Akshaya Tritiya
Akshaya Tritiya, also known as Akti or Akha Teej, is an annual spring festival. It falls on the third tithi (lunar day) of the bright half (Shukla Paksha) of the month of Vaisakha. It is regionally observed as an auspicious day as it signifies the “third day of unending prosperity”. The festival’s date varies and is set according to the lunisolar Hindu calendar. It falls in April or May of every year in the Gregorian calendar.
In Sanskrit, the word “Akshaya” means “never decreasing” in the sense of “prosperity, hope, joy, success”, while “Tritiya” means “third phase of the moon”. It is named after the third lunar day of the spring month of Vaisakha in the Hindu calendar when it is observed.
Devotees worship Goddess Lakshmi or Lord Vishnu to get the blessings of never decreasing hope, joy, and success. Several pujas like Griha Pravesh Puja, Lakshmi Narayan Hrudaya Homa, Maha Lakshmi Homa, Office/Business Puja, Satyanarayan Puja, and other rituals are performed. If you’re also planning for any auspicious religious puja on Akshaya Tritiya 2023, then SmartPuja will help you with easy and hassle-free pandit bookings.
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Akshaya Tritiya 2023 Date, Tithi, Time, Muhurat
- Date- April 22, 2023
- Day- Saturday
- Muhurat- 07:51 AM to 12:19 PM
- Duration- 4 hours and 28 minutes
Significance of Akshaya Tritiya
The day is considered auspicious for new ventures, marriages, expensive investments such as gold or other property, and any new beginnings. It is also a day of remembrance for the loved ones who have died. The day is regionally significant for women, married or unmarried, who pray for the well-being of the men in their lives or the one they may in future get engaged to. After prayers, they distribute germinating gram (sprouts), fresh fruits, and Indian sweets. If Akshaya Tritiya falls on a Monday (Rohini), the festival is believed to be even more auspicious. Fasting, charity, and helping others on this day is other festive practice.
Very important, and related to the name of the festival itself, is the presentation of the Akshaya Patra to Draupadi by Lord Krishna during the visit of numerous saintly guests, including the sage Durvasa. During their exile in the forest, the Pandava princes were famished due to the lack of food, and their wife Draupadi was pained by this because she could not extend the customary hospitality to their guests. Yudhishthira, who was the eldest, prayed to Lord Surya, who gave him this bowl, which would remain full till Draupadi served all of their guests. During Sage Durvasa’s visit, Lord Krishna made this bowl invincible for Draupadi so that the magical bowl called “Akshaya Patra” would always remain full of food of their choice, even to satiate the whole universe if required.
Significance of Akshaya Tritiya for Business and Wealth
As per Hindu mythology, Akshaya Tritiya is an event in which the Moon and the Sun are in exalted locations. It is regarded as a lucky day for investing, buying gold or valuable things, and for new starts. Every activity on this auspicious day brings achievement, great fortune, and wealth.
The continuous prosperity and abundance concept is another method of looking at Akshaya Tritiya’s Akshaya concept. Since the endeavours carried out on this day will always be successful, it is regarded as the best day to start any new project, venture, or business.
Besides, Akshaya Tritiya’s association with mythological occasions and Hindu deities is also essential. Several devotees perform unique puja rituals and keep fasts to obtain Lord Ganesha, Goddess Lakshmi, and Lord Vishnu’s graces. Another popular theory holds that the Pandavas were given a container, the Akshaya Patra on Akshaya Tritiya, which supplied a continuous food supply throughout their confinement.
Akshaya Tritiya Puja and Yagna Rituals
Puja practices are frequently performed to solicit Lord Ganesha, Goddess Lakshmi, and Lord Vishnu’s graces. Invoking these gods typically begins the puja, which is then proceeded by mantra chanting and offering sweets, flowers, and sweets to deities. Besides, lighting incense sticks and diyas is believed to give devotees success and wealth.
A fire ceremony, homam, or yajna, is performed as part of the ceremonies to elevate good vibrations and expel negativity. A pandit usually performs the yagna by chanting mantras. Besides, grains, ghee, and other sacrifices are offered into the holy fire while reciting mantras. Devotees believe that the smoke’s fire conveys their requests, prayers, and desires to the gods.
Devotees also observe fasts on this day to get prosperity, and fortune, and seek God’s blessings. Fasting practices usually differ as per the custom or the region. Some people observe fast from sunrise until sunset without having water or food. During Akshaya Tritiya, partial fasts are also observed when they consume light foods, fruits, milk, etc.
Moreover, helping those struggling is regarded as a virtue on this auspicious day. Several devotees help the impoverished and needy by giving them clothing, food, and cash. It is thought that performing a charitable deed will result in positive karma and divine benefits.
Akshaya Tritiya Puja Mantra
The mantras recited during the puja are the following:
- Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya
- Om Gam Ganapataye Namaha
- Om Shreem Hreem Shreem Kamale Kamalalaye Praseeda Praseeda Shreem Hreem Shreem Om Mahalakshmiyei Namaha
- Om Bhur Bhuva Swaha Tat Savitur Varenyam Bhargo Devasya Dhimahi Dhiyo Yo Nah Prachodayat
Benefits of Akshaya Tritiya Puja and Yagna
Purifying the environment
Purification is an advantage of the rituals associated with Akshaya Tritiya yagna and puja. According to popular belief, these practices purify the soul and eliminate the mind and body from harmful forces. The yagna ritual’s fire smoke is believed to convey the devotees’ requests and desires to the gods while establishing a sacred environment.
Bringing prosperity
The day of Akshaya Tritiya, the beginning of new endeavours and expenditures is usually considered lucky for devotees. Engaging in it’s rituals is believed to attract prosperity, wealth, and success while bringing good fortune in life’s every aspect. Beginning new tasks or business during this day prevents obstacles, negative energies, and evil forces.
Blessings of deities
Performing rituals on Akshaya Tritiya are also believed to fulfill the deities’ blessings and wishes. This day is also believed to generate a positive attitude and karma.
Akshaya Tritiya in Indian Culture and Mythology
Story of Lord Krishna and Sudama
Hindu mythology states Lord Krishna’s childhood friend, Sudama, decided to visit Dwarka to meet his friend. He told his wife to cool flattened rice (poha) as a gift for his friend. He gave his friend, Lord Krishna, this cooked meal on Akshaya Tritiya. The gift had a lot of affection and love, even though it was humble. Lord’s friend was speechless because when he returned to his residence, he discovered a lot of wealth due to Lord’s kindness.
Mahabharata
A never-ending vessel of food, Akshaya Patra, was given to the Pandavas by Lord Krishna on Akshaya Tritiya, as stated in the Mahabharata. The vessel sustained them throughout their jungle’s exile.
Parshurama
Hindy mythology states that Lord Parshurama, Lord Vishnu’s sixth avatar, was born on Akshaya Tritiya. He symbolizes courage and strength.
Akshaya Tritiya around the World
Akshaya Tritiya is celebrated across the Indian region and many other regions worldwide. Regions with significant Hindu populations, including Nepal, Sri Lanka, Indonesia, Mauritius, Singapore, and Malaysia, offer prayers during this day, perform ceremonies or special puja, and donate things to needy people. This day is also celebrated in many regions of Australia, Canada, the United Kingdom, and the United States.
Conclusion
Akshaya Tritiya is a Hindu festival celebrated mostly in India and is also observed in many other regions across the world. Even though this day’s fundamental concept hasn’t changed, local festivities and customs might. Its rituals and customs may differ from one community or region to another. Many people observe fast, while others buy gold, donate things, or conduct puja at home.
Since Akshaya Tritiya connects people, communities, family, and friends. The day brings people together and connects with each other, so observing Akshaya Tritiya will bring you happiness and joy. Continuing this celebration will help the generations to get rooted and connect with religious and cultural traditions.
SmartPuja will assist you in conducting Akshaya Tritiya Puja through an accurate process while considering your beliefs and customs. You can reach them and get the puja through the well-known pandits and purohits.
Frequently Asked Questions
It is celebrated for buying gold, new beginnings, Lord Parshurama’s birth, donating things, and the beginning of Treta Yuga.
Akshaya Tritiya is conducted on Vaishkh’s (Hindu month) bright half’s third day, which is usually in May or April.
It is significant since observing this day is believed to get prosperity, wealth, joy, and happiness. It is also celebrated for positive changes and starting new things like projects, businesses, etc.
Lord Parshurama was born on Akshaya Tritiya.
