Akshay Tritiya 2024 - Akshaya Tritiya Story

Akshaya Tritiya, also known as Akha Teej is one of the most auspicious festival of Hindus. It celebrated in India on the third day of the bright phase of Vaishakh month (April-May), when the Sun and Moon are in exalted state. It is believed that a person who does charity and sacred deeds such as homas, fasting, donation etc on this day, get very auspicious results.

The day of Akshaya Tritiya is traditionally known as the birthday of  lord Parasurama, the sixth incarnation of Lord Vishnu. On this day people all around the country conduct special Pujas, bathe in holy rivers, make charity and worship lord Ganesha & Devi Lakshmi to get blessings in form of overall wealth and prosperity. Akha Teej also marks the beginning of summers. It is the only time of the year when both the Sun and the Moon  are simultaneously at their peak of brightness. Farmers celebrate this time of crop ripening by observing fasts and organizing fairs.

The word "Akshaya" means, “undiminishing”. This is why this day is considered to be a good time to bring home goddess Lakshmi, in any form such as gold, silver or platinum. It is believed, that valuable items bought on this day are considered to bring success or good fortune. Being an ultimate symbol of wealth and prosperity, gold is the most popular ornament bought on Akshaya Tritiya. Auspicious works such as, weddings, beginning of a new business ventures, and long journeys are performed on this day.

Akshaya Teej Story

The most famous legend of Akshaya Tritiya is about lord Krishna and Sudama. Sudama was lord Krishna’s poor Brahmin childhood friend. On the day of Akshaya Tritya, Sudama came over to Krishna's palace to request him for some financial help. Before leaving the house, Sudama’s wife gave him a handful of of beaten rice or 'poha', to give it to Krishna as a gift from a friend , as it is not considered auspicious to visit someone’s house barehanded.

On reaching the palace of Krishna, Sudama realized that the materialistic difference between him and Krishna and was ashamed to give the pouch of rice to Krishna. But, Krishna took the pouch of 'poha' from him and relished having it. Krishna followed the principle of 'Atithi Devo Bhava' or 'the guest is like God' and treated Sudama like a king. His poor friend was so overwhelmed by the warmth and hospitality shown by Krishna, that he could not ask for the financial favor and came home empty handed. When he reached his place, he saw that his old small hut had transformed into a palace. He found his family dressed in royal attire and everything around was royal and expensive. Sudama understood  that it was a boon from his dear friend Krishna, who blessed him with more than the wealth he actually intended to ask for. SInce that day, Akshaya Tritiya has been associated with material gains and wealth acquisition.

According to another legend, during the time of the Mahabharata,  Pandavas received the Akshaya Pathram (bowl) from lord Krishna which would never go empty and produce an unlimited supply of food on demand.

Significance of charity on Akshaya Tritya

Sacred deeds, charity, donations, austerities, holy bath etc have special significance on Akshaya Tritiya. Taking bath in holy rivers such as Ganga, Yamuna is considered  very auspicious on this day.

Donating articles and things such as clothes, water, foods items etc which can be used in summers is also considered auspicious. Goddess Parvati should be worshipped with wheat, channa, curd, milk, kheer, sugarcane, gold, clothes, water pot etc on this day. Akshaya Tritiya is believed to be the festival for accomplishing enormous prosperity.