of any auspicious work. These three days are completely free from the malefic effects. On these days, there is no need to check the timing for starting any work as whole day is auspicious. On this day jewelers remain their shops opened till late night as it is believed that their belongings are completely protected from any bad activity.
What is the significance of Akshaye Trtiya?
The day of Akshaye Tritya is signified with Treta Yug. It is believed that on this day, TretaYug was originated. TretaYug is considered as the second Yuga that is associated with the birth of Lord Vishnu in the form of other Avatars such as Lord Ram, Vamana and Parasurama. On this day of Akshaye Tritya, Lord Parshurama was born it is considered as the sixth incarnation of Lord Vishnu. Lord Ganesha and VedVyas started writing Mahabharat on this day. There issome more significance that is associated with Akshaye Tritya, like on this day, Lord Kuber received all his wealth and the position of Lord of wealth with Goddess Lakshami. Lord Kuber gained this position by praying Lord Shiva at Shivapuram. The day of Akshaye Tritya is also associated with Pandavas who exposed the weapons under earth and this helped Pnadavas to get victory over Kauravas on this day. It is said that one who bought and wear gold and jewelry of gold on this day is blessed with the blessings of never diminishing the fortune in their life.
What are the steps to be followed while doing the ‘Pooja’?
According to the ‘Narad Puraan’, on the auspicious day of ‘Akshaye Tritya’ one should observe fast, do proper ‘Pujan’ and donate various things to the needy in order to seek blessings from Goddess Laksmi and God of Wealth ‘Kuber’. The one, who does all this, attains purification of his soul and gets rid of the negative energy in his/her life. As the day of Akshayatritya is considered as most auspicious day for Hindus, it helps to mark settings of Treta Yuga among all the other three yugas. The three other yugas are Satya, kali and Dwarpa.
One has to pray to deities, Goddess Lakshmi and God Vishnu this day. The steps below mentioned are useful for the ones who want to do the ‘Pujan’ properly.
- On the day of ‘AkshayeTritiya’ one should get up early and take a bath with the holy ‘Ganga Jal’.
- After getting ready, one should place the idols of Deities Vishnu and Lakshmi in the praying area and offer, ‘Roli’, Rice grains, ‘Dhoop’, sandalwood etc.
- After ‘Pooja’ one should clean the idols of the deities with ‘Punchamrit’ and offer jowar, ‘Sattu’, Tulsi leaves, cucumber and ‘Chana’ to them.
- At the end, one has to sing Lord Vishnu’s ‘aarti’ and donate various items to sages as well as the poor and needy ones. One can donate items such as utensils, watermelon, curd, milk, rice etc.
What to donate on this festival?
‘Akshaye Tritiya’ is considered as one of the most auspicious days, according to the Hindu calendar. Many people donate items on a grand scale this day to seek the blessings of Goddess Lakshmi. Since the word ‘Akshaye’ means something which will not be diminished. That’s why, it is generally believed that the good that one receives by indulging in charity this day, stays with him forever and never diminishes. One can donate the below mentioned items.
- Those who donate on this day need not to be scared of ‘Death’.
- Those who donate clothes get rid of any kind of sickness to occur either to them or their family.
- Those who donate fruits to the needy gets prosperity and wealth in their lives.
- For students who want to increase their mental ability and want success in their academic career should donate milk and milk related products such as curd, butter, Ghee etc.
- Those who donate grains to the needy gets safe from any immediate death circumstance in their family. Donation of grain keeps all the members of family healthy and away from any kind of disease.
- Those who indulge in ‘Pujan’ this day get rid of poverty and sickness. Goddess Lakshmi showers her blessings on them and their family and bless them with good health, wealth, sickness free prosperous life.