In Hinduism, the festival of Akshaya Navami or Amla Navami is celebrated annually on the ninth day of the Kartik month in the bright fortnight. On this day, Lord Hari is worshiped following full rituals, also referred to as Amla Navami. This year, Akshaya Navami will be celebrated on Sunday, November 10. Therefore, those observing the Akshaya Navami fast will do so on this day. According to ancient beliefs, the Dwapara Yuga began on this day, and it is also the birth date of Lord Krishna. Additionally, this marks the start of the Vrindavan Parikrama. Religious beliefs hold that Lord Vishnu resides in the Amla tree. Sitting and dining beneath an Amla tree on Akshaya Navami is considered highly auspicious.
Significance of Akshaya Navami
Akshaya Navami (Akshay Navmi) is believed to bring everlasting blessings. Acts of charity and virtue performed on this day yield what is known as “Akshaya (imperishable) fruits” and attract the blessings of Goddess Lakshmi. Worshiping the Amla tree on this day is said to bring happiness, prosperity, and freedom from diseases. Donations and austerities on Amla Navami are believed to absolve all sins. Lord Vishnu and Goddess Lakshmi are considered to reside in the Amla tree on this day. Hence, it is advised to donate and consume Amla on this day. Sitting and eating with family under the Amla tree brings prosperity and joy to the household.
Auspicious Time for Akshaya Navami
According to the Hindu calendar, Akshaya Navami will begin at 10:45 PM on November 9 and end at 9:01 PM on November 10. Following the sunrise day calculation, Akshaya Navami will be celebrated on Sunday, November 10.
Amla Navami Worship Method
On Amla Navami or Akshaya Navami, one should wake up before sunrise, bathe, meditate, and then worship the Amla tree. Milk, water, rice grains, vermilion, and sandalwood should be offered to the Amla tree, followed by tying a sacred thread (mouli) around the tree while chanting Lord Vishnu’s mantra. Afterwards, incense and lamps should be lit, and eleven circumambulations of the tree should be completed. Donating pumpkin and gold is also considered highly auspicious on this day.
Mythological Story
In the southern kingdom of Vishnukanchi, King Jayasen had an only son, Mukund Dev. Once, while hunting in the forest, Mukund Dev encountered a merchant’s daughter, Kishori, and instantly fell in love with her, desiring to marry her.
Kishori told the prince that astrology had foretold her to be unfortunate in marriage, and if she married, lightning would strike and instantly kill her husband in the marriage pavilion. However, Mukund Dev was resolute in his marriage proposal. Mukund Dev then worshipped his deity, Surya Dev (Sun God), and Kishori worshiped Lord Shiva. Lord Shiva advised Kishori to worship the Sun God.
Following Lord Shiva’s advice, Kishori began worshiping Surya Dev on the banks of the Ganges. At that time, an asura (demon) named Vilopi attacked her, and Surya Dev burned him to ashes. Pleased by her devotion, Surya Dev advised Kishori to construct a wedding pavilion under an Amla tree on the ninth day of the Kartik bright fortnight and marry Mukund Dev.
As the pavilion was built, clouds suddenly gathered in the sky, and lightning struck towards the pavilion. However, the Amla tree shielded the pavilion from the lightning. Since then, the Amla tree has been worshiped.