KUBER MANTRAS FOR WEALTH AND PROSPERITY

Akshaya Tritiya

The Golden Day- 24-APRIL 2012

Akshaya Tritiya, which falls on the third day of the bright half of the pan Indian lunar month of Vaishakha of the traditional Hindu calendar, is one of the most important days of the year for the Hindus. Also known as Akha Teej or Navanna Parvam, it's in the month of late April or early May that Akshaya Tritiya is celebrated; a time when both sun and moon are in exalted positions and at their brightest best. Akshaya is a Sanskrit word meaning never diminishing or inexhaustible; the festival puts forth a belief, a belief in the almighty, that any undertaking any meaningful venture or good deed will bring back more of the same to the devotee in terms of success and prosperity, that will not diminish as time passes by. Buying and wearing jewelry made of gold is an important aspect of the day and is known to invite Devi Laxmi, the Goddess of wealth into the households. 

It is on this day that people conduct special Pujas, bathe in holy rivers, make charity, and offer barley to the burning fire. There's also a tradition to sprinkle Tulsi water onto the idols of Gods while performing the aarti. It's the various mythological legends and traditions that have been carried forward for millenniums that lend more weightage to all of the above set of beliefs and more. Various Hindu deities like Lord Ganesha, Lord Krishna, Lord Shiva and Devi Laxmi are worshipped on the day for different reasons. Lord Ganesha is worshipped before setting sails for any new venture or deed, Lord Krishna is worshipped for Salvation, Lord Shiva is worshipped for health and good luck, and Goddess Laxmi is worshipped for wealth. Jains, who observe a yearlong fast on an alternate day basis, end it on this day with sugarcane juice. Browse through the sections to know more about the festival of Akshaya Tritiya. 

Krishna and Sudama

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Hindus believe in the theory of "mahurats or auspicious timings in every step in life - be it to begin a new venture or making an important purchase. Akshaya Tritiya is one such momentous occasion, which is considered one of the most auspicious days of .. It is believed, any meaningful activity started on this day would be fruitful.

Once a Year
Akshaya Tritiya falls on the third day of the bright half of Vaishakh month (April-May), when the Sun and Moon are in exaltation; they are simultaneously at their peak of brightness, which happens only once every year.

Holy Day
Akshaya Tritiya, also known as "Akha Teej", is traditionally the birthday of Lord Parasurama, the sixth incarnation of lord vishnu bhagvan. People conduct special Pujas on this day, bathe in holy rivers, make a charity, offer barley in a sacred fire, and worshiplord ganesha and mother lakshmi devi.

The Golden Link
The word "Akshaya" means imperishable or eternal - that which never diminishes. Initiations made or valuables bought on this day are considered to bring success or good fortune. Buying gold is a popular activity on Akshaya Tritiya, as it is the ultimate symbol of wealth and prosperity. Gold and gold jewelry bought and worn on this day signify never diminishing good fortune. Indians celebrate weddings, begin new business ventures, and even plan long journeys on this day.

Myths Around Akshaya Tritiya

The day also marks the beginning of the "SatyaYug" or the golden age- the first of the four yugas. In the Puranas, the holy Hindu scriptures, there is a story that says that on this day of Akshay Tritiya, Veda Vyasa along with Ganesha started writing the great epic mahabharata Ganga Devi or Mother Ganges also descended on earth on this day.

According to another legend, during the time of the Mahabhrata, when the Pandavas were in exile, Lord Krishna, on this day, presented them an 'Akshaya Patra,' a bowl which would never go empty and produce an unlimited supply of food on demand.

The Krishna-Sudama Legend

Perhaps, the most famous of the Akshaya Tritiya stories is the legend of lord sri krishna and Sudama, his poor Brahmin childhood friend. On this day, as the tale goes, Sudama came over to Krishna's palace to request him for some financial help. As a gift for his friend, Sudama had nothing more than a handful of beaten rice or 'poha'. So, he was utterly ashamed to give it 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. Lo and behold! When he reached his place, Sudama's old hut was transformed into a palace! He found his family dressed in royal attire and everything around was new and expensive. Sudama knew that it was a boon from Krishna, who blessed him with more than the wealth he actually intended to ask for. Therefore, Akshaya Tritiya is associated with material gains and wealth acquisition.

Bright Births
It is also believed that people born during this time shine bright in life. Many luminaries were born during this period: Basaveshwara born on May 4, Ramanujacharya and bhagvan adi shankaracharya on May 6, Swami Chinmayananda on May 8 and Mahatma buddha on May 16. Akshaya Tritiya is also celebrated as the birthday of Lord Parashurama, one of the TEN MAHAAVATARS OF LORD VISHNU. .On Akshaya Tritia, food materials,clothes etc. used in summer season and items which help to reduce heat of summer, are considered auspicious for donations. Additionally, barely, gram,curd,rice,Khichdi,sugarcane,items made from milk,gold,clothes,pitcher full of water etc. are gifted on this day. Goddess Parvati should be worshipped, on this day.

This day of Akshaya Tritiya is considered good for fasting. This day is included in all the three categories, that is, Fast - Upvas and Festival. Hence, religious works performed on this day are considered auspicious.

There is a tradition of eating rice, Khichadi of moong, in ethos. For making this, fruit of tamarind and jaggery are separately soaked in water. Then, their juice is filtered. Jaggery mixed is taken in proportion to the quantity of tamarind used. This day, people talk about the cultivation of coming year and try prognostication about it.