Legend Of Akshaya Tritiya
Akshaya Tritiya or Aksha Teej is an annual spring festival that falls on the Tritiya of Vaishakh Shukla Paksha. It is considered one of the most auspicious days for Hindus and Jains, any meaningful activity started on this day would bring fruitful results. They undertake new ventures, marriages, expensive investments such as in gold or other property, and any new beginnings.
The word “Akshaya” means imperishable or non-diminishing, unending. It is also believed that any new venture or any valuable items brought on this day turns imperishable and will grow forever. It is also said that all activities whether spiritual or material undertaken on this day bring desired results. It is a great and very auspicious day for performing meditation, yoga, and japa. On this day, people buy gold or other precious metals or start a new business to continue rising and living a comfortable life.
There are numerous legends associated with this auspicious day. Some believe Sat Yuga (Golden Era) began on this day, it is also said that Veda Vyasa started narrating the greatest epic Mahabharata to Lord Ganesha. The legend states that any venture initiated on the auspicious day of Akshaya Tritiya shall continue to grow and bring prosperity. Let us know more about the legends associated with this day.
Beginning of the Treta Yuga
It is the day when Satyug ended and Treta Yug began.
Mahabharata & Akshaya Tritiya
Ved Vyasa began reciting the Hindu epic Mahabharata to Ganesha on Akshaya Tritiya
Lord Parashurama Jayanti
Lord Parshuram, the sixth incarnation of Lord Ram (Vishnu) was born on this day. Parshuram means Ram holding an Axe. He is one of the ten avatars of Lord Vishnu which includes Matsya Avatar, Kurma Avatar, Varaha Avatar, Narsimha, Vamana, Parshuram, Rama, Krishna, Balaram, and Kalki. Those who observe it in the honor of Parasurama sometimes refer to the festival as Parasurama Jayanti
Krishna-Sudama & Akshay Tritiya
On the Akshaya Tritiya day, Sudama went to meet his childhood friend Lord Krishna with the hope of solving his poverty as Krishna was a very rich king. However, he could only afford to carry along rice flakes to greet Krishna. Though he was ashamed initially to share the rice flakes with Lord Krishna, Krishna forced him to give those flakes. The moment Krishna tasted those flakes, Kusela’s poverty vanished and he became rich overnight.
The mighty and celestial river Ganga descended on the earth
River Ganga, the most sacred river of India, descended to Earth from heaven at King Bhagiratha’s request to assist his ancestors in attaining Moksha (salvation).
Shri Krishna rescued Draupadi and the Pandavas from Sage Durvasa’s wrath
Very important, and as related to the name of the festival itself is the best of Akshaya Patra, to Draupadi, by God Krishna, during the visit of sage Durvasa. During their exile in the forests, the princely Pandavas were famished by the lack of food and their wife Draupadi pained by the lack of food for customary hospitality to their numerous saintly guests. Yudhishthira, who was the eldest, did penance to Lord Surya who gave him this bowl that would remain full till Draupadi had her meals.
During sage Durvasa’s visit, God Krishna made this bowl invincible, for Draupadi, the wife of the five Pandavas, so that the magical bowl called Akshaya Patram, would always remain full with food of their choice, even as to satiate the whole universe if required.
Annapurna’s Birth
Goddess Annapurna who is considered the giver of food and nourishment was born. When Lord Shiva, disguised as a beggar, (representing all beggars) went to the Goddess, asking for food, it’s said that Goddess Annapurna fed Lord Shiva herself. She is a special form of Parvati who feeds the hungry, and many people worship her on this day.
Kubera’s Appointment
Kubera received his wealth and position as the ‘Lord of Wealth’ on this auspicious day. Kubera, the Banker in Heaven, received his wealth on this day by worshipping Lord Shiva in the temple at Sivapuram. It is only on this day Lord Shiva blessed Lakshmi, the Goddess of Wealth, with all the riches. Thus, Lord Siva appointed both of them to their coveted positions as custodians of wealth and prosperity.
Important day for Jains
In the Jain community, it is said that Lord Rishabhdev, the first Tirthankara ended his one-year-long fast by consuming sugarcane juice. This day is also referred to as Varshi Tapa.
Akshaya Tritiya and Puri
In Odisha, it is the day when Hindus begin their annual construction of chariots for the Puri Rath Yatra festivities.
