When is Akshaya Tritiya celebrated

Akshaya Tritiya 2020

Akshaya Tritiya is the third day of Shukla Paksha (bright fortnight) of the month Apr-May. Akshaya Tritiya also called as Akha Teej is an auspicious festival for Hindus and Jains. This year it falls on April 26, 2020. The day is believed to bring good luck and prosperity. It is a day that holds a lot of astrological significance and is suitable for any auspicious undertaking without any malefic effects.

Greatness of Akshaya Tritiya

Sacred scriptures like Skanda Purana, Matsya Purana, Bhavishya Purana, and Narada Purana praise the greatness of this day. ||Yah Pashyanti Trulyayam Krishnam Chandanbhusitam| Vaisakhyasya Site Pakshe Sa Yatyachyutamandiram|| “One viewing an icon of Lord Vishnu adorned with sandal paste on the third day in the bright half of Vaisakha surely attains his abode” Akshaya means non-depleting or eternal. It is the day that enables to accumulate good fortunes. The fruits of meritorious deeds performed on this day produce imperishable results and infinite returns. On this day, whatever little is performed by way of japa, homa (Fire Lab), dhaana dharma (charity), would never be wasted, especially if these actions are done on this day coinciding with a Wednesday or Krittika Nakshatra.

In the great epic Mahabarata, Lord Krishna tells Yuddhistra (the first Pandava brother) that donation and homas done on this day never goes waste. Rituals performed to please Gods and ancestors on this day always prove to be fruitful.

History of Akshaya Tritiya

According to legends, the Akshaya Tritiya day has following significance. This day marks several sacred beginnings:

• This day marked the beginning of Treta Yuga
• It is the birthday of Nara-Narayana, Parashurama, Hayagriva
• On this holy day, Ganga descended on earth
• Pandavas received Akshaya Patra from Sun God
• Ved Vyasa composed Mahabharata on this day
• Goddess AnnaPoorani appeared to Shiva on this day in Kashi
• Kubera received his wealth and position as custodian of wealth in heaven

Akshaya Tritiya Rituals

It is the day to worship Mother Goddess for blessings of abundance and prosperity. In North India, cultivated fields are sowed with seeds on this day. Rituals are performed to Mother Earth as Mrutika Devi for good yields and lasting returns. By praying to her, one is blessed with the grace of Goddess Dhanyalakshmi (Goddess of Food grains), Goddess Dhanalakshmi (Goddess of Wealth), and Goddess Vaibhavlakshmi (Goddess of Prosperity). Saplings are planted on this day for its fruits and also Ayurvedic plants are planted ensure that there is no shortage of medicinal herbs.