The day when the Sun and the Moon are at their planetary best is known as ‘Akha Teej’ also known as ‘Akshaya Tritiya’. This day is believed to be the most auspicious day and it commemorates the birth of Lord Parasurama, the sixth incarnation of Lord Vishnu. This festival is one of the many diverse festivals that the Hindu and Jain community celebrates with equal enthusiasm. There are many essential things that one should know. But we understand that knowing everything about a festival so significant can be not possible. Hence we have gathered all the information available so that you get to know everything you need to know about the festival.
In Sanskrit, the word Akshaya means 'the never diminishing'. The day is thought to bring good luck and success. Lakshmi Puja and Kuber Puja are performed on this day as Lakshmi is believed to bring on wealth and Kuber is said as the treasurer of wealth and he is believed to safeguard your wealth. Thus, people especially jewelers, businessmen, and traders perform these pujas on this day. Many people buy jewelry, silver, or gold on this occasion for their homes as a sign of welcoming wealth at their homes.
Akshaya Tritiya is celebrated on the third tithi of Baishakh month. Hindus believe that on this auspicious day, the sage Vyasa narrated the epic to Lord Ganesh who started writing the epic Mahabharata. Another Hindu mythology is that this is also the day when the river Ganges, the most sacred river in the country, descended to earth from heaven. Thus, this day is considered to be very auspicious which embodies the start of the famous epic as well as the holy river Ganges.
There are many Jain beliefs as well although the beliefs, unlike the Hindu beliefs, do not revolve around the Gods and Goddesses or the planetary positions. The Jain belief is on this day they found their first Lord Adinantha. Hence, they celebrate this day to commemorate their Lord Adinantha. The Jain community, also commemorates the end of the Tirthankara Rishabha year-long fast, by drinking sugarcane juice. Rishabhanatha also Rishabhadeva is the first Tirthankara of the present half cycle of time in Jainism. The word Tirthankara signifies the founder of a tirtha which means a fordable passage across a sea.
As the day is believed to be auspicious many people start their new businesses, traders start their new account calendars, some start plowing their fields for harvest, and many other things on this auspicious day. Investments done on this day are believed to bring prosperity, and gold which is viewed as an ideal investment in the country is purchased across the length and breadth of India. Apart from the auspicious aspect of purchasing gold, its utility and reputation of being a great investment increase demand on this day. On this day, many people also observe a fast and perform various pujas. Akshaya Tritiya is also considered an occasion for weddings, especially those conducted in mass ceremonies. Mass weddings usually happen in rural areas and this day is considered the auspicious day to start a new life.
Hence, cleaning your surroundings and preparing your home for this puja is an important discipline one should follow. This belief also promotes hygiene and health parameters among people. Which is an appreciatable aspect of this festivities. People connect and reconnect with their loved ones by sending them warm wishes along with gifts. Now that you know everything about Akshaya Tritiya don’t forget to send your wishes and gifts to your loved ones and cherish every moment of this festival.
