Astrologer Dr.

Anjna Agarwal
Ph.D., Asst. Professor, Agra
Anu0562@yahoo.com

Akshaya Tritiya - The Auspicious Day

Akshaya Tritiya also called Akha Teej is highly auspicious day, that falls on the third
Tithi (Lunar day) after Amavasi (no moon) of Shukla Paksha (Bright Half) of Vedic
month of Vaishakha. This day is ruled by God Vishnu. It is said that each second on the
Akshaya Trithiya day is auspicious and there is no need to look for a muhurat on the
day. Akshaya Tritiya falling on a Monday or under Rohini Star is considered more
auspicious. Akshaya Tritiya is observed when tritiya prevails more before the noon. In
2010, the date of Akshaya Trithiya is May 16.
The word "Akshaya" , a Sanskrit word, literally means imperishable or eternal (one
that never diminishes). Tritiya stands for third day. On this day, the Sun and the Moon
are in exaltation; they are simultaneously at their peak of brightness, which happens only
once every year. It is believed starting a new activity or buying valuables on this day is
considered to bring good luck, eternal prosperity and success. It is one of the most
popular dates in Hindu calendar for marriages, for beginning new ventures, for investing
and for purchasing valuables like gold and diamond. Marrying on Akshaya Tritiya brings
good fortune, prosperity and longevity to the couple.
Myths & Legends
There are several reasons for Akshaya Tritiya being considered auspicious. The birthday
of the Hindu sage Parasurama, the sixth incarnation of Lord Vishnu falls on this day.
According to Hindu mythology, on this day the Treta Yuga began while 'Dharmasindhu'
mentions this is the Adi Tithi of Sata Yuga. The river Ganga, the most holy and sacred
river of India, descended to the earth from the heaven on this auspicious day.. Shri
Balarama Jayanthi (birthday of Lord Sri Balaram) is also celebrated on the day of
Akshaya Tirtiya. Balarama was the elder brother of Lord Sri Krishna. Lord Balarama is
also referred as one of the Dasavatara, ten incarnations of Lord Vishnu. Sudama or
Kuchela visiting Lord Krishna in Dwarka with a handful of beaten rice (poha or aval).
Veda Vyasa and Lord Ganesh initiated writing of Mahabharata on the day of Akshaya
Tritiya . It was on this day that the Pandavas unearthed weapons that decided their
victory over the Kauravas. Also, it is also believed that Goddess Vijaya
Chamundeshwari killed Asura on this day. Lord Kubera, considered to be the lord of
wealth. According to puranas Lord Kubera himself pray to Goddess Lakshmi on this day.

For the Jains, it is a special day. Bhagvan Rishabhdev, the first tirthankar broke his fast
with sugarcane juice after fasting for whole year. Following his example, Jains celebrate
this day by fasting. Temples for the pilgrims of Badri Kedar Yatra or the Char Dham
Yatra, opens on the Akshaya Tritiya.
The Pandavas received the Akshaya Pathram (bowl) from Lord Krishna (in the
Mahabharat) on this day. The food came in abundance, when they were in the forest.
Due to this reason, people believe that anything that is acquired on this day will be
replenished. This day is specially important as on this day any thing you donate is
akshaya or never ending.
Celebration on Akshaya Tritiya
Lord Vishnu and his incarnations are worshipped on the day. People also conduct
Lakshmi puja on Akshaya Tritiya. A dip in the Ganges on this day is considered to be
very auspicious. Buying gold on this day signifies never-diminishing money or wealth
for the whole year. It is the best day to make auspicious beginnings so that they produce
imperishable results.