‘God will dwell in the hearts of those

who are filled with thoughts of consideration

for the poor and who are eager to serve them’.

– Sri Sathya Sai

The Sanskrit word ‘Akshaya’  translates to ‘never decreasing, ‘eternal’ or ‘imperishable.’   Tritiya is the third day following the occurrence of the new Moon in the month of Vaishakh, which is slated to transpire in April or May according to the Western lunar calendar.  According to Vedic Astrology, the Sun and Moon are in their exalted positions on this day, which is known as ‘Sarva Siddhi Day’ (all auspicious day).  

It is stated that anybody may execute any auspicious activity or event, such as a housewarming, marriage ceremony, or the purchase of land, property, a car, gold, or other valuable objects.  It is said that if astrological alignment makes it impossible to choose an auspicious time for marriage throughout the year, the day of Akshaya Tritiya might be selected without contacting an astrologer. On this auspicious day, hundreds of weddings are celebrated in India with the solid idea that it would lengthen marriage and lead to a happy married life.

Akshaya Tritiya  falls on 10-11 May 2024 as follows:  

New Delhi, India

Legends & Significance of Akshaya Tritiya

Akshaya Tritiya is associated with several stories, myths, and fortunate happenings in Indian scriptures. Various texts provide information on Gods, Seers, Sages, and holy and sacred locales, such as:

1. As per Vedic Muhurta Astrology,  the three most auspicious lunar days (tithes) occur. Among these are ‘Sade-Teen’ (3 and an half) Muhurtas, which includes Akshaya Tritiya.

2. This day commemorates the birth of Lord Parasurama, the sixth avatar of Lord Vishnu.

3. This day marks the beginning of ‘Treta-Yuga’ and ‘Nara-Narayna’ incarnated on this very day

4. River Ganges descended to Earth from heaven to earth

5. Goddess Annapurna (Lakshmi) emerged from the sea

6. Sudama, also known as Kuchela, went to see Lord Sri Krishna with a   handful of hand-pound rice, which is known as Aval. In gratitude, Sri Krishna bestowed upon him the blessing of Akshaya riches.

7. Lord Vyasa began writing the famous epic Mahabharatha, which is similar to an Akshaya Patram for tales about many yesteryear kings from the past and spiritual understanding.

8. Adi Shankaracharya composed ‘Kanakadhara Stotram’ on this day

9. Kubera, the treasurer in Heaven received his wealth on this day from Siva.

10. Lord Sri Krishna visited Pandavas and blessed Draupathi with the Akshaya Patram (which they had received from the Sun God earlier) resulting in endless nourishment throughout their exile. Later, the Akshaya Patra was utilised to feed all of the destitute in the area.

11. On this day, the famous ‘Banke Bihari temple’ in Vrindavan allows the darshan of ‘Sri Vighraha’ (the deity’s lotus feet). Otherwise, they stay dressed throughout the year.

12. According to Hindu beliefs, doing the Shraadh ceremony for ancestors on this day is considered fortunate.

“Akshaya” means “endless.”  Hence many people believe that whatever obtained on this auspicious day would grow exponentially, therefore they buy gold, silver, land, or property on Akshaya Tritiya, believing that it will never lose value and will continue to expand alongside them.  In my humble opinion, this auspicious time   for us is to give back to the society too.  Hence engaging in any form of Japa, Yagna, Pitra-Shraddha, or Daan-Punya (donation of money, food, clothes, etc)  on this day will definitely result in eternal benefits for the donor. 

The principle that ‘The hand that gives is the hand that gathers’ and  ‘Always give without remembering  and Always receive without forgetting’ are  a universal rule and truth.  Generously and selflessly contributing to those in need, driven by genuine kindness & compassion, is a fundamental pillar in fostering success.  This action indeed has the potential to significantly bring prosperity  even if you do not anticipate it.  I think one should take this opportunity to enhance your well-being on the sacred ‘Akshaya Tritiya’   by implementing this time-honoured ‘Art of Giving’ and ‘Serving the needy’

Regards

Ravinder Grover