Introduction:

Akshaya Tritiya 2020, one of the important festivals of Hindus falls on the third Tithi or lunar day of Bright Half (Shukla Paksha) of Vaisakha month. The word "Akshaya" in Sanskrit signifies imperishable, eternal, and never-ending. The word Tritya means three. Thus this refers to the everlasting opulence.

Legends of Akshaya Tritiya:

There are several legends associated with this day.

Parasurama Jayanthi:

Akshaya Tritiya is the birthday of Lord Parasurama. He is considered as the sixth incarnation of Lord Vishnu. It is believed that the land of Kerala was created by Lord Parasurama. There are several legends about his obedience towards his father. His birth is celebrated as Parasurama Jayanthi, and it coincides with Akshaya Tritiya.

Legend of Mahabharatha:

One of the greatest epics of all times is Mahabharatha. This was written by Sage Vyasa. It is important to note that the scribe of Sage Vyasa was none other than Lord Ganesha. It is on this day, that the epic was written, and was given to the world, as a great moral lesson.

Legend of Ganges:

Reverent river the Ganges descended to earth on this day from the hair locks of Lord Shiva. Bhagirath's request upon providing salvation for his ancestors, who was cursed to be wandering souls without redemption for several years, was the reason why he brought the river to Earth. Only the Ganga could gie them all the redemption to 60,000 wandering souls.

Akshaya Patra:

During the period of Mahabharatha, Pandavas were sent to exile for fourteen years. They lost their kingdom to “Gauravas”, their cousins, in gambling. As a pledge, they had to leave their kingdom for fourteen years. Once in the forest, there were a lot of people visiting them. Draupadi found it difficult to cook for so many people. At the same time, Lord Krishna also visited them. On seeing Lord Krishna, she hid in the kitchen than welcoming him. Lord Krishna then handed over a vessel, which gives everlasting food.

Legend of Akha Teej:

Jains celebrate this day as Akha Teej, as King Varshitap Tapasvi's completed their fast after consuming the sugarcane juice, after their 400 days of penance. Sage Lord Rishabhdev, along with 400 sages performed severe austerities. It is believed that "AHAR CHARYA”, the set of rules and rituals were given to Jains, on how to cook and serve food to the people.

King Rishabhdev was only living on the alms of the people, but the benevolent people were ready to offer him gold, precious things and other riches. He was just looking for fewer morsels of rice, which could keep his life intact. So, he kept fast for 400 days. It was his grandson Shreyansha Kumar who understood the mind of his grandfather and gave him the sugarcane juice to complete his fast. He also fed him with Satvik Food. Since then, Jains would break their fast with sugarcane juice and would celebrate this day as Akha Teej.

Conclusion:

This day is celebrated as it indicated massive prosperity and wealth, to be bestowed on all the devotees, who dedicatedly observe this day with piety. This is important across various faiths, not only Hindus, but Jains also observe this day.