Akshaya Tritiya 2023

One of the most beneficial and auspicious days for Hindus is Akshaya Tritiya. The belief is that anything begun on this day will be successful. It is a day that signifies good luck, success, and gains.

Akshaya Tritiya 2023 falls on April 22, a Saturday.

Akshaya Tritiya is celebrated on the 3rd day of the Shukla paksha (waxing lunar phase) of Vaisakh month, which is April-May in the Gregorian calendar. On this day, both the Sun and the moon are in a very auspicious position. This day is also called 'Akha Teej.'

Importance of Akshaya Tritiya

• As per mythology, many important events happened on this day. Let us see what they are:
• It was on this day that Ganesha and Sage Ved Vyasa started writing the epic Mahabharata. While Vyasa narrated the story, Ganesha acted as his scribe.
• This day also marks the birth anniversary of Parashurama, the sixth avatar of Vishnu. He was born as the son of Saptarishi, Sage Jamadagni (a Brahmin), and Renuka (a Kshatriya princess). Parashurama is also one of the 8 immortals of Hindu mythology. Parshurama was a devotee of Shiva and got several divine weapons. One of these was the big ax (Parashu). He had mastery over all weapons, including Brahmastra. Shiva also taught him the art of war.
• Goddess Annapurna was born on this day. She is an incarnation of Parvati and the goddess of food and kitchen, who protects her devotees from starvation. She is also the goddess of Kashi/Varanasi, who bestows the energy to gain knowledge.
• It was on this day that Krishna transformed the life of Sudama, his impoverished friend, by bestowing on him wealth and abundance. Sudama had paid a visit to Krishna, his childhood friend, to ask for help, taking some ‘poha’ with him, as it was Krishna’s favorite. Though he failed to ask Krishna for help, Krishna understood his friend’s plight and made him wealthy.
• The Mahabharata says that it was also on this day that Krishna gifted the 'Akshaya patra' to Draupadi (the Pandavas’ wife) when she and her husbands were living in exile in the forest. This divine bowl could produce food on demand so that they would never be hungry.
• The River Ganges descended to earth from heaven on this day, thanks to King Bhagiratha’s penance. He had been told that this would bring his slain ancestors back to life. Sage Kapila had burned them to ashes when they attacked him, thinking that he had abducted their horse when performing the Ashwamedha Yagna. It was Indra who had abducted the horse, actually.
• On this day, Kubera worshipped Goddess Lakshmi, and she made him the treasurer of the Gods.
• The annual Rath Yatra of the renowned Puri Jagannath temple in Odisha begins on this day.
• Jains celebrate this day to commemorate Adinatha, their first God.

Rituals of Akshaya Tritiya

• Devotees of Vishnu worship him by observing a fast. They also do acts of charity by donating rice, ghee, salt, clothes, vegetables, and fruits to the needy. They also sprinkle Tulsi water all around the house, as it symbolizes Vishnu.
• In the eastern part of India, this is the first plowing day for the annual harvest season.
• Businessmen also worship Ganesha and Lakshmi on this day before starting a new audit book for the new financial year. This is called 'halkhata'.
• Many people purchase gold coins and jewelry on this day. Gold signifies good fortune and wealth.
• Weddings and long journeys are scheduled on this very auspicious day.
• People start new business ventures and construction work on this day.
• Some take a holy bath in the Ganges. Others offer barley into a sacred fire or make donations on this day.
• Jains complete their year-long tapasya and end it by drinking sugarcane juice.
• Many perform spiritual activities, meditation, and chant Mantras.
• Devotees of Krishna anoint his idol with sandalwood paste. By doing so, they hope to attain heaven after death.
• No Muhurtam is needed to perform auspicious events like Griha Pravesham on Akshaya Tritiya. Annadanam on this day is believed to bring immense benefits. Cow feeding on this holy day can free one from sins and doshas. ‘Akshaya’ means ‘never diminishing,’ so celebrating Akshaya Tritiya ensures that one’s wealth and fortunes will never diminish.