Akshaya Tritiya

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

It has been suggested that this article or section be merged with Akshay Tritiiya. (Discuss)

Akshaya Tritiya, variously spelt as Akshya Thiritiya, Akshaya Trutheeya, Akshaya Tritiiya and also called Akshaya Trithi, falling on the third day of the bright half of the lunar month of Vaisakha of the traditional Hindu calendar, is one of the four most auspicious days of the year for Hindus. The word Akshaya, a Sanskrit word, literally means one that never diminishes, and the day is believed to bring good luck and success. It is widely celebrated in all parts of India by different sections of the society irrespective of their religious faith and social grouping. The day is particularly considered auspicious for buying long term assets like gold and silver, including ornaments made of the same; diamond and other precious stones; and the real estate. The legend states that any venture initiated on the auspicious day of Akshaya Tritiya shall continue to grow and bring prosperity. Hence, it is normal to see many of the new ventures, like starting a business, ground breaking for construction etc on the Akshaya Tritiya Day.

With the mass media and marketing, this day has been taken over by marketeers to promote sales and bookings for Gold jewellery, houses, consumer electronics.

The day is also traditionally celebrated as the birth day of the Hindu sage Parashurama, the sixth avatar (incarnation) of the God Vishnu.

Following dates are for observance of akshaya tritiya in india only: (This dates may not be applicable outside of india due to longitude, latitude, sunrise and other differences).

In 2006, Akshaya Tritiya falls on 30th April. In 2007, Akshaya Tritiya falls on 20th April. In 2008, Akshaya Tritiya falls on 8th May.

[edit] Mythology

According to Hindu mythology, on this day the Treta Yuga began; and the Ganges River, the most holy and sacred river of India, descended to the earth from the heaven.

Akshaya Tritiya this year falls on 8th Thursday, the May 2008. According to the Telugu calendar, Sarvadhaari Year, Uttarayana Vasanta Rutuvu Vaisakha month, Tadiya Thidi.

Akshaya Tritiya is traditionally observed as the birthday of Parusurama, the sixth incarnation of Lord Vishnu. Puranas spoke about how he reclaimed the land from the sea. The Sun and Moon are astrologically believed to be at their most exalted equal brightness on this day. The brightness is at its best at the west coast of India. Goa and Konkan regions, even today, are referred to as Parusurama Kshetra. Akshaya Tritiya, the third day of the bright-half of the lunar month of Vaisakha is considered as one of the most sacred days of the year.

The word, "Akshaya" means one that never diminishes. Hence, starting a new activity or buying valuables on this day is considered to certainly bring luck and success. The religious merit that is acquired by giving gifts on this day becomes inexhaustible. Many buy new gold jewelry on this day. Most Jewel stores stock in new jewelry models for this occasion. "Lakshmi-inscribed" gold coins, diamond jewellery and golden dollars with the pictures of many gods and goddesses.

The day is generally observed by fasting and worship Lord Vasudeva with rice grains. The day gains more importance when it falls on a Monday or under Rohini Star. A dip in the Ganges on this day is considered to be very auspicious.

Akshaya Tritiya is also called Navanna Parvam. This day also happens to be Parusurama Jayanti. Akshaya Tritiya falling on a Rohini star day is considered more auspicious. Needless to say, this rare occasion comes this year.

Lord Kubera, considered to be the richest, is one amongst the Astadikpalakas. Lakshmi Tantram says that this Lord will himself pray to Goddess Lakshmi on this day.

Most of us are already aware of Dharma, Artha, Kama and Moksha. Out of these, Artha plays an important role. Artha here means money. Even decades passes by, the importance of Artha remains the same. Without Artha, nothing can be achieved. Here Artha merely does not only mean money but also includes honour, happiness etc.

The pujas we have to perform on Akshaya Tritiya are as under:

Kubera Lakshmi Puja

This puja has to be performed on this day only. The puja should commence in the morning and end in the evening. From the next day onwards, one has to perform the puja regularly for 108 times by reciting the moola mantra. A photo of Goddess Lakshmi Devi along with Sudarsana Kubera Yantra could be used for the puja. Light with pure ghee should be used. Also light dhoop sticks with Kumkum and turmeric can be used. The moola mantra for the pujas is as follows:

Kubera Twam Danadeesam Gruha Te Kamala Sithta Tam Devem Prehayasu Twam Madgruhe te Namo Namah. or by saying om namo bhagavty vasudavah