What is Akshaya Tritiya?
Akshaya Tritiya is an important and auspicious day according to the Hindu calendar, which is also called Akha Teej. According to the Hindu calendar or Hindu panchang, this day falls on the Tritiya Tithi of the Shukla Paksha of the month of Vaishakh. This date is considered very auspicious in Hinduism and it is believed that this date is very fruitful.
The word ‘Akshaya’ is made up of two words “A” and “Kshaya”, in which Kshaya means to be destroyed and by adding A in front of it, it means that which never decays or that which never gets destroyed. Its real story is related to the Mahabharata period, but many other important works have happened on this day, that is why this day is considered so auspicious. Donation, bath, chanting, penance, havan etc. done on this day remain everlasting.
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When is Akshaya Tritiya 2025?
In the year 2025, Akshaya Tritiya (Akshaya Tritiya 2025) will be celebrated on Wednesday, 30 April. Treta Yuga also started on this day and this day is also celebrated as the birth day of Lord Parashurama, the sixth incarnation of Vishnu.
Why is Akshaya Tritiya celebrated?
Many historical and mythological events took place on the day of Akshaya Tritiya, due to which this date is considered very auspicious, let us know them one by one;
- On this date, Parashurama, the sixth incarnation of Lord Vishnu, was born. Hence, this date is also celebrated as Parashurama Jayanti. Lord Parashurama is considered one of the Chiranjivis, which means that he is immortal even in this Kaliyuga. It is said that Parashurama ji is still doing penance on Mahendra Parvat.
- It is also believed that Treta Yuga started on this date. This is the same era in which Lord Rama was born and he killed the evil Ravana.
- An incident related to Mahabharata is that once the Pandavas were in exile and then Shri Krishna came to their place and asked Draupadi for something to eat, that day there was nothing left for the Pandavas, so Draupadi gave him a single grain of rice in the vessel to eat. Now because that one grain was also given with so much love and emotion that Shri Krishna’s stomach was filled by eating that one grain. Pleased with this feeling of love, Shri Krishna gave Draupadi an Akshaya Patra, this was a vessel in which food never got finished.
- Another incident related to Mahabharata is that on this day Rishi Ved Vyas and Lord Ganesha started the work of writing Mahabharata.
- It is believed that on this day Kuber was appointed the treasurer of the gods and he received immense wealth.
- In some traditions, it is also believed that Mother Ganga descended on earth on this day.
Importance of Akshaya Tritiya in Hinduism
The fruits of worship, donations, chanting and penance done on this day never perish, that is why it is considered ‘Sarvasiddhi Yoga’. Donation of gold, silver, food, clothes, water and cow is considered very auspicious on this day.
Akshaya Tritiya is considered very auspicious for auspicious works like marriage, housewarming, buying new property, starting a business. On this day, any new work can be started without looking at the auspicious time.
Lord Vishnu and Mother Lakshmi are worshiped on this day. Kheer, fruits and sweets are offered to the Lord after bathing him with Tulsi leaves and Panchamrit.
Other religious aspects of Akshaya Tritiya:
In Jainism, this date is associated with the first meal (Ikshu juice) of Lord Rishabhdev. Jain followers observe fast on this day and engage in religious activities.
This day is also considered to be the appearance day of Goddess Annapurna. Therefore, donation of food is of special importance.
Some traditions associated with Akshaya Tritiya:
- Buying gold: Buying gold or silver on this day is considered very auspicious. It is believed that this brings happiness, prosperity and Lakshmi resides in the house.
- Beginning of family life: Getting married on Akshaya Tritiya is considered especially beneficial. In many areas, mass marriage ceremonies are also organized on this day.
- Beginning of agriculture: This day is also special for farmers. In many places, farmers do the first plowing of the field on this day.