Akshaya Tritiya, also known as ‘Akha Teej’, is celebrated on the third day of Shukla Paksha of Vaishakh month according to the Hindu calendar. This day is considered so holy and auspicious that it is called ‘Abujh Muhurat’, which means that there is no need to look at the Panchang to do any auspicious work on this day. On this day, charity, chanting, penance, worship, marriage, tonsure, housewarming, business start etc. all works are considered extremely auspicious.
But do you know why this day is so important? If not, then in this article we are telling you 10 such historical events that happened or happen on this day.
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Charan Darshan in Banke Bihari Temple, Vrindavan
Banke Bihari Temple of Vrindavan is famous among devotees far and wide. Here, while showing darshan of Bihari ji, curtains are repeatedly put up so that devotees are not able to make eye contact with Bihar ji for a long time. On the day of Akshaya Tritiya, the feet of Lord Krishna are shown in the Banke Bihari temple. Devotees consider this day very auspicious and come from far and wide for darshan.
The doors of Badrinath Dham open
There is great significance of visiting the four Dhams of Hinduism. One of these four Dhams is Badrinath Dham where Shri Hari Vishnu is seated in the form of Badri Vishal. This Dham is reopened for devotees on the day of Akshaya Tritiya after remaining covered with snow for six months. Special rituals are performed at this pilgrimage site located in the lap of the Himalayas and on this day many devotees reach here to see Badri Vishal.
Parshuram incarnation of Lord Vishnu
There is a mythological belief that on this day of Akshaya Tritiya Lord Vishnu took the sixth incarnation in the form of Parshuram. Parashuram ji was born to kill the unrighteous and cruel Kshatriyas. He repeatedly freed the earth from injustice to re-establish religion. He had a Parashu i.e. axe given by Lord Shiva due to which he was named Parashuram.
Beginning of the composition of Mahabharata
It is also believed that Lord Ved Vyas started the composition of Mahabharata on this day of Akshaya Tritiya. He got this divine text written by the pen of Lord Ganesha. Ved Vyas ji is also called the creator of Vedas. Ved Vyas ji is also considered one of the 8 Chiranjivis, which means that Ved Vyas ji is still alive.
Receipt of Akshaya Patra (Mahabharata period event)
There is another important event related to Mahabharata which happened on this date and that is the gift of ‘Akshaya Patra‘ to the Pandavas by Shri Krishna. This vessel was never empty and kept Yudhishthira’s kitchen ready all the time. This miraculous vessel was given by Shri Krishna after being pleased with Draupadi’s devotion.
Beginning of Satyayug and Tretayug
It is described in the scriptures that time is divided into four yugas and out of these four yugas, the first and second yugas i.e. Satyayug and Tretayug started on this date. This is very special from the point of view of time cycle, due to which this day was named ‘Akshay’ – that is, which never decays.
End of Dwapar Yug
Just as the yugas start on this day, there is also a belief that the Dwapar Yug also ended on this date of Akshaya Tritiya. This time is believed to be associated with the end of Shri Krishna Leela.
Appearance of Mother Ganga on Earth
According to a very sacred belief, Ganga Maiya also arrived on earth on this day of Akshaya Tritiya. Ganga descended to purify the earth and complete the penance of Bhagirath. It is believed that earlier Maa Ganga used to live only in heaven but Bhagirath performed a tough penance to free his ancestors from the curse and persuaded Maa Ganga to come to earth but when Maa Ganga started coming to earth, her speed caused the earth to split and then Lord Shiva held her on his head.
Kuber was appointed as the treasurer of the gods
The lord of the treasury of the gods, Kuber ji was also appointed as the treasurer of the gods on this auspicious day. Kuber ji is considered the lord of wealth, and his worship is also considered very auspicious on the day of Akshaya Tritiya.
Meeting of Shri Krishna and Sudama
There is also a touching incident that Shri Krishna and Sudama also met on the day of Akshaya Tritiya. Sudama had come to Dwarka to meet his friend Shri Krishna and with devotion presented him a few chiwdas. Shri Krishna, moved by his situation, filled him with wealth and grains. This incident is considered an example of true friendship and devotion.