Kshaya Tritiya [The Golden Day]
Sudhir-Architect
Kshaya Tritiya [The Golden Day]
Hindus believe in the theory of "mahurats" or auspicious timings in every step in life - be it to begin a new venture or making an important purchase. Akshaya Tritiya is one such momentous occasion, which is considered one of the most auspicious days of the Hindu Calendar. It is believed, any meaningful activity started on this day would be fruitful.
Once a Year
Akshaya Tritiya falls on the third day of the bright half of Vaishakh month
(April-May), when the Sun and Moon are in exaltation; they are simultaneously
at their peak of brightness, which happens only once every year.
Holy Day
Akshaya Tritiya, also known as "Akha Teej", is traditionally the
birthday of Lord Parasurama, the sixth incarnation of Lord Vishnu.
People conduct special Pujas on this day, bathe in holy rivers, make a charity,
offer barley in a sacred fire, and worship Lord Ganesha
& Devi
Lakshmi on this day.
The Golden Link
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. Buying gold is a popular activity on Akshaya
Tritiya, as it is the ultimate symbol of wealth and prosperity. Gold and gold
jewelry bought and worn on this day signify never diminishing good fortune.
Indians celebrate weddings, begin new business ventures, and even plan long
journeys on this day.
Belief Akshaya Tritiya
The day also marks the beginning of the "SatyaYug" or the Golden Age - the first of the four Yugas. In the Puranas, the holy Hindu scriptures, there is a story that says that on this day of Akshay Tritiya, Veda Vyasa along with Ganesha started writing the great epic Mahabharata. Ganga Devi or Mother Ganges also descended on earth on this day.
According to another legend, during the time of the Mahabhrata, when the Pandavas were in exile, Lord Krishna, on this day, presented them an 'Akshaya Patra,' a bowl which would never go empty and produce an unlimited supply of food on demand.
Bright Births
It is also believed that people born during this time shine bright in life.
Many luminaries were born during this period: Basaveshwara born on May 4,
Ramanujacharya and Adi
Shankaracharya on May 6, Swami Chinmayananda on May 8 and Lord
Buddha on May 16. Akshaya Tritiya is also celebrated as the birthday of
Lord Parashurama, one of the ten avatars
of Lord Vishnu.