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Legend of Akshaya Tritiya
April 12, 2018
In the beginning of time when the creator decided to make the world, the first syllable he uttered is believed to be ‘Akshaya’. That is why all Hindu scriptures refer to ‘Akshaya Tritiya’ as being highly auspicious and there are several legends associated with this day.
The Birth of Annapurna
It is widely believed that the Mother Goddess Parvati incarnated as Annapurna on this day to feed the hungry. Lord Shiva disguised himself as a beggar and went to Annapurna for food. Thus, Goddess Annapurna is said to have fed none than Lord Shiva himself on the Akshaya Tritiya day.
Some of us may ask why Lord Shiva begged for food when he is the Lord of the universe. His act of begging is entirely symbolic and highlights the virtue of feeding the poor and needy.
Kurbera — the Banker of Heaven
It is widely believed that Lord Shiva blessed Kubera in the temple at Sivapuram to become the custodian of wealth in the world. Lord Shiva blessed the Goddess of wealth, Goddess Lakshmi with abundance and prosperity on Akshaya Tritiya day.
The Akshaya Patram
During the Mahabharata period, Yudhishtara was the king of the Pandavas and was renowned for his acts of Dharma. It was on the day of Akshaya Tritiya that Yudhishtara is believed to have received the ‘Akshay Patram’ (inexhaustible magic vessel of food) from the Gods at the Thirumanthurai temple.
Legend also states that Garuda, the vehicle of Lord Vishnu worshiped Goddess Lakshmi and received the Akshaya Patram from her. This enabled him to worship the Sun God in the Arasar temple with an inexhaustible supply of food from the golden Akshaya bowl.
Story of Krishna and Kusela
It is believed that Kusela went to meet his childhood friend Krishna, on Akshaya Tritiya day. Being very poor, Kusela could only afford to carry ‘Poha’ or beaten rice as a gift for Lord Krishna. His sparse gift made Kusela very ashamed and he hesitated to offer it to Krishna. Seeing his reluctance, Krishna forced Kusela to give him the Poha and gulped down a mouthful with great relish. The instant Krishna tasted the Poha, Kusela was relieved of his poverty and became rich.
Puranic Story of Akshaya Tritiya
In ancient times, a religious and devout merchant became so poor that he found it difficult to afford even one meal a day. The elders of the village noticed his pious deeds, and moved by his plight, explained to him the virtues of Akshaya Tritiya. Though he was poor, the merchant offered food, water, sugarcane juice, milk and money to poor Brahmins on the Akshaya Tritiya day. Though his wife tried to dissuade him, the merchant continued with his good deeds. His sincere efforts eventually paid off and he was reborn as the great King of Kushavati city.
Significance of buying Gold on Akshaya Tritiya
The word Akshaya means everlasting, inexhaustible, or never diminishing. Buying gold and other valuables on this day is considered to be very auspicious and is said to usher in success and good fortune into the household. Wearing jewelry on this day signifies prosperity and good luck. This is a very auspicious day to start a new venture, buy something significant, or to celebrate a wedding.
Significance of Akshaya Tritiya
Akshaya Tritiya is a day that is considered extremely auspicious for literally anything and that is why it is strongly associated with material gains and the acquisition of wealth. Those who observe the day with faith and devotion in their hearts are blessed with health, wealth, good fortune and all round prosperity. God is ever willing to help his devotees anyplace, anytime, anywhere, and what better time to get his blessings than on the day of Akshaya Tritiya.
