Why Is Akshaya Tritiya Celebrated

Akshaya Tritiya, also known as Akha Teej or Akti, is an annual Hindu festival that is celebrated on the third day of the Hindu month of Vaisakha. It is considered one of the most auspicious days in the Hindu calendar and is celebrated with great enthusiasm and devotion by millions of Hindus all over the world. In this article, we will explore the significance and history of Akshaya Tritiya, and understand why it is celebrated.

What is Akshaya Tritiya?

The word ‘Akshaya’ means ‘eternal’ or ‘imperishable’, while ‘Tritiya’ means ‘third’. Thus, Akshaya Tritiya is celebrated on the third day of the Hindu month of Vaisakha, which usually falls in late April or early May. It is believed that anything started on this day will bring prosperity and success, and will continue to grow and flourish forever.

Akshaya Tritiya is also known as the ‘gold buying’ festival, as it is considered to be an auspicious day to buy gold, silver, or other precious metals. It is believed that buying gold on Akshaya Tritiya will bring good fortune and wealth.

Significance of Akshaya Tritiya

The significance of Akshaya Tritiya dates back to ancient times. According to Hindu mythology, on this day, Lord Vishnu, the preserver of the universe, incarnated as Parashurama, the sixth avatar of Lord Vishnu. It is believed that Parashurama was born on this day to destroy evil and restore peace and harmony on Earth.

It is also believed that on Akshaya Tritiya, Lord Krishna gave the Akshaya Patra, a vessel that would provide an unlimited supply of food, to the Pandavas during their exile in the forest. The Akshaya Patra is a symbol of abundance and prosperity and is still revered by Hindus today.

In addition to these mythological stories, Akshaya Tritiya is also associated with agriculture. It is believed that on this day, the sun and the moon are in their most exalted positions, and the earth’s soil is at its most fertile. Farmers start sowing their crops on this day, as it is believed that anything sown on Akshaya Tritiya will grow and flourish forever.

Celebrations of Akshaya Tritiya

Akshaya Tritiya is celebrated in different ways in different parts of India. In some regions, it is celebrated as a day of charity and donations. People donate food, clothes, and money to the poor and needy, and perform acts of kindness and generosity.

In other regions, Akshaya Tritiya is celebrated as a day of worship and rituals. People offer prayers to Lord Vishnu and Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth and prosperity, and perform pujas and yajnas to seek their blessings. They also offer food, flowers, and other offerings to the deities.

One of the most popular traditions associated with Akshaya Tritiya is buying gold. It is believed that buying gold on this day will bring good fortune and wealth. Gold shops are crowded with people, and many jewelers offer discounts and special offers to attract customers.

In some regions, people also start new businesses or ventures on Akshaya Tritiya, as it is believed that anything started on this day will be prosperous.

What is the origin of the tradition of buying gold on Akshaya Tritiya?

One of the most interesting customs associated with Akshaya Tritiya is the tradition of buying gold. This tradition has been followed for centuries, and it is believed to bring good fortune and prosperity to the people who buy gold on this auspicious day.

The origin of this tradition can be traced back to ancient times when gold was considered to be a symbol of wealth and power. In Hindu mythology, it is believed that Lord Kubera, the god of wealth, was blessed with the ability to create gold from grains of sand on this day. This is why buying gold on Akshaya Tritiya is considered to be extremely auspicious.

Apart from its mythological significance, Akshaya Tritiya is also associated with the beginning of the agricultural season in India. This is the time when farmers start sowing their crops, and buying gold on this day is believed to bring good luck and prosperity to the crops as well.

Another interesting aspect of this tradition is that people buy gold in different forms, such as jewelry, coins, or bars. It is believed that the type of gold you buy on Akshaya Tritiya has a different effect on your life. 

For example, buying gold jewelry is believed to bring happiness and prosperity to your family, while buying gold coins or bars is believed to bring financial stability and security.

Are there any specific rituals or customs that are unique to the celebration of Akshaya Tritiya in different regions of India?

One of the most significant customs associated with Akshaya Tritiya is the distribution of prasad or holy offerings. In many regions of India, people distribute prasad, which is typically made from jaggery, coconut, and sesame seeds. This prasad is believed to be a symbol of abundance and is distributed to everyone, regardless of their caste or social status.

In some regions of India, Akshaya Tritiya is also associated with the worship of Lord Vishnu. People offer prayers and perform special puja rituals to Lord Vishnu on this day. This is because Lord Vishnu is believed to be the preserver of the universe, and his blessings are said to bring good fortune and prosperity to those who worship him.

In the southern state of Tamil Nadu, Akshaya Tritiya is celebrated as “Akshaya Thiruvonam”. On this day, people perform special puja rituals for the goddess of wealth, Goddess Mahalakshmi. It is believed that by worshiping Mahalakshmi on this day, people can attract wealth and prosperity into their homes.

In the northern state of Bihar, Akshaya Tritiya is celebrated as “Sakat Chauth”. On this day, people observe a fast in honor of Lord Ganesha, the remover of obstacles. It is believed that by observing this fast, people can overcome any obstacles in their lives and achieve success in their endeavors.

In the western state of Maharashtra, Akshaya Tritiya is celebrated as “Akti” or “Parshuram Jayanti”. On this day, people offer prayers to Lord Parshuram, who is believed to be the sixth incarnation of Lord Vishnu. It is believed that by worshiping Lord Parshuram, people can achieve success and prosperity in their lives.

How has the celebration of Akshaya Tritiya evolved?

Historically, Akshaya Tritiya was celebrated as the day when the sun and the moon were in their most exalted positions. This day was considered to be highly auspicious and was believed to bring good fortune and prosperity. The festival was primarily associated with agriculture and was celebrated as a time of planting and harvesting crops.

As time passed, the celebration of Akshaya Tritiya evolved to include more spiritual and religious significance. The festival became associated with Lord Vishnu, the preserver of the universe, and his blessings were sought on this day. 

The tradition of buying gold also became associated with Akshaya Tritiya, as it was believed that gold bought on this day would bring good luck and prosperity to the buyer.

In recent years, the celebration of Akshaya Tritiya has continued to evolve, with new customs and rituals being added to the festival. For example, in some regions of India, people now celebrate Akshaya Tritiya by planting trees, as a way of promoting environmental sustainability and preserving the earth’s resources.

Another recent development in the celebration of Akshaya Tritiya is the use of technology to promote the festival. Many temples and organizations now use social media and other digital platforms to share information about the festival and to encourage people to participate in the celebrations.

Despite these changes, the essence of Akshaya Tritiya remains the same. It is a festival that celebrates the abundance of nature and the power of good fortune and prosperity. The festival is a time for people to come together with their families and communities, celebrate their blessings, and offer prayers for a bright and prosperous future.

Are there any scientific explanations for the significance of Akshaya Tritiya in agriculture and farming?

One scientific explanation for the significance of Akshaya Tritiya in agriculture is the position of the Sun and the Moon. On this day, the Sun is in Aries, and the Moon is in Taurus. This alignment creates a powerful energy that can be harnessed for agricultural purposes. 

The energy from the Sun and Moon has a positive effect on the growth of plants and crops, making it an ideal day for planting new seeds or starting new agricultural projects.

Another scientific explanation for the significance of Akshaya Tritiya in agriculture is the favorable weather conditions. The day usually falls in the middle of the spring season, which is a crucial time for agriculture. The weather is warm, and there is plenty of sunshine, which helps plants and crops grow. 

Moreover, the soil is also moist from the spring rains, making it ideal for planting new seeds. This combination of favorable weather conditions and planetary alignments creates an ideal environment for agriculture.

In some parts of India, farmers perform special rituals and puja ceremonies on Akshaya Tritiya to seek blessings for a bountiful harvest. They also start new agricultural projects and plant new seeds on this day. In certain regions, farmers worship the tools and equipment used for farming and offer them to the gods to seek their blessings.

How do people who are not Hindus celebrate Akshaya Tritiya, or do they celebrate it at all?

In India, people from different religions and cultures participate in the festival of Akshaya Tritiya in their unique way. For example, in some parts of India, people offer prayers and perform puja at the local temple, whereas in other regions, people decorate their homes and prepare special meals for the occasion. People from different communities also exchange gifts, sweets, and other items as a way of celebrating the festival.

Moreover, the significance of Akshaya Tritiya is not just limited to the Hindu community. In some parts of India, people from other religions also observe the festival. For instance, in the state of Karnataka, people from the Jain community celebrate the festival as “Akha Teej” and consider it an auspicious day to begin new business ventures, purchase gold, and offer prayers to Lord Rishabhdev, the first Jain Tirthankara.

Similarly, in some parts of India, the festival of Akshaya Tritiya is celebrated by the Sikh community as well. On this day, Sikhs offer prayers at Gurdwaras and distribute food to the needy as a way of giving back to the community. The Sikh festival of “Baisakhi” also falls around the same time as Akshaya Tritiya and is celebrated with equal fervor and enthusiasm.

Apart from India, people from other countries like Nepal and Indonesia also celebrate the festival of Akshaya Tritiya in their unique way. In Nepal, the festival is known as “Akhasta” and is celebrated by offering prayers to Lord Vishnu, while in Indonesia, the festival is known as “Hari Raya Galungan” and is celebrated by preparing special dishes and visiting family and friends.

Conclusion

Akshaya Tritiya is a festival of prosperity, abundance, and eternal growth. It is a day to celebrate the bountiful blessings of nature and seek the blessings of the divine. Whether it is through charity, worship, or buying gold, Akshaya Tritiya is a day to renew our faith in the power of positivity and optimism.

How do you celebrate Akshaya Tritiya in your region or culture? Share your thoughts in the comments below.