Akshaya Tritiya: Why People Celebrate this Auspicious Day?
On March 12, 2025Many people make it a point to buy gold and silver on Akshaya Tritiya. Have you wondered why? Akshaya Tritiya is one of the most auspicious days in the Hindu calendar. Also, people perform acts of charity on this day. But why is it auspicious? Let us find out.
Celebrated by both Hindus and Jains, Akshaya Tritiya falls on the 3rd lunar day of the waxing lunar phase (Shukla Paksha), in Chaitra month. The Sanskrit word, ‘Akshaya,’ means "never-ending, ‘imperishable,” or “everlasting.”
It is a common belief that the Universe multiplies and returns whatever one does or gives as charity on the day of Akshaya Tritiya.
It is a day most suitable for beginning new things, conducting weddings, Griha Pravesh (housewarming ceremony), buying gold, silver, property, and vehicles, launching businesses, making investments and donationns, and celebrating important events.
The belief is that a unique planetary alignment ensures success for new beginnings and attracts positive influences. There are many stories in the Vedas that speak of the importance of Akshaya Tritiya.
Reasons for Celebrating Akshaya Tritiya
The festival is celebrated for many reasons, which are found in Hindu mythology. Let us explore them.
Draupadi Escapes the Wrath of Sage Durvasa
When the Pandavas were living in exile in the forest, many people, including sages, visited them. Draupadi often struggled to offer them food as there wasn’t enough to feed even her husbands. When Draupadi confided her feelings to the Pandava princes, the eldest prince, Yudhishthira, offered prayers to Surya (Sun god) for a solution. Surya gave him Akshaya Patra, a miraculous bowl which could keep producing food endlessly. Only after Draupadi had eaten did the supply of food from the bowl cease.
It so happened that Sage Durvasa, who was notorious for his hot temper and tendency to utter curses at the drop of a hat, visited them once. Unfortunately, Draupadi had already finished eating. Worried, she prayed to Krishna. Krishna then ate a small food particle that had remained in the bowl. Instantly, Durvasa’s hunger vanished, and Draupadi escaped from a tricky situation.
Reasons for Celebrating Akshaya Tritiya
The festival is celebrated for many reasons, which are found in Hindu mythology. Let us explore them.
Draupadi Escapes the Wrath of Sage Durvasa
When the Pandavas were living in exile in the forest, many people, including sages, visited them. Draupadi often struggled to offer them food as there wasn’t enough to feed even her husbands. When Draupadi confided her feelings to the Pandava princes, the eldest prince, Yudhishthira, offered prayers to Surya (Sun god) for a solution. Surya gave him Akshaya Patra, a miraculous bowl which could keep producing food endlessly. Only after Draupadi had eaten did the supply of food from the bowl cease.
It so happened that Sage Durvasa, who was notorious for his hot temper and tendency to utter curses at the drop of a hat, visited them once. Unfortunately, Draupadi had already finished eating. Worried, she prayed to Krishna. Krishna then ate a small food particle that had remained in the bowl. Instantly, Durvasa’s hunger vanished, and Draupadi escaped from a tricky situation.
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Parashurama Jayanti Akshaya Tritiya coincides with the birthday of Parashurama, the 6th of the Lord Vishnu’s Dasavatar (10 incarnations). Hence, people also celebrate Parashurama Jayanti on this day. Vyasa Dictates the Mahabharata. According to one legend, on this day, Sage Vyasa began dictating the Mahabharata epic to his scribe, Lord Ganesha. Ganga Comes to Earth The Ganges River, according to mythology, flowed only in heaven initially. Due to the rigorous penance of King Bhagiratha of the Ikshvaku dynasty, it came down to earth on this day. Shiva caught the descending river in his matted hair to prevent its force from destroying the earth. Sudama’s Gift to Krishna Another legend claims that on this day, Sudama visited his childhood friend, Lord Krishna, and his fortunes changed forever. Sudama was very poor. One day, he decided to visit his wealthy friend, Krishna, in Dwaraka and ask him for help. He took some Poha as a gift for Krishna, as it was all he had. However, Sudama was too shy to ask for help and he returned home. But Krishna understood everything and showered him with immense wealth. Birth of Goddess Annapurna Devi On this day, Goddess Parvati, the consort of Lord Shiva, incarnated as Annapurna Devi (goddess of food and nourishment). Kubera Becomes the God of Wealth Kubera was a Yaksha and the step-brother of Ravana, the 10-headed demon king. In Hindu mythology, Kubera is the treasurer of the gods and he was given this role on this day. He is also worshipped along with Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Ganesha on this day. Also, after Ravana appropriated the wealth and kingdom of Kubera, the latter prayed to Lord Shiva in Shivapuram on Akshaya Tritiya and regained his wealth and prosperity on this day. Rishabanath Ends his Fast The first Tirthankara of the Jains is Rishabhanatha. On this day, he ended his 400-day-long fast by drinking sugarcane juice. Hence, Jains consider this day very significant. Significance of Akshaya Tritiya Akshaya Tritiya is a day of fresh starts. It is believed to bring prosperity and good fortune. It's also a very auspicious day to offer donations as they can bring manifold blessings. Anything done on this day is believed to multiply manifold. Hence, people buy gold, silver, vehicles, property, etc. On this day, in some regions, women also offer prayers for the well-being of their men. After the prayers, they distribute sprouts, fresh fruits, and sweets. The festival is even more auspicious when Akshaya Tritiya is on a Monday (on Rohini Nakshatra). Some buy rice and lentils on this day as these items represent wealth and growth. Many observe a fast and donate food, money, clothes, and other essentials to the needy. They also perform special Poojas for deities like Goddess Lakshmi, Lord Ganesha, and Lord Kubera, who are associated with wealth and abundance. Many people perform rituals to invoke divine blessings for wealth and prosperity. In the farming community, farmers worship the plow before preparing the land for monsoon crops on this day. Buying gold and silver on Akshaya Tritiya is a hoary tradition that is still in vogue. This is because people believe that whatever they buy on this day will endure forever and multiply continuouslyAttract the Energy of Undiminishing Prosperity! Join Our Akshaya Tritiya Ceremonies!
