Akshaya Tritiya

Akshaya Tritiya is an auspicious Hindu and Jain festival that falls on the 3rd day (Tritiya) of the Shukla Paksha (waxing moon) of the Vaishakha month (end of April - mid May). Many important events are believed to have occurred on this day, including the birth of Lord Parasurama, the recitation of Mahabharata by Vyasar to Lord Ganesha, Ganga’s arrival on Earth, and the story of Durvasa and the Akshaya Patra - which is detailed below.

The righteous Pandavas, cheated out of their kingdom and unfairly exiled to the forest, were struggling to feed themselves and their consort, Draupadi. Yudhishtira, the eldest of the Pandavas, prayed to the Sun God, Lord Surya, for help, and in turn received the ‘Akshaya Patra’ - a vessel that, when filled, would remain full until Draupadi had eaten. One day, just as Draupadi had finished her meal, the temperamental and hungry sage Durvasa arrived at the Pandava ‘Ashram’. Worried that she wouldn’t be able to feed her guests, she fervently sought out Lord Krishna. Krishna, a divine incarnation of Maha Vishnu and a dear friend to Draupadi and the Pandavas, simply ate a singular grain of rice that was still stuck to the vessel. Miraculously, the great sage’s hunger was satiated! These events are believed to have occurred on the auspicious day of Akshaya Tritiya.

Akshaya Tritiya is also believed to be the birthday of Lord Parasurama. It is celebrated by Vaishnavites and Parasurama devotees across the world as ‘Parasurama Jayanti’. Additionally, many Hindus believe that Akshaya Tritiya is the day that Ganga Devi (the river Ganges) descended to earth. After the heavy snowstorms of the Himalayan winters, the Gangotri and Yamunotri temples are opened on Akshaya Tritiya, owing to its deep spiritual significance

In Maharashtra, Akshaya Tritiya holds immense importance and is celebrated with great enthusiasm and reverence. It is considered an auspicious day for initiating new ventures, marriages, and investments. One of the most prominent customs observed in Maharashtra on Akshaya Tritiya is the purchase of gold jewellery and other precious items. It is believed that purchases on this day, of any precious items will multiply manifold and bring enduring prosperity and good fortune. This day is believed as an auspicious one to begin signifiamt ventures and it is also believed that commencement of signifiall acts of charity bring an abundance of punya.

Rituals and Observances:

On Akshaya Tritiya, devotees wake up before dawn and perform traditional rituals to invoke the blessings of deities. Special prayers are offered at temples dedicated to Lord Vishnu and Goddess Lakshmi, seeking their divine grace for abundance and prosperity. Additionally, charitable acts such as feeding the poor, donating to the needy, and performing acts of kindness are considered highly meritorious on this auspicious day.

In Maharashtra, devotees also prepare and distribute a sweet delicacy known as 'Kheer' as prasad (offering) to friends, family, and visitors. This tradition symbolises the sharing of blessings and abundance with loved ones, fostering a sense of unity and community spirit.

Akshaya Tritiya serves as a reminder of the timeless teachings embedded in Hindu mythology and culture. It encourages devotees to cultivate virtues such as gratitude, generosity, and compassion, essential for leading a spiritually fulfilling life. May Akshaya Tritiya be a time of renewal, prosperity, and spiritual awakening for all, uniting us in our shared quest for eternal blessings and abundance.