Bhubaneswar: Akshaya Tritiya, considered the most auspicious day of the year, is celebrated as a symbol of eternal prosperity, success, and divine blessings.

Falling on the third day (Tritiya) of the Shukla Paksha of the lunar month Vaishakha, this day is believed to bring unending growth and good fortune to those who engage in righteous deeds, charity, and new beginnings.

Significance of Akshaya Tritiya

The Sanskrit word Akshaya means "never diminishing", signifying that anything started or invested in on this day will grow and flourish perpetually. Astrologically, both the Sun and the Moon are believed to be at their brightest and strongest, making this day ideal for spiritual practices and prosperity rituals.

Traditionally, people buy gold, donate to charity, begin new ventures, and seek divine blessings. It is considered an excellent time to hold marriages, start businesses, and investments, ensuring enduring success.

The Mythological Legends Behind Akshaya Tritiya

The Story of Sudama and Lord Krishna

One of the most cherished tales associated with Akshaya Tritiya is that of Sudama, a poor Brahmin and childhood friend of Lord Krishna. Sudama visited Lord Krishna carrying only a handful of beaten rice as a gift. Krishna accepted it wholeheartedly and, without Sudama asking, blessed him with wealth and prosperity. This story reinforces the idea that pure devotion brings infinite blessings.

The Gift of Akshaya Patra

When the Pandavas were in exile in the forest, they were struggling to find food. Yudhishthira, the eldest of the five Pandava brothers, prayed to the Surya Dev, who blessed him the Akshaya Patra, the inexhaustible vessel.

During the Pandavas' exile, Rishi Durvasa and several disciples arrived at Hastinapura. Duryodhana, with his maternal uncle, Shakuni, managed to gratify the sage. According to mythology, Rishi Durvasa was pleased enough to grant Duryodhana a boon. Duryodhana, secretly wanting Rishi Durvasa to curse the Pandavas in anger, asked the sage to visit his cousins in the forest after Draupadi had eaten her meal, knowing that the Pandavas would then have nothing to feed him. Rishi Durvasa and his disciples then visited the Pandavas in their hermitage in the forest, as per Duryodhana's request.

Notably, the Akshaya Patra would become exhausted each day once Draupadi finished her meal. Because Draupadi had already eaten by the time Rishi Durvasa arrived that day, there was no food left to serve him, and the Pandavas were very anxious as to their fate should they fail to feed such a venerable sage.

Draupadi prayed to Lord Krishna for help, while Rishi Durvasa and his disciples were away bathing at the river. Lord Krishna appeared before Draupadi saying he was extremely hungry, and asked her for food. Draupadi grew exasperated, and said that she had prayed to Krishna precisely because she had no food left to give. Krishna then told her to bring the Akshaya Patra to him. When she did, he partook of a very few grains of rice that he found stuck to the vessel, and announced that he was satisfied by the "meal".

This satiated the hunger of Lord Durvasa and his disciples, as the satisfaction of Krishna meant the satiation of the hunger of all living things. Rishi Durvasa and his disciples then quietly left after their bath, without returning to the Pandavas' hermitage, for they were afraid of facing what they thought would be the Pandavas' wrathful reaction at their impolite behaviour of refusing the food that would be served to them.

The Descent of the Holy Ganga

Another widely believed legend suggests that Akshaya Tritiya marks the descent of the sacred Ganga River to Earth. King Bhagirath’s deep penance moved Lord Shiva to gently release the river, cleansing the world of past sins. Bathing in the Ganga on this day is said to bring spiritual purification.

Lord Parashurama’s Birth

Akshaya Tritiya is also celebrated as Parashurama Jayanti, commemorating the birth of Lord Parashurama, the sixth incarnation of Lord Vishnu. Known for his strength, justice, and devotion to righteousness, his birth on this day signifies the eternal triumph of dharma over adharma.

The Beginning of the Mahabharata

On this sacred day, Lord Ganesha began writing the epic Mahabharata, as dictated by Ved Vyasa. This act highlights the importance of wisdom, perseverance, and knowledge.

Traditional Practices and Celebrations

Across India, devotees observe Akshaya Tritiya with rituals such as:
New Crop Season: Akshaya Tritiya is celebrated during the commencement of the sowing of rice paddy for the ensuing Kharif season. The day starts with ritual worship of mother Earth, the bullocks, and other traditional farm equipment and seeds by the farmers for the blessings of a good harvest. After ploughing the fields, the farmers sow paddy seeds as the symbolic start for the most important Kharif crop of the state. This ritual is called Akhi Muthi Anukula.

Buying Gold: Symbolizing prosperity, purchasing gold on this day is considered a sign of endless wealth.

Charity & Donations: Giving food, clothes, and resources to those in need ensures divine blessings and goodwill.

Worshiping Lord Vishnu, Goddess Lakshmi, and Kubera: Seeking their blessings for abundance and prosperity.

Starting New Ventures: Businesses, marriages, and important milestones initiated on Akshaya Tritiya are believed to be successful and long-lasting.

Akshaya Tritiya & Puri Ratha Yatra

Chandana Yatra is the longest festival observed at Jagannatha Temple at Puri. Chandana Yatra continues for 42 days is observed in two parts: Bahara Chandana and Bhitara Chandana. Bahara Chandana starts from Akshaya Tritiya and continues for 21 days. Construction of the chariots for the Ratha Yatra festival starts from Akshaya Tritiya.

Conclusion

Akshaya Tritiya is more than a festival — it is a spiritual and cultural reminder that acts of kindness, devotion, and righteous deeds lead to infinite blessings. Whether through buying gold, practicing charity, or embarking on a new journey, this day encourages believers to embrace prosperity with faith and optimism.

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